From a new temporary dock along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront to multi-million-dollar vessel refurbishments in Tarpon Springs, plans for continuous ferry service in Tampa Bay are full steam ahead.
The temporary dock is adjacent to North Straub Park and within walking distance of the St. Pete Pier, Vinoy Resort & Golf Club and bars and restaurants along bustling Beach Drive. Announced on Sept. 16, the installment symbolizes the Tampa Bay Ferry’s fast approach.
Simultaneously, work to ensure the new service has a reliable fleet is well underway about 35 miles north. Two vessels, the Bay Clipper and Bay Breeze, are undergoing extensive preparations at Tarpon Marine Service.
On Sept. 4, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Mayor Ken Welch, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and representatives from Hubbard’s Marina, which will operate the Tampa Bay Ferry, celebrated $850,000 in recently secured federal funding for the service’s permanent terminal near the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Welch noted that passengers could visit the downtown waterfront and take the SunRunner bus rapid transit line to the beach “without having to worry about driving.”
“So, I think it’s an economic boost, not just from tourists, but from folks who live on either side of the bay and want a night out in downtown St. Pete or Tampa,” Welch told the Tampa Bay Reporter. “The ferries run both ways.”
The permanent docking facility will accommodate two vessels and will feature a security gate, ticketing booth and ADA-compliant access. PSTA CEO Brad Miller called it a “key piece in the puzzle.”
St. Petersburg has already allocated approximately $450,000 from its general fund for preliminary design work and permitting. The estimated construction cost is $2.85 million.
The region’s previous seasonal service, the Cross Bay Ferry, abruptly ended in May 2025 after local governments terminated agreements with its Boston-based operator, HMS Ferries, due to operational issues. PSTA selected Hubbard’s Marina to usher in a new era of waterborne transit in December.
Capt. Dylan Hubbard, owner of Madeira Beach-based Hubbard’s Marina, told stakeholders on Sept. 4 that the “end is in sight.” President Mark Hubbard, his father, told Welch after the event that the Tampa Bay Ferry could officially launch in mid-November.
“He’s extremely confident, but there’s a lot of stuff outside of our control,” the younger Hubbard said of his father.
Stakeholders can thank Castor after the new service’s maiden voyage. She secured a $4.86 million federal grant used to purchase the 149-passenger Bay Clipper and 250-seat Bay Breeze long before presenting PSTA with its $850,000 check for a permanent dock in St. Petersburg.
Once the Tampa Bay Ferry launches, a scenic trip between downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg will take an estimated 45 to 50 minutes. Passengers will pay $10, a $2 decrease from the Cross Bay Ferry, with seniors and riders with disabilities eligible for a 50% discount.
The year-round, decidedly more regular service could also lead to a long-discussed regional waterborne transit network. Potential destinations include MacDill Air Force Base, Apollo Beach, Bradenton, Gulfport and Clearwater.
Castor said the Tampa Bay Ferry is the “first step in a broader initiative to solve problems, to reduce congestion, and reduce costs for our neighbors.” Welch called the additional transit option “way past due in a region that’s defined by the water.”
Stakeholders have another reason to celebrate, as PSTA recently received a $16.5 million federal grant to acquire its first new ferry. The initial vessels were built in the early 1990s.
Mack Feldman, vice president of Feldman Equities, is among those who believe a third vessel will further transform the service from a scheduled excursion into an on-demand transit choice. “PSTA and Hubbard’s deserve a ton of praise for making this happen,” Feldman told the Tampa Bay Reporter.
“I love the idea of showing up at the ferry and knowing it runs frequently enough to just hop on without having to schedule it in advance,” Feldman added. “I think that’ll be a game changer for a lot of people.”
While passengers have yet to purchase a ticket or frequent surrounding establishments, the Tampa Bay Ferry is already creating an economic impact. Tarpon Marine Service and other local maritime businesses are refurbishing the Bay Breeze and Bay Clipper.
Founded in 2010, Tarpon Marine boasts the largest hydraulic lift on Florida’s west coast. “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, said Justin Russell, chief operating officer, in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Anna Paulin Luna toured the facility on Sept. 8. She expressed appreciation to “see the work happening right here in Pinellas County.”
“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,” Luna said.
