For Immediate Release
March 30th, 2026
MEDIA ADVISORY—TODAY Hurricane Recovery Milestone: Major Funding Delivered to Rebuild Shattered Dunedin Pier
Dunedin, FL—Marking a major milestone in the recovery of coastal Tampa Bay communities from hurricanes Helene and Milton, significant federal funding will be delivered Monday morning to help rebuild the iconic Dunedin Pier, which was twisted and torn apart by Hurricane Helene’s destructive storm surge. (PHOTOS ATTACHED—MORE AT THIS LINK)
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna worked to secure the vital $800,000 in federal funding, which will be presented Monday to representatives from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and the City of Dunedin. These funds will specifically reconstruct the portion of the pier used by PSTA’s Clearwater Ferry, creating a permanent dock for the ferry service, which serves as an important transportation and tourism link to other Pinellas County communities.
The City of Dunedin has worked tirelessly since the storm to assemble funding from a range of sources to rebuild the entire pier and restore it as a centerpiece of Dunedin’s beloved Downtown. The funds presented by Congresswoman Luna on Monday will be coordinated with funding from FEMA, the State of Florida’s Disaster Fund, and the city’s general fund to bring the pier back to life. Construction is now underway, with completion expected by the end of this year.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
What: Presentation of check for major funding to rebuild Dunedin Pier
When: Monday, March 30 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Dunedin Marina at the base of the currently closed Dunedin Pier (for GPS, search for 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL)
Who:
- Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna
- PSTA CEO Brad Miller
- City of Dunedin Vice Mayor and PSTA Board Member Robert Walker
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
PSTA’s Clearwater Ferry has made stops at the Dunedin Pier since 2018, connecting the city with Clearwater Beach and Downtown Clearwater. When Hurricane Helene ripped apart the pier on September 26, 2024, the Dunedin portion of the ferry service was halted for more than a year.
That stopped service cut off a flow of visitors to Downtown Dunedin’s businesses as well as a popular way for Dunedin locals to get to Clearwater Beach. In October 2025, service to Dunedin resumed with a small temporary dock. Because of the funding being presented Monday, that stopgap measure will be replaced by a full, permanent dock in the months ahead.
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
#
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
For Immediate Release
February 25th, 2026
Leave the Driving to the Pros: Take PSTA to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL—The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is once again partnering with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to bring more transportation options to attend this high-octane event.
PSTA’s SunRunner, the region’s first-of-its-kind Bus Rapid Transit service and official public transportation choice for the event, offers convenient and easy transportation to and from the event with stations near the nonstop racing action—the SunRunner Station on 1st Ave N & 1st Street provides easy access to the race as well as 6th Avenue S and 3rd Street S.
Discounted fares will be available for Firestone Grand Prix attendees on all PSTA fixed-route services. Type in the code “CREW” in the Flamingo Fares App for $2 off a 1-Day Group Pass (up to 4 people).
- To get this lightning of a deal, first create your account in the App.
- Select “Add Passes”
- Choose “PSTA”
- Use the following promo code at checkout:
- “CREW” for $2 off a 1-Day Group Pass, it will be available from 2/27/2026 to 3/1/2026.
- Codes are case-sensitive
For more information, visit psta.net/grandprix
To get your tickets, visit: www.gpstpete.com
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
#
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
For Immediate Release
February 24th, 2026
This Spring Break, Skip Paying for Parking & Bypass Traffic by Riding PSTA
Pinellas County, FL—From March 1 through May 3, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is making spring break travel easier for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the airport, or downtown hotspots, PSTA offers convenient, affordable options to get you there stress-free.
In partnership with the City of Clearwater, PSTA is once again offering its FREE Park & Ride service to Clearwater Beach, one of Florida’s top beach destinations. On weekends from March 1 through May 3, riders can park for free at the Gould Street Lot and hop on a bus running every 15 minutes. Service operates Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitors may also park for free on weekends at the Garden Avenue Parking Garage or the Osceola Street Garage. Trolleys serving these locations operate with the same frequency and hours. For more information, please click here.
Flying into St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)? PSTA’s Grouper service provides direct transportation between the airport and anywhere on Clearwater Beach. For tickets and additional information about Grouper, click here.
If waterfront travel is part of your spring break plans, hop aboard the Clearwater Ferry, offering service between Downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin. For routes, schedules, and fares, click here.
Heading to South Pinellas beaches? PSTA’s newest service, Spark, connects with the SunRunner, providing a direct route from Downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach.
Wherever your spring break takes you, skip the stress of parking and traffic, let PSTA take you there!
