Photo by Cameron Healy
You’ll soon be able to travel by ferry from St. Petersburg and Tampa, thanks to a new partnership! Hubbard’s Ferry has been chosen as the new The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) future operator of the Cross Bay Ferry, with services beginning in 2026.
Hubbard’s Cross Bay Ferry
The ferry service shut down in April after Hillsborough County Commissioners unanimously voted to end the contract with HMS Ferries, six months earlier than expected. HMS wanted to buy a new, slower ferry, that would increase the trip time from one hour to two hours.
In August, PSTA began their search for a new, less expensive operator. Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, Inc., operated by Hubbard’s won the bid.
PSTA is currently negotiating a five-year interlocal agreement with Tampa and St. Petersburg. They are hoping to have the funding agreement approved by PSTA’s next board meeting on Oct. 29. That’s when City officials from both Cities have about two weeks to review the final contract.
The ferry’s operator will also be in charge of maintaining the vessel. The family, however, already has a separate company, Hub’s Marine Fabrication in Gulfport, meaning they can do the repairs in-house.
Fares and a potential relaunch date have not been announced yet.
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