Charges Filed In Deadly Clearwater Ferry Crash: Jeff Knight Arrested on Felony Counts

Businessman Faces Eight Felony Counts for Leaving Scene of Boating Accident That Killed One, Injured Ten

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PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. | July 29, 2025: Jeff Knight, a prominent 62-year-old Tampa Bay-area businessman, has been arrested and charged with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death or serious bodily injury. The charges stem from a tragic crash in April 2025 where his personal boat collided with the Clearwater Ferry, resulting in one fatality and ten injuries.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in conjunction with the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office, filed the charges on Monday. Additional misdemeanor charges, including failure to maintain a safe speed and failure to maintain a proper lookout resulting in a fatal boating accident, are also expected to be filed.

The collision, which occurred near the Memorial Causeway bridge on April 27, involved Knight’s boat and the Clearwater Ferry, which was carrying 45 people. Jose Castro, 41, died that night, and six of the injured individuals were classified as trauma alerts, with two flown to Baycare Health.

Attorney Peter L. Tragos released a statement on behalf of the family of Jose Castro, expressing a mix of profound grief and a nascent sense of justice. “This is a deeply painful time for our family who continue to grieve an unimaginable loss. While no legal proceeding can undo the heartbreak we’ve suffered, today’s charges represent a step toward accountability and justice,” the statement read. The Castro family thanked investigators and prosecutors and expressed hope that the case would deter reckless action on waterways.

Jeff Knight is known for owning several businesses in downtown St. Petersburg, including the popular music venue Jannus Live. Days after the April crash, Knight stepped down from his position with Jannus Live.

Investigations by ABC Action News’ I-Team revealed that Knight was involved in a previous boat crash in 2019 while operating the same vessel that struck the Clearwater Ferry. Court records indicate a history of boating-related charges, DUI, and traffic violations for Knight dating back to 2012.

According to an FWC warrant, Knight initially told a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy that he fled the scene because his boat was taking on water and there was an infant on board. However, further FWC investigation, including analysis of surveillance video, physical evidence, and witness interviews, contradicted his claim. Investigators found no evidence that Knight’s boat was taking on water or “listing.” Passengers on Knight’s boat also reported that he instructed them to hang up when they attempted to call 911.

Knight was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and later released on a $40,000 bond. ABC Action News has reached out to Knight’s attorney for comment but has not yet received a response.

FWC officials are scheduled to provide an update on the investigation at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT on Tuesday at the Clearwater Police Department.