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NewsSt. Pete RisingAugust 18, 2026Pinellas

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority prepares for Tampa Bay ferry launch with new vessels and $16.5 million grant

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has received a $16.5 million federal grant to construct a third ferry vessel as it prepares to launch service between St. Petersburg and Tampa later this year. The first of two initial vessels, the 250-passenger Bay Breeze, arrived in Pinellas County on Monday for inspection and refurbishment.

transportationpublic transitferry serviceinfrastructurefederal grants
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Why It Matters

The project establishes a new water-based transit connection between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa, utilizing a $16.5 million federal investment to expand fleet capacity.

Key Facts

  • The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority secured a $16.5 million federal grant to build a third ferry vessel.
  • The new third vessel will have a capacity of 249 passengers.
  • The 250-passenger vessel 'Bay Breeze' arrived at Tarpon Marine Service on Monday.
  • The 'Bay Breeze' will undergo inspections and refurbishment before entering service.
  • A second vessel, the 149-passenger 'Bay Clipper' (formerly 'San Juan Clipper'), is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
  • The ferry service is scheduled to launch later this year.
  • The service will connect downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Who's Mentioned

personSean Duffy“U.S. Secretary of Transportation who announced the $16.5 million grant.”locationTarpon Marine Service“Facility where vessels are being refurbished.”personTara Hubbard“Representative of Hubbard's Ferry.”otherBay Clipper“A 149-passenger vessel expected to arrive soon.”locationPinellas County“The location of the refurbishment facility.”organizationPinellas Suncoast Transit Authority“The transit agency managing the new ferry service.”otherBay Breeze“A 250-passenger vessel that arrived for refurbishment.”organizationHubbard's Ferry“The selected operator for the new ferry service.”personBrad Miller“CEO of PSTA.”