Cross Bay Ferry Coming Back With New Routes and Speedier Boats

Starting Oct. 2025, swift vessels will zip between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority secured $4.9 million to bring back the Cross Bay Ferry service.

Two fresh boats will join the fleet through funding from Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. Each season brings 80,000 to 100,000 passengers across the bay's waters.

"The ferry is a luxury item, but it's also sort of a utility ... because it's function and it's fun," said Jillian Bandes, a Pinellas County resident, according to Fox 13 News.

PSTA CEO Brad Miller shared his thoughts on what sets the service apart. "It's a way to avoid traffic, and it's super fun. It's our only transportation mode where you can say, 'hey, there's a dolphin, let's stop and take pictures,'" Miller said.

The boats stopped crossing the bay in early 2025 when Hillsborough County cut ties with its operator. Now, with fresh funding, PSTA takes charge to restart water transit.

Regular rider Franklin Alves couldn't hide his excitement about the comeback. "It was really disappointing when service shut down earlier this year ... whenever possible for Lightning games and all of that, we take it over," Alves said.

Water transit boosts sales at shops and eateries across both shores. Sports venues see more fans on game nights, says Pinellas County Commissioner Brian Scott.

Meanwhile, boats still shuttle between downtown Clearwater and its beach. Plans might stretch the route north to Dunedin by fall 2025.