Clearwater, FL — Authorities have identified Jeff Knight as the operator of a recreational boat that collided with the Clearwater Ferry on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025. The tragic crash, which occurred shortly after sunset, resulted in the death of 41-year-old Jose Castro, a passenger aboard the ferry. Knight, who was not injured in the incident, has since become the focus of a growing investigation.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the collision took place in the Intracoastal Waterway and involved significant impact between Knight’s boat and the commercial ferry, which was carrying several passengers at the time. The details surrounding the crash remain under active investigation by the FWC and supporting law enforcement agencies.
Following the collision, Knight reportedly left the scene of the incident. He was later located approximately 3.5 miles south, near the Belleair Causeway. Upon contact, authorities administered a breathalyzer test, which confirmed Knight had no alcohol in his system. Despite the absence of alcohol, questions remain about the circumstances leading up to the crash, including the speed, visibility conditions, and possible negligence.
Jeff Knight is a prominent figure in the Tampa Bay area, best known for his role in revitalizing the downtown St. Petersburg live music venue Jannus Landing, now known as Jannus Live. Since taking over in 2009, Knight has remained a well-known name in local business and entertainment circles. However, his past includes a series of boating and legal incidents that have resurfaced in light of the recent tragedy.
In 2012, Knight was involved in another high-profile boating incident in which a man drowned after falling from his yacht. Though no charges were filed in that case, it raised concerns about safety practices aboard Knight’s vessels. Additionally, public records show Knight has multiple prior arrests for impaired driving, raising further questions about his history behind the wheel — and at the helm.
Sunday’s collision has shocked and saddened the Clearwater community. Jose Castro, the sole fatality, has been remembered by friends and family as a hardworking and devoted man, whose life was cut tragically short during what should have been a peaceful ferry ride.
Investigators are now working to determine whether Knight’s actions following the crash, including leaving the scene, could result in criminal charges. FWC officials have stated that all factors — including mechanical conditions, witness statements, and Knight’s boating history — are being closely reviewed.
As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited broader conversations about boating safety, operator accountability, and the enforcement of maritime regulations in Florida’s increasingly busy waterways.
No charges have been filed at this time, and Jeff Knight has not publicly commented on the incident.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Jose Castro, while calls grow louder for transparency and justice in the wake of this preventable tragedy.