U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna just viewed one of two vessels that will soon connect downtown St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa.
Luna toured the Bay Clipper vessel, the second of two the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is preparing for ferry service across Tampa Bay. The ship and the previously delivered Bay Breeze vessel are being prepared for service in Tarpon Springs at Tarpon Marine Service.
“It was great to see the Bay Clipper up close and see the work happening right here in Pinellas County,” Luna said. “This is a project that will give people another way to get across Tampa Bay, while also bringing federal investment into our community and supporting local businesses.”
PSTA purchased the ships using a $4.8 million Federal Transit Administration grant. The ships, first manufactured in the 1990s, are having seats reupholstered, getting old carpeting replaced with epoxy flooring, getting new decking and upgraded mechanics.
“We’re excited to have the Bay Clipper here in Tarpon Springs and to see the work taking shape,” PSTA CEO Brad Miller said. “It’s great to have Congresswoman Luna here to see what’s happening and to see how many local people and businesses are helping bring this service to life. We’re getting closer to putting these vessels on the water and giving people another way to get across the bay.”
Founded in 2010, Tarpon Marine Service has the largest hydraulic lift on Florida’s west coast. It is working alongside other local maritime businesses as the two vessels are prepared for future service.
“Having the Bay Clipper and Bay Breeze here in Tarpon Springs has been a great opportunity for our team and other local marine businesses,” said Justin Russell, Chief Operating Officer of Tarpon Marine Service. “We’re proud to be part of preparing these vessels for their future service and to see a project like this bringing work and investment to our local maritime community.”
Hubbard’s Marina will operate the new service when it begins, giving people another option for getting across Tampa Bay and connecting the two downtowns.
Fares will be $10, with discounted $5 fares for seniors and people with disabilities. Kids under 8 years old will ride for free.
A start date for ferry service has not yet been announced, but officials say it will be as soon as safely possible. Before launching, both ships must pass Coast Guard muster.
The two ferry boats will replace the previous Cross Bay Ferry, a seasonal service that relied on a boat leased from the Northeast United States during its off season from November through April. The Cross Bay Ferry ceased operations in April 2025 after a contract dispute with the previous ferry provider.
The ferry boats will dock on the Tampa side at the same place the Cross Bay Ferry used, at the east end of the Tampa Convention Center. Contingency plans will be available for periods when the dock is unavailable for use, such as during Gasparilla. A permanent docking location on the St. Pete side has not yet been determined, but initially is expected to dock near the Vinoy.