\u201cWe have this operation that thrives within the sea, and plastic pollution is a major issue,\u201d Hubbard said. \u201cSo, we wanted to take steps to not be a part of the problem. It just made sense.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Tara Hubbard recently helped lead the Great Egmont Key cleanup, which removed 23,240 pounds of trash from the island.<\/p>\n
Four generations of Hubbards have served area residents and tourists from John\u2019s Pass Village, in Madeira Beach, since 1928<\/a>. In September, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) selected the family\u2019s competitive proposal<\/a> to operate a much-anticipated ferry between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa.\u00a0<\/p>\n The \u201cHubbard\u2019s Enterprise Ecosystem\u201d now includes the venerable marina, Hubbard\u2019s Sea Adventures, Hubbard\u2019s Ferry, Hubbard\u2019s Media, Hub\u2019s Marine Fabrication, Friendly Fisherman Seafood Restaurant, Don\u2019s Docks Seafood Market, the Fuel and Bait Shop and Hub\u2019s Ranch & Grove, home to Wonderfield Farm.\u00a0<\/p>\n In early November, Hubbard\u2019s Marina acquired the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship, Dolphin Quest and Shark Boat Tours, three longstanding tourist attractions that also operate from John\u2019s Pass. Tara Hubbard founded Wonderfield Farm, about 90 minutes north of Tampa, in Floral City, and chairs the Egmont Key Alliance\u2019s board, amongst several other endeavors.\u00a0<\/p>\n Passengers on the marina\u2019s fleet used over 100,000 plastic bottles before the company\u2019s recent acquisition<\/a>. The Tampa Bay Ferry makes its expected maiden voyage in the spring of 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOperationally, it took a lot to roll that out,\u201d Hubbard said of the plastic-free initiative. \u201cBecause not only do we take the bottles away, but what are we going to provide our customers?<\/p>\n \u201cI think the root of it is wanting to do good. We\u2019re doing business, but we want to do good business.<\/a>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Every vessel will now offer reusable aluminum bottles for purchase and \u201cthe best\u201d filtered water refill stations. A popular sunset cruise with free beer and wine will now serve eco-friendly paper cups that guests keep for the duration of their trip, rather than single-use plastic versions.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe paper cups are able to break down in the landfill,\u201d Hubbard said. \u201cPlastic takes like 400-plus years.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n She noted that the company \u201cobviously\u201d wants to make a profit. However, Hubbard also stressed the importance of uplifting the surrounding community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n She said the marina \u201cgives out thousands and thousands of dollars worth of trips and products\u201d to local organizations annually. The company also assists universities with research and supports employees during emergencies. \u201cWe don\u2019t cut people, even when it\u2019s hurting our bank account.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYes, on paper, we\u2019ll lose a little money,\u201d Hubbard said of the initiative. \u201cBut we\u2019ll be doing good.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Hubbard\u2019s Marina operates a fleet of vessels from its headquarters at John\u2019s Pass Village.<\/p>\n The return on investment could eventually offset initial costs. \u201cWhen you\u2019re doing good, more people want to support you,\u201d Hubbard added.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hubbards-Marina.jpg\")
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