For Immeadiate Release

April 29th, 2026

PSTA Board Unanimously Approves Two-Boat Plan for Tampa Bay Ferry Service

PSTA plans to purchase two vessels with the $4.8 million federal grant

St. Petersburg, FL – The Tampa Bay Ferry service is one step closer to becoming a reality. Today, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the plan to purchase and renovate two vessels using the $4.8 million federal grant.

PSTA is leading the development of the new ferry, which will offer improved service, lower costs, and more long-term stability than the popular Cross-Bay Ferry, which shut down last year.

*** CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE TAMPA BAY FERRY BOAT OPTIONS ***

The Cross-Bay Ferry operated with only one boat, which prevented it from running seven days a week. The two vessels will be chosen from three possible options that have been identified in a nationwide search that led PSTA’s ferry operator, Hubbard’s Marina, to find potential boats in Seattle, San Francisco, and western Louisiana.

PSTA shared additional details on the service:

  • PSTA is targeting a one-way ticket price of $10, which is less expensive than the Cross-Bay Ferry.
  • The two chosen boats will have to be fully renovated and include a bar on board with snacks, kid-friendly drinks, and adult beverages.
  • The service will launch as soon as the vessels are retrofitted, tested, and delivered to Tampa Bay.

While no launch date has been confirmed, PSTA and its operator must still:

  • Inspect, negotiate, and buy the boats
  • Renovate the boats, which—depending on the vessel—may require new interiors, engine replacements, or other updates
  • Transport each boat to Tampa Bay on another, larger vessel

“We’re committed to creating this service the right way, so it’s sustainable for the long term,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “That’s why everyone should be impressed by the effort of the Hubbard’s Marina team, working with our staff, to maximize taxpayer dollars and get two boats with this one federal grant.”

“As Chair of the PSTA Board, I’m proud of our continued commitment to expanding regional mobility and investing in innovative transportation options that serve our communities,” said Deborah Figgs-Sanders, PSTA Chair & St. Petersburg City Council Member. “For residents of St. Petersburg, this creates a reliable, stress-free alternative to sitting in traffic, offering a more enjoyable and predictable way to travel.”

Boat Options

The PSTA Board voted to approve two of the three vessels below. In December of 2025, the Board of Directors voted to approve a purchase of the Bay Breeze vessel. PSTA staff and Hubbard’s Marina would determine which two are ultimately purchased in the weeks ahead. The two selected boats are expected to receive new names in a formal ceremony before joining the Tampa Bay Ferry fleet.

Bay Breeze
San Franscisco, CA
Total purchase and renovation cost: $2.5 million
Expected time needed for renovation after purchase: 3-6 months

San Juan Clipper
Seattle, WA
Total purchase and renovation cost: $2 million
Expected time needed for renovation after purchase: 3-6 months

Candy Stripe
Morgan City, LA
Total purchase and renovation cost: $2.3 million
Expected time needed for renovation after purchase: 12-18 months

Stephanie Weaver

Communications & Public Relations Manager

C: (727) 249-6542

E: sweaver@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