ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The latest step in the return of ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa is anticipated Wednesday.
The “Tampa Bay Ferry” is expected to replace the former “Cross Bay Ferry” service, which ended operations in April.
What You Need To Know
The latest step in the return of ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa is anticipated this week
On Tuesday, leaders from Tampa and St. Pete, as well as the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, will offer an update on the project
A yes vote from the PSTA, the final one needed, would cement a five-year contract with the option to extend the service for another five years
Rebranded the Tampa Bay Ferry, and planning to run year round for the first time, could be up and running by next Spring/Summer 2026
RELATED STORY: Family of Hubbard’s Ferry to take over ferry operations
In November, both the city of St. Pete and the city of Tampa voted on their part of an agreement that would secure a new cross bay ferry service, with each city giving its approval.
Tampa approved its part Thursday morning, giving the OK to a five-year Interlocal Agreement, including up to $350,000 a year in funding for the new ferry.On Tuesday, leaders from Tampa and St. Pete, as well as the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, will offer an update on the project.
Under the agreement, PSTA would oversee ferry operations. Pinellas County’s public transit provider is using part of a $4.8 million federal grant to buy at least one boat that would be used for the new ferry service.
The Cross Bay Ferry service was terminated in April after the previous operator wanted to swap out the ferry with a slower boat. That boat would’ve taken twice as long to cross the bay, which violated their agreement with Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County commissioners then terminated the agreement with HMS Ferries in mid-April.
The U.S. Department of Transportation earlier approved a transfer of a nearly $5 million grant from the Hillsborough Area Reginal Transit Authority to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.
The PSTA Board of Directors will vote Wednesday on approving Hubbard’s Ferry as the operator of the new ferry service. Captain Dylan Hubbard’s family owns Hubbard’s Ferry, a Pinellas County staple that has operated passenger boats and fishing tours for decades in Madeira Beach.
A yes vote from the PSTA, the final one needed, would cement a five-year contract with the option to extend the service for another five years.
Rebranded the Tampa Bay Ferry, and planning to run year-round for the first time, the new service could be up and running by next spring/summer.