The Innovation District gained two new art installations by local artists in 2024 from a collaboration between Friends of Albert Whitted Airport, the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance. A bright yellow biplane emerges from a hangar of Albert Whitted Airport (AWA) in a mural painted by Alyssa Marie, symbolizing the vibrant culture and mobility of St. Petersburg and AWA. The second mural named Past, Present and Future, by Brian McAllister depicts a young child with various aircraft, set against St. Petersburg’s signature sunset. It is a nod to St. Petersburg’s recognition as the birthplace of scheduled commercial airline flight, the AWA’s current viability, as well as the wonder, discovery and opportunity that aviation brings to children. The public airport handles approximately 100,000 flights a year, plays a role in medical transportation and is a lifeline for supplies in the event of a natural disaster. Friends of AWA contribute to the future pilot pipeline through a flight training scholarship program. The group’s work also creates opportunities to experience, understand and celebrate the many unique contributions and benefits AWA brings to the St. Petersburg community.