ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has approved its new budget, and one of the biggest takeaways for Tampa Bay area residents and visitors is the return of ferry service.

Starting next year, the Cross Bay Ferry will once again connect Tampa and St. Petersburg, this time with faster, more efficient passenger boats.

The move comes after PSTA accepted a $4.9 million grant from the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) to purchase two new ferries. Officials said the service typically carries 80,000-100,000 riders each year, offering an alternative to traffic and a boost for local businesses.

What they're saying:

"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 Coun

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