53
MAY 2026
PHOTO: PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
T
he Pinellas Suncoast Transit 
Authority (PSTA) Board of 
Directors has approved a plan 
to purchase and renovate two vessels 
using a single $4.8 million federal 
grant, helping to advance the Tampa 
Bay Ferry service. 
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.
The Cross-Bay Ferry operated with 
only one boat, which prevented it 
from running seven days a week. Two 
vessels will be chosen from three pos-
sible options that have been identified 
in a nationwide search led by PSTA’s 
ferry operator, PVA member Hub-
bard’s Marina, to find potential boats.
With the new service, PSTA is targeting 
a one-way ticket price of $10, which is 
less expensive than the price charged by 
the Cross-Bay Ferry. The two boats will 
be fully renovated, with plans to include 
a bar on board with snacks, kid-friendly 
drinks, and adult beverages. No launch 
date has been announced, but plans are 
for the service to begin as soon as the 
vessels are purchased, retrofitted, test-
ed, and delivered to Tampa Bay. 
“We’re committed to creating this ser-
vice 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.”
In December 2025, the board ap-
proved the purchase of the Bay Breeze. 
Built by Nichols Brothers Boat Build-
ing, the vessel was recently retired 
having served its original operator, San 
Francisco Bay Ferry, since it was con-
structed in 1994. In the coming weeks, 
PSTA staff and Hubbard’s Marina are 
considering the purchase of one of two 
other vessels: the San Juan Clipper in 
Seattle, Wash.; or the Candy Stripe, in 
Morgan City, La. The final two boats 
are expected to receive new names in 
a formal ceremony before joining the 
Tampa Bay Ferry fleet.
MEMBER NEWS
Two-Boat Plan 
Approved for 
Tampa Bay 
Ferry Service
The Bay Breeze is slated for a new life as part of the Tampa Bay Ferry Service.

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