ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. \u2013 The latest step in the return of ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa is anticipated Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The \u201cTampa Bay Ferry\u201d is expected to replace the former \u201cCross Bay Ferry\u201d service, which ended operations in April.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
The latest step in the return of ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa is anticipated this week In November, both\u00a0the city of St. Pete and the city of Tampa voted<\/a> on their part of an agreement that would secure a new cross bay ferry service, with each city giving its approval.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Under the agreement, PSTA would oversee ferry operations. Pinellas County\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nOn Tuesday, leaders from Tampa and St. Pete, as well as the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, will offer an update on the project
\nA 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
\nRebranded the Tampa Bay Ferry, and planning to run year round for the first time, could be up and running by next Spring\/Summer 2026\u00a0
\nRELATED STORY: Family of\u00a0Hubbard’s Ferry to take over ferry operations<\/a><\/p>\n