Historic City News reported November 8, 2012, the inaugural launch of Jax Water Tours’ water taxi service based at the Vilano Beach Pier; established to provide daily shuttle service between Vilano Beach, Camachee Island, and the St Augustine Municipal Marina with stops every two hours — but, as of this weekend, the service “is on hold”.
The company has chosen to focus on Ecology, Nature and Dolphin Safari Tours, Sunset Cruises, a Wine-Tasting Cruise and Private Charters that can bring $50-$60 per seat, or more, whereas the water-taxi fare was only $5 per seat — and local residents or commuters could purchase a ten-ride punch card for $30.
“The water taxi was to be a bike-friendly connection between the beach and the mainland,” according to Captain Brooks Mitchell. “Our 35′ Pontoon vessel, HORIZONS III, has a bathroom on-board and is wheelchair accessible; but, to pass US Coast Guard inspection, we are limited to 14 passengers and 2 crew members.”
The water-taxi operator told Historic City News last year, that in December, 2012, they would have sufficient experience with the service to review the schedule and other benefits.
According to Vilano Beach residents who spoke to Historic City News this weekend, the original schedule was probably too aggressive, since it provided for five daily stops at each of the three destinations and two additional departures on Friday and Saturday.
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