Connecting Tampa and St. Pete, Cross Bay Ferry will return Oct. 21

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Cross-Bay Ferry chauffeurs locals between Tampa, St. Pete

When you're in the mood for a day trip, it can be tough to decide where to go in the Tampa Bay area, but the Cross-Bay Ferry brings the best of both worlds -- St. Pete and Tampa. Tampa has the Sparkman Wharf and Riverwalk, while St. Petersburg has Beach Drive and much more to offer along Central Avenue. The ferry is the way to see it all.

The Cross Bay Ferry will return next week with extended hours, officials announced.

It'll start operating between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, starting Thursday, Oct. 21. It will continue for the next seven months, while also offering later evening departures.

It has operated seasonally for the past few years. According to its website, the rates are $10 one-way and $20 for a round trip for adults. For those over the age of 65, children between the ages of 5 and 18, active or retired service members, and college students, the price is $8 one-way and $16 for a round trip. It's free for children under the age of 4. Those in a wheelchair can pay $5 for a one-way trip and $10 for a round trip.

Local leaders are still trying to decide whether the Cross Bay Ferry should operate year-round.

READ: Hop on board: Cross-Bay Ferry connects locals to both sides of the bay

Learn more at www.thecrossbayferry.com.