St. Johns River Ferry reopens after December maintenance

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The St. Johns River Ferry reopened Sunday after being closed for weeks for routine maintenance.

The ferry connects State Road A1A across the St. Johns River from Mayport to Ft. George Island.

It was closed since the beginning of December for inspection and maintenance.

The tune-up is periodically required by the Coast Guard and requires the ferry to be dry-docked.

In 2013, Jaxport decided it can no longer afford to operate the ferry and turned over its operation to a non-profit.

Lindsey Brock, incoming President of the Friends of the St Johns River Ferry, said the boat service is a vital part of the community.

"The crowds have been phenomenal, we've had lines on both side of the river. It's so great for the community to come out and support this great service."

"It's a vital part of the community, and it connects people in a way that nothing else can," Brock said.

Riders can download the new JaxFerry mobile app to view operating hours. Visit the city's website to download the app for Apple and Android devices.