Ferry Service Returns to Tampa Bay, Connecting Cities

0:00A ferry service is coming back to Tampa Bay after shutting down last year, and this round it will run every day of the week. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority plans to vote Wednesday on snagging two used ferries with a $4.8 million federal grant. Then renovate them for smooth operations. Earlier drama helped things up when Hillsboro got the grant back in 2021, but didn't use it so they handed it over to Pinellas this past. Pinellas already bought one vessel from San Francisco for $2.5 million, and now Hubbard's Marina, a staple in Madera Beach, lined. Up two more from Washington and Louisiana to pick from. Leaders on both sides are hyped, calling it a win that cuts cars off the road, boosts options for locals and tourists, and links Tampa and St. Pete in, fresh ways. Tepa Council member Lynn Hurtock and transit bosses like Brad Miller say it's all about smart spending for long term bives. They're aiming for $10 one-way tickets, cheaper than the old $12 bucks, with service possibly

1:02kicking off mid-2026. Docs hit the east end of Tampa's convention center, and St. Pete's eyeing the pier near the history museum, backed by over $336,700 in planning funds. Both cities are stepping up with $350,000 a year for five years each, so expect this cross bay ride to bridge the gap and keep the momentum rolling strong. This has been Tampa Bay News today, powered by AI.