For Immediate Release
September 4th, 2026
$850,000 Federal Investment Moves Tampa Bay Ferry Dock Plans Forward
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Plans for a permanent Tampa Bay Ferry dock in downtown St. Petersburg are taking another step forward as work continues to bring ferry service back to the Bay.
Today U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor presented PSTA with a check for $850,000 in federal funding near the future Tampa Bay Ferry dock site in downtown St. Petersburg. Mayor Ken Welch and Hubbard’s Marina joined PSTA leaders for the event.
Sponsored by Castor, the funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill. It will help PSTA build a permanent dock where passengers can board the ferry in downtown St. Petersburg.
“This is another piece of the puzzle coming together,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA Board Chair and St. Petersburg City Councilmember. “We’re grateful to Congresswoman Castor for helping secure this funding and to everyone who has continued to move this project forward. There’s still work ahead, but we’re making steady progress toward bringing the ferry back.”
“Investing in the Tampa Bay Ferry means giving people another way to get around our region while strengthening the connection between St. Petersburg and Tampa,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. “I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for a permanent dock and look forward to seeing the ferry back on the water and serving our community.”
Meanwhile, work is underway on the two vessels that will serve as the Tampa Bay Ferry. Both the Bay Breeze and Clipper have arrived at Tarpon Marine Service in Tarpon Springs and are now being refurbished for passenger service.
“We’ve been working toward getting the ferry back on the water, and it’s nice to see the pieces starting to come together,” said Captain Dylan Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Marina, which will operate the Tampa Bay Ferry. “We really appreciate Congresswoman Castor’s support. The boats are here, the work is underway, and we’re continuing to put the pieces in place to get the ferry up and running.”
Having two vessels will give the service more flexibility and reliability, including the ability to keep one boat operating when the other is out for routine maintenance.
PSTA also recently received a $16.5 million federal grant through the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program to purchase a new vessel for the Tampa Bay Ferry.
Once refurbishment is nearing completion, PSTA will announce a start date for ferry service. The ferry will connect downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa, giving residents and visitors another option for getting across Tampa Bay.
Amanda Boisen
Interim Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 288-6500
E: aboisen@psta.net
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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