Jeffry Knight, Ferry Captain Charged in Boat Crash

Jeffry Knight, a Tampa Bay-area businessman and owner of several St. Petersburg venues, has been arrested and charged with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death or serious bodily injury after his boat collided with the Clearwater Ferry in April, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Additional misdemeanor charges against Knight, such as failure to maintain a safe speed and proper lookout, are expected. Knight's attorney claims he stayed to assist at the scene, but investigators and 911 evidence indicate he attempted to leave before being stopped 3.5 miles away by deputies. The ferry's captain, Dennis Kimmerer, has also been charged with a misdemeanor for not having a working stern light at the time of the crash. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission led the investigation, reviewing footage and conducting interviews. Several lawsuits have been filed against Knight by injured passengers, and he has since stepped down from his business positions.