Last month, the Madeira Beach Board of Commissioners decided by consensus to cut funding for a public-private partnership with a local water taxi service. Tampa Bay Ferry & Taxi’s Madeira Beach Water Taxi will transport its final guests at the end of the summer.
The water taxi is a way for Tampa Bay Ferry & Taxis, created in October 2016 in collaboration with the City of Madeira Beach and Hubbard’s Marina, to offer both residents and visitors a ride to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk from hotels in North Madeira and Treasure Island.
The service runs weekly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. However, following the City Commission’s decision, it plans to cease operations (and the owners will either sell or relocate assets) in less than 60 days.
According to a news release, the Madeira Beach Water Taxi’s goal was to connect Clearwater to St. Pete Beach by water and eventually expand to Anna Maria Island.
This article appears in Sep 20-27, 2018.
