St. Pete Beach Cuts Freebee Shuttle, Stranding Riders & Workers

St. Pete Beach will end its contract with the Freebee shuttle service on September 30, reallocating funds to other city priorities. The decision leaves regular riders and shuttle drivers facing uncertainty.

City officials cited the city's financial standing and competing needs as reasons for the decision. The exact amount of money being redirected was not specified.

For residents like Nick Jennings, who relies on Freebee at least twice weekly to reach the beach, the service's discontinuation means increased costs. "Lyft and Uber, to go half a mile is $10," Jennings told TampaBay28. "I do a Freebee for like $3. I can go three or four trips going to different places for under $20 a day."

The contract's end also means job losses for drivers like Patrick Stout. "It’s hard right now. I’m just taking it one day at a time, and just enjoying the last eight, nine days left," Stout said. He described the Freebee team as "one big giant family."

Local businesses also voiced concerns. Mary Cunningham, who works at Swigwam Beach Bar, anticipates a downturn. "Such a shame. You know, if you’re down on the south end of the beach, a lot of people don’t have a way to get to and from the different areas," Cunningham said. She believes local businesses will "take a hit."

Jennings echoed these concerns. "Unfortunately, a lot of people that are local to this area are about to suffer."

Residents and visitors who depend on Freebee for easy access to beaches, shops on Corey Avenue, and avoiding parking fees and traffic jams will need to find alternative transportation after September 30. This may mean longer waits for those traveling between Pass-a-Grille and Upham Beach.