Trial In 2025 Fatal Clearwater Ferry Crash Pushed Back

CLEARWATER, FL — The trial of a man facing multiple felony charges in last year’s deadly Clearwater ferry crash has been pushed back several months, Pinellas County court records show.

Jeffrey Knight, charged with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating accident involving injury, was initially set to go to trial on Oct. 5.

At Monday’s pre-trial hearing, the trial date was delayed to Feb. 1, court records said.

An additional pre-trial hearing was also set for July 24.

Knight, the former Jannus Live owner, was identified as the driver of a boat that slammed into the Clearwater Ferry, killing one person, a Palm Harbor father of two, 41-year-old Jose Castro, in the April 27 crash. Ten others were injured.

More than 40 others were aboard the ferry at the time of the fatal accident.

In addition to the felony charges, he also faces 16 counts of violation of navigational rule 5 resulting in a boating accident.

Castro’s family told WFLA that they were “exhausted” after Monday’s pre-trial hearing, which they attended.

“We were not expecting to wait this long for the trial, but there is nothing we can do,” his sister, Sandy Todd, reportedly said. “We need cooperation from the Coast Guard.”

The family is seeking reports on the crash from the Coast Guard before the trial can move forward, she added.

See Also:

• Deadly Clearwater Ferry Crash Trial Set In Pinellas County: Reports
• Jannus Owner Jeffrey Knight Charged With 8 Felony Counts In Clearwater Ferry Crash
• Families Sue Boat Owner In Fatal Clearwater Ferry Crash: Reports
• 5 Things To Know About Deadly FL Ferry Crash
• FL Ferry Crash Victim Remembered By Loved Ones At Funeral
• Knight, Who Crashed Into Clearwater Ferry, Steps Down From Jannus Live