The Tampa Bay Ferry is making a highly anticipated return in 2026, marking a fresh chapter in the region’s waterfront transportation. After docking for the final time on April 30, 2025, the beloved Cross-Bay Ferry left residents and visitors reminiscing about breezy rides that carried them to some of the area’s biggest events. From the “Women’s Final Four” to the “Gasparilla Festival of the Arts,” the ferry became a staple for stress-free travel and scenic views across the bay.
Funding Secures a Brighter Future
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved a $4.86 million grant transfer from HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority) to PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority). This major funding shift allows PSTA to invest in new high-speed ferries, a significant upgrade from leasing older vessels. These modern boats could bring year-round service, longer operating hours, and exclusive event rides for Tampa Bay Lightning games and waterfront festivals in St. Pete.
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