In Clearwater, Florida, on the evening of April 27, 2025, a serious boating accident occurred involving a 37-foot recreational boat and the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. The boat, operated by Jeffry Knight, owner of the St. Petersburg concert venue Jannus Live, collided with the back of the ferry, which was carrying 44 passengers at the time. The crash resulted in the death of one person, Jose Castro, a 41-year-old man from Palm Harbor, and injured 10 others, including a pregnant woman and several trauma cases, some of whom were airlifted to hospitals

. The ferry passengers described a sudden and violent impact, with the ferry's captain's console folding over and pinning the captain. Witnesses and victims criticized Knight for not taking accountability, as he left the scene shortly after the collision and was later intercepted by authorities. Although Knight volunteered a breath test showing no alcohol, he did not take a blood test for drugs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident, including whether Knight stayed on the scene long enough to avoid a hit-and-run charge

. The collision disrupted the ferry service, which was used by many for the nearby Sugar Sand Festival, but the service has since resumed after a pause for investigation and safety checks

. In summary, the Clearwater incident was a fatal and injurious collision between a private boat and the Clearwater Ferry, leading to one death, multiple injuries, ongoing investigations, and community concern over accountability and safety