TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa International Airport has officially entered the final stretch of the 2026 Spotless Spaces of the Year Awards, standing as one of only nine U.S. finalists for the national title. The competition, hosted by ISSA, recognizes custodial teams that maintain high standards for safety, health, and accessibility.
TPA, alongside its long-term partner Flagship Facility Services, is now calling on the public to help secure the win before voting closes this Friday, March 6.
The airport isn’t just up against other transit hubs; the finalist pool is diverse and includes major landmarks like the American Museum of Natural History, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the University of Maryland College Park.
Beyond the domestic category, nine international sites—ranging from global metro stations to massive sports arenas—are also competing for a worldwide title.
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Flagship Facility Services has managed TPA’s cleaning operations for over ten years. Their staff handles everything from the Main Terminal and Airsides to the high-traffic food courts and restrooms.
To keep up with the millions of passengers passing through annually, the team uses a specialized Quality Control platform. This tech allows inspectors on every shift to track performance and report issues in real-time, ensuring that floors and surfaces meet specific cleanliness benchmarks.
Airport leadership noted that the effort is collaborative, with TPA employees across all departments tasked with reporting spills or litter immediately to the custodial crews.
The final winners of the competition will be announced on Sunday, March 22. Members of the community who want to support the local airport can cast their ballots through the official ISSA contest link until the Friday deadline.
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