For Immediate Release
June 22nd, 2026
PSTA Purchases Bay Breeze and Clipper for New Tampa Bay Ferry Service
Two-vessel fleet will improve reliability and operational flexibility for future riders
PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has officially purchased the Bay Breeze and Clipper, the two vessels that will become the future Tampa Bay Ferry fleet, marking a major milestone in the agency’s effort to launch a permanent passenger ferry service between St. Petersburg and Tampa.
The vessels successfully completed extensive inspections and sea trials before the purchases were finalized.
*** CLICK HERE FOR NEW PHOTOS OF THE VESSELS FOR MEDIA USE ***
The ferry boats are scheduled to begin their journeys to Florida next month. The Bay Breeze in San Francisco and the Clipper in Seattle will be loaded onto separate heavy-lift vessels (lightheartedly known as “ship shipping ships”) and will pass through the Panama Canal en route to a Fort Lauderdale shipyard.
There, the ferry boats will undergo refurbishment, painting, and other upgrades before traveling under their own power to Tampa Bay for final testing and service preparation.
Finding the Best Boats for Tampa Bay
“Finding the right vessels was one of the biggest hurdles in launching this service,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “Now that we’ve officially purchased the Bay Breeze and Clipper, we can focus on getting them ready to serve Tampa Bay passengers for years to come.”
PSTA is developing the new Tampa Bay Ferry service in partnership with Hubbard’s Marina, which will operate the service. The purchase follows the PSTA Board of Directors’ unanimous approval in April to acquire and renovate two vessels using a $4,863,280 federal grant awarded specifically for the development of the Tampa Bay Ferry service.
The grant funds the purchase and shipping of the vessels, the nationwide vessel search, mechanical inspections and sea trials, and the refurbishment needed to prepare the boats for passenger service. Because the funding is federally designated for this project, it cannot be redirected to other transportation initiatives.
“Hubbard’s Marina searched across the country to find vessels that would be the right fit for Tampa Bay, and we’re confident we’ve found them,” said Captain Mark Hubbard, President at Hubbard’s Marina. “Now our focus turns to preparing the Bay Breeze and Clipper for their new role. Over the coming months, we’ll oversee the refurbishment process and work alongside PSTA to get these vessels ready to welcome passengers.”
Major Milestone
The new Tampa Bay Ferry service is being developed as a two-vessel operation, improving on the previous Cross-Bay Ferry model by providing greater operational flexibility and reliability. With two vessels in service, PSTA will be able to maintain operations even when one boat is undergoing routine maintenance, helping create a more dependable service for riders.
“This milestone reflects the Board’s commitment to expanding transportation choices throughout Tampa Bay,” said Tom Reid, Vice-Chairperson of the PSTA Board of Directors and Vice Mayor of South Pasadena. “By investing in a permanent, two-vessel fleet, we’re building a more reliable service that will better connect our communities for years to come. It’s rewarding to see this project moving from concept to reality.”
“Clipper” is the permanently shortened version of San Juan Clipper, the name the vessel used while navigating the San Juan Islands near Seattle, Washington.
While no launch date has been confirmed yet, PSTA will have a clearer prediction of service launch once the two vessels arrive in Florida and begin refurbishment.
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