The first vessel has arrived in Pinellas County, bringing the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) Ferry service between St. Petersburg and Tampa one step closer to connecting the two cities by water.
The Bay Breeze arrived in Tarpon Springs and is being refurbished for passenger service. The Bay Clipper is expected to arrive in Pinellas County in the coming weeks and will also undergo refurbishment.
“Having the Bay Breeze arrive here in Pinellas County is a major milestone and brings us one step closer to launching a reliable, sustainable, and long-term ferry service across the Bay,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA, in a press release. “Both the Bay Breeze and Bay Clipper are excellent vessels, and now we can get to work on the Bay Breeze by making it service-ready and doing the same once the Bay Clipper arrives.”
The vessels were purchased with assistance from Hubbard’s Ferry, which will operate the service between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa when it begins later this year.
“The Bay Breeze's arrival in Tampa Bay is a milestone built on collaboration: from the incredible efforts of PSTA, to the joint partnership of the St. Pete Area & San Francisco Chamber of Commerce's steady advocacy, to Capt. Mark Hubbard's hands-on coordination of the vessel's cross-country journey,” said Tara Hubbard, CEO of Hubbard’s Ferry, in a press release. “And now, with Tarpon Marine selected for the refit, this work stays right here in Tampa Bay. A local shipyard landing this project is proof of how much economic momentum this ferry service is already generating for the region, and we couldn't be more excited to watch it grow.”
During a press conference earlier this year, PSTA said the ferry service will operate year-round, seven days a week. One-way fares are expected to be $10 per person, with discounted rates available for seniors and military personnel.
The ferry service is expected to boost economic activity in both cities while improving quality of life and providing residents and visitors with another transportation option across Tampa Bay.
The purchase and refurbishment of both vessels were funded through a $4.8 million Federal Transit Administration grant. The refurbishment process is expected to take several months before the new transportation option becomes available to passengers.