The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) board of directors unanimously approved a plan to purchase and renovate two vessels for a new service using a $4.8 million federal grant, moving the regional ferry project closer to launch.
PSTA is leading development of the new ferry system, which the agency said is intended to provide more reliable and lower-cost service than the former, which ceased operations last year.
According to PSTA, the previous Cross-Bay Ferry operated with a single vessel, limiting service frequency and preventing seven-day operations. Under the new plan, two vessels will be selected from three candidates identified through a nationwide search conducted by ferry operator Hubbard's Marina.
PSTA said the service is targeting a $10 one-way fare, below the ticket price charged by the former Cross-Bay Ferry. The agency also said the selected vessels will undergo renovations before entering service, including interior upgrades and onboard concessions offering snacks and beverages.
The agency has not announced a launch date. Before service begins, PSTA and Hubbard’s Marina must complete vessel inspections, negotiate purchases, renovate the boats, and transport them to the Tampa Bay region.
“We’re committed to creating this service the right way, so it’s sustainable for the long term,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller in a statement. “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.”
The board approved moving forward with two of three identified vessel options. In December 2025, the board approved the purchase of the Bay Breeze, located in San Francisco, with an estimated purchase and renovation cost of $2.5 million and an expected retrofit timeline of three to six months.
The two other boats under consideration are the San Juan Clipper from Seattle, estimated at $2 million with a similar renovation schedule; and the Candy Stripe from Morgan City, estimated at $2.3 million with a longer 12- to 18-month renovation timeline.
PSTA said the selected vessels are expected to receive new names during a formal ceremony before entering service in the Tampa Bay ferry fleet.
