ST PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority launched a new express bus service that connects South St. Pete to downtown and to St. Pete Beach on Monday. The bus service, called Spark, is an idea Eckerd College students helped ignite, local leaders said.

The all-electric express bus service runs along 34th Street South from Eckerd College to Grand Central Station seven days a week, 365 days a year. It connects the college to South St. Pete and the Skyway Marina District with downtown and St. Pete Beach.

What they're saying:

"Our master plan states the need for a stronger bus connection along 34th Street South, improved shelters, sidewalks and direct transit access," Misty Bottorff, the executive director of the Skyway Marina District, said. "With the launch of the Spa

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