The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has unexpectedly agreed to purchase a ferry vessel that carries 101 more passengers than the previous service.
PSTA’s governing board, as planned, also offered its unanimous approval Wednesday for Hubbard’s Marina to operate the new Tampa Bay Ferry. The family-owned company, whose name has been synonymous with local waterborne activities for nearly a century, will now test and refurbish the $1.5 million vessel.
The San Francisco Ferry service previously operated the 250-person boat, dubbed the Bay Breeze. Hubbard’s Marina, acting as Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, will spend nearly $1 million on vessel upgrades and delivery…