Why hasn't the Jet Express started in Sandusky?

SANDUSKY — From the refurbished Jackson Street Pier, people can still spot many familiar waterfront sights, which include roller coasters, condominiums and the coal docks. But one large visual of a vessel is conspicuously absent. In years past, the Jet Express typically opened up Sandusky's dock — where passengers could reach Cedar Point, Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay — for Memorial Day weekend. The Port Clinton station, in fact, did just that last week. Though, so far this season, people haven't seen any of these massive ferryboats — known for its white color with the blue and red trim — anchored beside Jackson Street Pier. And they won't for a little while longer. "We are not operating from Sandusky for two main reasons," company general manager Kelly Freimark said. Freimark then referenced the area's constant flooding issues and how it intermingles with properly protecting passengers. "With the high water that we have been experiencing the past couple of years, portions of our dock space have become unusable and unsafe for passengers, which has limited our space to put customers waiting to get on the boat," Freimark said. Freimark needs the space to enforce social distancing protocols, one of the many new rules stemming from stricter health regulations to contain and thwart COVID-19 "With this reduced square footage, it makes any kind of distancing impractical and unsafe," Freimark said. "We want to make sure that we can provide a clean, safe and fun experience for our guests. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee those things right now and have had to make the tough decision to put that service on hold for now." Freimark looked toward mid-June as a possible 2020 opening date for Sandusky's Jet Express service. "We are re-evaluating that every day," he said. "We would love to start sooner, if possible." Upon reopening, passengers must adhere to several new guidelines. "Once we do resume service, we will follow any current guidance from our local, state, and federal governments related to COVID-19, Freimark said. "Since I'm not sure what that guidance will be in the next month, because it is changing by the week, I don't have a firm answer."