For Immediate Release
September 8th, 2026
U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Gets Up-Close Look at PSTA’s New Ferry
Congresswoman tours the Bay Clipper in Tarpon Springs as the vessel is prepared for service
TARPON SPRINGS, FL – U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna got an up-close look today at one of the vessels that will help connect St. Petersburg and Tampa, touring the Bay Clipper in Tarpon Springs.
The Bay Clipper is the second of two vessels being prepared for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) new ferry service. It joins the Bay Breeze, which arrived in Pinellas County last month. Both vessels are being prepared for service at Tarpon Marine Service in Tarpon Springs.
During her visit, Luna saw firsthand the work underway to prepare the Bay Clipper for passenger service. The purchase and refurbishment of both vessels are supported by a $4.8 million Federal Transit Administration grant.
“It was great to see the Bay Clipper up close and see the work happening right here in Pinellas County,” said U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. “This is a project that will give people another way to get across Tampa Bay, while also bringing federal investment into our community and supporting local businesses.”
Founded in 2010, Tarpon Marine Service is home to the largest hydraulic lift on Florida’s west coast. The Tarpon Springs marine business is working alongside other local maritime businesses as the two vessels are prepared for their future service.
“We’re excited to have the Bay Clipper here in Tarpon Springs and to see the work taking shape,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “It’s great to have Congresswoman Luna here to see what’s happening and to see how many local people and businesses are helping bring this service to life. We’re getting closer to putting these vessels on the water and giving people another way to get across the bay.”
“Having the Bay Clipper and Bay Breeze here in Tarpon Springs has been a great opportunity for our team and other local marine businesses,” said Justin Russell, Chief Operating Officer of Tarpon Marine Service. “We’re proud to be part of preparing these vessels for their future service and to see a project like this bringing work and investment to our local maritime community.”
Hubbard’s Marina will operate the new service between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa when it begins, giving people another option for getting across Tampa Bay and connecting the two downtowns.
Amanda Boisen
Interim Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 288-6500
E: aboisen@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