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
#
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
For Immediate Release
February 19th, 2026
Baseball Fans Rejoice: Ride PSTA’s Free Park & Ride to Blue Jays Spring Training Games
In Partnership with City of Dunedin
Pinellas County, FL—Starting February 21st until March 23rd, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), in partnership with the City of Dunedin, will be offering its FREE park & ride to/from the Toronto Blue Jays’ spring training games at TD Ballpark.
Fans and spectators can park at these designated locations in downtown Dunedin:
- Mease Hospital Parking Lot
- Monroe Street Garage – Entrance on Monroe St.
Service will run every 15 minutes from 90 minutes before first pitch until one hour after the game ends. The service is free for game-day ticket holders.
For more information, visit psta.net/springtraining
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
#
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
For Immediate Release
February 10th, 2026
Share the Love: Ride SunRunner to Localtopia for Free
SunRunner service will aid in transportation for the estimated over 40,000 attendees
St. Petersburg, FL—The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) announced the SunRunner, one of PSTA’s most popular routes in terms of ridership, will be fare-free for one St. Petersburg’s largest event, Localtopia on Saturday, February 14th. This is possible thanks in partnership with Localtopia organizers.
Last year, SunRunner provided 4,127 rides on Localtopia day, one of the highest ridership days for SunRunner.
With over 40,000 attendees, the SunRunner will provide eventgoers with an alternative way to get to the festival, boasting over 300 vendors.
Picture of a packed SunRunner Bus at Localtopia in 2025
Picture of a packed SunRunner Bus at Localtopia in 2025
The festival, founded in 2014, collectively celebrates all that makes St. Petersburg great via its arts, music, food, drinks, and culture. For more information about the festival, visit this link.
The event takes place in Williams Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event attendees can use the 1st Ave N. and 5th St Station or the station on 1st Ave N & 1st Street. All other routes will charge standard fares.
To plan your trip, visit psta.net or use the Transit App.
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
#
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net
For Immediate Release
February 5th, 2026
Federal Funding Expands Waterborne Transportation Options Across Pinellas County
Pinellas County, FL—Waterborne transportation in Pinellas County took a major step forward this week following President Donald Trump’s signing of the 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill into law. The legislation paves the way for permanent ferry infrastructure, giving residents and visitors an additional, reliable transportation option throughout the region.
The bill awards the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) two federal appropriations to support and expand ferry services in Pinellas County.
The first appropriation, worth $850,000 and sponsored by U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, will be used to construct a permanent ferry dock to be used by the Tampa Bay Ferry. The permanent dock will connect two major cities, St. Petersburg and Tampa, through efficient public transit, spur economic development, increase tourism opportunities, and reduce local congestion.
“Our neighbors need more affordable options to travel to work, home and school. Plus, our local visitors love convenient PSTA rides across Pinellas County and Tampa Bay,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “PSTA has been a good steward of tax dollars, and I am thrilled to continue to champion expanded ferry service for our growing community. This project is a win-win-win expanding transportation options, lowering costs and reducing congestion.”
“Transportation remains a major challenge for the Tampa Bay region, but with this additional funding we are one step closer to delivering a reliable Tampa Bay ferry system, offering alternative methods of transportation and reducing roadway congestion,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “I want to thank Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Brad Miller and the PSTA team, and City staff for their work in securing this funding. Through these partnerships, we will continue to deliver real and impactful results for our residents.”
“Thank you to President Trump, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), and Congresswoman Castor for their leadership and vision to help bring reliable and sustainable waterborne transportation to the Tampa Bay Region” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “This investment creates lasting regional infrastructure that gives residents and visitors more transportation choices, and fuels economic activity along our waterfront communities.”
The second appropriation, worth $828,000 and sponsored by U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna, will be used to restore the Ferry Dock in Dunedin and support the Clearwater Ferry service between Dunedin, Downtown Clearwater, and Clearwater Beach. This project restores a critical transit link that supports tourism, workforce mobility, and congestion relief along the intracoastal corridor.
“This $828,000 investment is a meaningful step in Dunedin’s recovery from Hurricane Milton and ensures the Clearwater Ferry can continue serving our waterfront community,” said Rob Walker, Vice Mayor of the Great City of Dunedin. “We want to thank the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority for its leadership, and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna and her staff for securing this critical funding. The rebuilt pier will support ferry service transporting an estimated 25,000 rides in its first year, while promoting tourism, easing roadway congestion during peak travel times, and preserving the maritime character that defines our region.”
“We are incredibly grateful to President Trump, the USDOT, and Congresswoman Luna for their leadership and commitment to Pinellas County,” said Miller. “Restoring the Dunedin Ferry Dock and strengthening the Clearwater Ferry service ensures that our coastal communities remain accessible, connected, and economically vibrant for years to come.”
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
#
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net