The Cross Bay Ferry’s revival might be spearheaded by a local, family-run business. The proprietors of Hubbard’s Marina are optimistic about securing a federal grant and collaborating with regional authorities to reinstate the service.
Waterborne transportation is part of the history of Hubbard’s Marina.
“My grandfather used to row people across Pass-A-Grille from Gulfport,” recounted Captain Dylan Hubbard. “In the 90s, my father was involved with a fast ferry project from Tampa Bay to Key West.”
Hubbard has maintained the tradition by operating ferries from Fort De Soto to Shell Key and Egmont Key. Now, they are on the verge of an exciting venture: relaunching the Cross Bay Ferry connecting downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa.
“This is thrilling, truly. Waterborne transportation in Pinellas County represents a vast, untapped potential we could really explore,” Hubbard expressed.
His company is among four contenders for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s request for proposal (RFP), with Hubbard’s Marina currently favored by the staff. However, the final decision rests with the PSTA board.
Anthony Leone moved to Tampa from Dallas and said he heard about the ferry and was hoping it would come back soon.
“It would be ideal to avoid an hour and a half drive by simply boarding here,” Leone explained. “Imagine enjoying Channelside and downtown’s offerings, then heading over to St. Pete for the day and returning. It would significantly enhance this area.”
Hubbard said his company is best to get the job done, and they’d love to take the idea and run with it.
“You could go from downtown Tampa to downtown St. Pete to the beaches to Anna Maria to John’s Pass to Clearwater Beach. We have a vision for the future,” Hubbard said.
News Channel 8 was told the board will make a decision by October 29, and the service could return early next year. The goal is to operate 365 days from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with one or two boats transporting.
