Ferry Service

Plans call for it to operate multiple times on Thursday to Sunday starting Nov. 1.

The Gulf Islands Ferry is scheduled to kick off on Friday, Dec. 8, pending final certification. Two open-air catamarans will shuttle people from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria City Pier and Bridge Street Pier.

A majority of county commissioners said the price tag was too steep, with not enough potential commuters guaranteed to make it worthwhile.

The induction of the two new ferries marks the kick off of the long-awaited Gulf Island Ferry Service. It will launch later this summer.

St. Petersburg and Tampa’s City Councils approved Thursday a cross-bay ferry pilot program. The estimated total cost of the deal, which will run for six…