The Mayport Ferry: A Thing of the Past?

By the close of business on September 30, 2012, State Road A1A could be cut in half, and a historic piece of our island could be lost if JaxPort continues with their plan.

The plan: end funding of the Mayport Ferry, a community boat shuttle that has operated in 1948. Connecting two islands, one of which includes our beach communities, the Mayport Ferry also connects State Road A1A, the coastal highway that parallels the Atlantic coast of Florida.

After spending over $3 Million dollars over the course of four years for operation and maintenance of the ferry, JaxPort wants out.

The result: a community reacting to save something they love. Our staff here at TBO doesn’t use the ferry for our commute to work or see family; however, we’ve enjoyed crossing the St. Johns River to explore the coast in Nassau County. From Boneyard Beach in the Talbot Island chain, to the historic American Beach on Amelia Island, we’ve enjoyed the quick and reliable connection between our island and our neighbors to the north.

Some people do use the Mayport Ferry for daily transit. Whether to get to a job, or spend time with the grandkids, the Ferry has a been a vital link in our community since before consolidation – since before the mighty Dames Point Bridge snatched passengers away in the late 1980s.

As TBO’s Jeannie Greenwald reports, the community is rallying support in the Ferry’s desperate time of need. She also spoke to one family who uses this ferry – every day!