Jeff Knight: A Reputation Rocked by the Clearwater Tragedy

Jeff Knight, a 62-year-old businessman from St. Petersburg and former owner of Jannus Live, is now at the center of a high-profile legal case. On April 27, 2025, his private 37-foot recreational boat collided with a Clearwater Ferry carrying approximately 45 passengers after the final night of Clearwater’s Sugar Sand Festival. One passenger, 41-year-old Jose Castro, was killed, and ten others were injured, some critically. Authorities say Jeff Knight left the scene afterward without offering help or calling emergency services. He was later located about four miles away and voluntarily submitted to a sobriety test, which found no alcohol in his system. The case has sparked intense public scrutiny in the Tampa Bay area.

Who Is Jeff Knight

Jeff Knight is a well-known local entrepreneur, formerly tied to the popular Jannus Live music venue in downtown St. Petersburg. He stepped down from his role shortly after the crash, and it remains unclear whether he retains ownership stakes in the business. At the time of the crash, Knight was piloting a private boat with six passengers aboard. The vessel struck the commercial ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge around 8:40 p.m. Witnesses captured video showing the boat smashing into roughly three-quarters of the ferry’s stern, causing severe damage and chaos aboard, with emergency calls reporting screams and distress.

What Happens Next for Jeff Knight

After a three-month investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) and U.S. Coast Guard, Jeff Knight was arrested and charged with eight felony counts for leaving the scene of a boating accident that resulted in death or serious bodily injury. He also faces misdemeanor charges for operating at an unsafe speed and failing to maintain a proper lookout.

Knight was detained at the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport after cooperating with investigators. He posted a $40,000 bond hours later and was released from jail. Meanwhile, the ferry’s captain was separately cited for violating navigation rules by failing to have a working stern light during the crash — a violation that Knight’s attorney argues shifts liability onto the ferry operator.

Impact and Legal Implications

The case highlights broader questions about boating safety and post-crash responsibility. Investigators analyzed dozens of witness testimonies, GPS data, 911 call recordings, and structural reconstructions before filing charges. Officials cite a noticeable “change in demeanor” during a recorded 911 call, which they say reflects Knight’s decision to depart the scene rather than remain and assist.

Knight’s defense team disputes this version, stating he remained onboard the ferry for over 11 minutes, tied his boat to the vessel, and directed passengers to call 911. They argue the charges stem more from public opinion than facts and emphasize alleged safety violations by the ferry operator itself.

As the legal process continues, Jeff Knight could face significant prison time if convicted. The outcome may lead to increased scrutiny of safety standards and operator responsibilities on Florida’s waterways.