Bay area officials welcome return of ferry service

Maiden voyage sets sail from Tampa to St. Petersburg.

By Business Observer Staff
| 3:01 p.m. November 1, 2018
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Officials and members of the media gather on the deck of the Cross-Bay Ferry for the the maiden voyage of the service's 2018-19 season. Courtesy photo.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

TAMPA — The Cross-Bay Ferry returned for another six-month season of service with a “maiden voyage” event Oct. 31.

According to a press release, officials from the Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf, Port Tampa Bay, HMS Ferries and the Florida Department of Transportation, among others, boarded the ferry in Tampa, at its new dock at the Florida Aquarium, for the ceremonial trip across Tampa Bay to St. Petersburg.

Upon arrival at the Vinoy Yacht Basin, passengers were welcomed by St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman, a longtime advocate of the ferry service.

The Cross-Bay Ferry resumed regular service on Thursday with lower fares — $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-18, with discounts available for seniors, active/retired military and college students, the release states. The service has also added extended hours and four round-trip sailings on Fridays and Saturdays for its 2018-19 season.

“We wanted to make the ferry accessible to as many people as possible,” states Ed Turanchik, HMS Ferries spokesman, in the release. “Despite a popular and successful first season, we knew that we could make the experience even better for riders. With a couple of exciting new features and lowered ticket prices, we think that this season is going to be something special.”