Clearwater Ferry captain pleads to lesser offense in deadly 2025 crash

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The captain who operated the Clearwater Ferry at the time of the deadly 2025 crash has pleaded down from his misdemeanor charge, according to court records. On April 25, 2025, Jeff Knight, former owner of Jannus Live, crashed his boat into the ferry, resulting in the death of Jose Castro and injuring 10 other people. Knight was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with serious injury and death, although his attorney disputed claims made by the prosecution. The ferry captain, Dennis Kimerer, was also initially charged with a misdemeanor for violating navigation rules resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the charge stemmed from operating the ferry without a working stern light. “Factually speaking, Mr. Kimerer was charged as the captain of that vessel for not having that light present at the time of the event,” FWC Officer Matt Dallarosa told 8 On Your Side in July 2025. “That fact has been documented and that’s what that charge is for.” This was also referenced in sworn letters by witnesses who stated they heard Knight say, "where the f— were their lights," after crashing into the boat. In exchange for a lesser offense, Kimerer entered a plea of no contest to a noncriminal ordinance infraction on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The infraction is under the state law that covers "a person who violates the navigation rules and the violation does not constitute reckless operation of a vessel." He was then ordered by the court to pay a $500 fine and court costs. Court records show Knight is scheduled for a jury trial for his felony charges on Feb. 1, 2027.