Tampa and St. Pete city councils have approved a five-year agreement to restore ferry service connecting the two cities, with each municipality contributing up to $350,000 annually. The service will be operated year-round by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA).

St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved the measure, while Tampa City Council passed it with one dissenting vote from Council Member Charlie Miranda. Tampa will also transfer $44,000 from its general fund to cover startup costs.

The ferry will dock near the St. Petersburg Museum of History at The Pier, a more accessible location than previous sites. PSTA is recommending Hubbard’s Marina as the ferry operator.

The new ferry aims to provide consistent, year-round service rather than the seasonal operations of previous years. Research showed that nearly 90 percent of past ferry riders were local residents rather than tourists.

PSTA’s board will vote on the final agreement on December 3. Officials hope to launch service by spring or summer 2026.

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(Image credit: City of St. Pete)

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