During Tuesday’s St. Pete Beach City Commission meeting, officials considered a proposal to use Merry Pier at 801 Pass-a-Grille Way as a hub for a new Gulf‑Boulevard ferry service. The idea, presented by Forward Pinellas, would reconnect the historic waterfront to modern transportation options and could eventually link neighboring barrier‑island communities.
Historical context and current condition
Merry Pier has long served fishermen, sightseers and visitors to nearby Shell Key. After a major reconstruction in 2022 that added new decking, pilings, utilities and lighting, the pier suffered damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The city is currently repairing the bait‑shack, with an $80,137 contract awarded to Intellisite Inc. that will take roughly six months, including a 90‑day construction window.
Commissioners’ actions
Commissioners voted 4‑1 to approve a month‑to‑month agreement allowing Offshore Hustler Fishing Charters to continue using a boat slip for $700 per month while the city seeks longer‑term tenants. The decision separates the charter lease from the ferry discussion but underscores the city’s intent to keep the pier active.
At the same meeting, staff reported that Shell Key Shuttle, another pier operator, has been sold and will vacate the property, opening additional space for potential ferry facilities.
Ferry concept details
Forward Pinellas planner Nousheen Rahman explained that identifying a hub is a critical first step. “It’s a potential idea for a hub for St. Pete Beach,” she told commissioners. The proposed ferry network could include other publicly owned docks along the barrier islands, creating a regional waterborne transit system.
While no specific routes, operators, funding commitments or construction schedules were announced, Rahman pointed to successful examples elsewhere in Pinellas County. The Clearwater Ferry, launched in 2015, connects downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach and Dunedin and recently received about $655,000 in state transportation funding for expansion. Across Tampa Bay, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority plans to start the Tampa Bay Ferry between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa before the end of 2026, using vessels provided by Hubbard’s Marina.
Broader regional collaboration
The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce has formed a waterborne transportation committee that brings together local governments and business leaders to explore ferry connections. Mayor Scott Tate and city staff have participated in these discussions, indicating strong municipal support.
Forward Pinellas has incorporated waterborne transportation into its long‑range transportation plan, a prerequisite for eligibility for future transportation funding. The agency recommends that St. Pete Beach explore publicly owned docking sites and pursue partnerships with neighboring barrier‑island communities.
Next steps
Whether Merry Pier becomes part of a ferry network will depend on securing partnerships, identifying destinations and developing an operating plan. Rahman emphasized that the service could eventually serve not only St. Pete Beach but also neighboring towns up and down Gulf Boulevard.
The commission did not take formal action on the ferry proposal, leaving the concept in the discussion phase while the city continues to address immediate pier repairs and lease agreements.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
