Bright green vans and trolleys offer islandwide, door-to-door transportation for residents and visitors
By Jane Bartnett
Getting around Siesta Key has never been easier — or more fun — thanks to the free, upgraded Frog Hop van and open-air trolley service. The only free, on-demand, door-to-door transportation service on the island, the Frog Hop travels throughout Siesta Key, unlike the free Breeze trolley, which is limited to main roads.
The Frog Hop’s brightly colored green vans run 365 days a year, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends.
“The Frog Hop is a free community service for Siesta Key visitors and residents alike,” said Tina Limber, who manages the service with Karen Kelleher.
The fleet includes nine vehicles — seven vans and two open-air trolleys — that crisscross Siesta Key daily. Limber said people can’t help but smile when they see the bright green vans and trolleys rolling down island roads. When the driver sounds the horn with its distinctive “Ribbit, ribbit,” children often laugh with delight.
“At the end of the day, we don’t leave until the phone stops ringing,” Limber said.
The vans can carry up to 20 adults, and the trolleys can seat 15. When drivers are not picking up or dropping off passengers, they stay in contact by radio to coordinate coverage across the island.
“We have about 15 drivers, and they are just fantastic,” Limber said. “There are always three or four drivers on one end of the island or another. We’re always looking for drivers to join our team.”
Frog Hop drivers are handpicked and well-versed in the sights and sounds of Siesta Key. They routinely recommend restaurants, beach access points and activities to riders. Each passenger receives a Frog Hop bracelet with the service’s phone number printed on it.
“When it’s time to head home, people just call 1-844-FROG-HOP, and we come back for them,” Limber said.
The bright green paint and recognizable signage from local businesses have helped make Frog Hop a safe, visible and fun way to get around the island.
“We offer door-to-door service,” Limber said. “No matter where you are on Siesta Key, we’ll come and get you. We take riders right to the beach if that’s where they want to go — not just to a parking lot. We take them right to the door of whatever store or restaurant they ask for. Bikes, beach chairs, strollers and dogs are all welcome.”
Because the Frog Hop travels into residential areas, “we drive right up to the front door of condominium complexes and to exact street addresses in neighborhoods,” Kelleher said, “just like a private car service.”
In recent years, Limber and Kelleher — longtime friends — teamed up to rebrand the Frog Hop and increase public awareness of the free service. Through a consistent identity and expanded social media presence, visibility has grown. Partnerships with local businesses have also played a key role. When a bright green Frog Hop drives by, emblazoned with its sunglass-wearing mascot and the phone number 1-844-FROG-HOP, there’s no mistaking what it is.
Advertising revenue funds most of the free ride service. Three mechanics keep the vans and trolleys running smoothly. Drivers do not receive a salary but gladly accept tips from riders.
Frog Hop paid airport and special event service
In addition to its free island service, the Frog Hop offers reasonably priced one-way and round-trip airport transportation between Siesta Key and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Vehicles are also available for private parties, weddings and special events. The Frog Hop mascot makes personal appearances for $50 an hour. The website serves as a hub for Frog Hop information and Siesta Key resources, and the online Frogger Store offers a variety of branded merchandise.
As part of its community service mission, the Frog Hop provides free transportation on Sundays for Siesta Key Chapel’s beach services, carrying people and chairs to the popular weekly 8 a.m. gathering. The service also offers complimentary grocery delivery from Crescent Beach Market to homes and hotels on Siesta Key. As with all Frog Hop services, tips are strongly encouraged. “We hop for tips” is a favorite tagline.
Siesta Key entrepreneur Gary Kompothecras launched the Frog Hop in December 2017 to make it easier for residents and visitors to get around the island, reduce traffic congestion and ease parking challenges. Today, the Frog Hop has become a moving landmark.
“When you see that bright green van or trolley, be sure to wave hello, and the driver will sound that special ‘Ribbit, ribbit,’” Kelleher said. “And remember, if you don’t hear ribbit, don’t get in it.”
To learn more, visit froghopsiesta.com. To arrange a free Frog Hop ride around Siesta Key, schedule airport transportation or book vehicles for special events, call 1-844-FROG-HOP.
