Who Is Jeffry 'Jeff' Knight? Clearwater Ferry Accident Boat Driver Identified

Authorities have identified Jeffry Knight as the driver of the recreational boat involved in a deadly crash with the Clearwater Ferry on Sunday night, April 27, 2025, near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway, reported Iontb. The boat crash left one man dead and several others injured. Officials said the recreational vessel struck the ferry at high speed and fled the scene before being located near the Belleair Boat Ramp. The ferry, carrying 45 passengers and two crew members, many returning from the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, was initially believed to have run aground. First responders treated dozens of injured passengers, with 10 people transported to hospitals and six who were declared trauma alerts. Jose Castro, 41, of Palm Harbor died at the scene after being pulled onto a Coast Guard vessel. "We’d like to offer our deepest condolences to the loved one of the deceased," said Cmdr. Fredrick Pugh, Chief of Response for Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. Also Read: Illinois State University: Shots Reportedly Fired At Bone Student Center | Details The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the crash investigation. A separate probe is also underway by the US Coast Guard. Authorities stated that no alcohol was detected on Knight and that no charges have been filed as of April 28, Iontb reported. Who Is Jeff Knight? Jeffry Knight is a well-known businessman in the Tampa Bay area, according to Iontb. He serves as Chairman of Knight Enterprises and owns Knight Global Entertainment, which operates popular venues like Jannus Live. His company, acquired by Mill Point Capital in 2020, generates around $34 million annually. Knight lives in a nearly 12,000-square-foot home in Largo. According to the records, he was previously cited for careless boating after a 2019 crash near St. Petersburg. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.