Through a contest of local students in the Duval County Public Schools, three Douglas Anderson School for the Arts students created drawings and paintings that inspired the final design of the JIA's Centralized Security Checkpoint's terrazzo floors. Refined by terrazzo specialist Steward-Mellon Company and designer Kelly Taaffe in Tampa, FL, the project was initiated for the promotion of Jacksonville for the 2005 Super Bowl. The design includes Jacksonville, FL based themes such as waterskiers, ocean elements, clouds, the Jax skyline, a ship, alligator, Florida panther, turtles, dragonflies, manatee, and many others. Also included are a commercial jet and a fighter jet, both water jet cut from aluminum. This permanent flooring artwork won the 2005 National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association Honor Award.
Through our Public Art Collection, the JAA Arts & Culture Program continues its commitment to bringing permanent art into the Airport for the enjoyment of millions who pass through every year.