Jeff Knight’s deadly Clearwater Ferry crash trial scheduled to begin Feb. 1, 2027
May 04, 2026
Jeff Knights trial for the deadly Clearwater Ferry crash has been delayed to Feb. 1, 2027, with more pretrial proceedings and evidence disputes ahead.The date was pushed from a tentative October 2026 start. Knights next pretrial
hearing is set for July 24, 2026. The prosecution and defense are still trying to obtain Coast Guard reports but they have not been given access. The judge suggested they seek help from congressional representatives or the governor.Knight was arrested on July 28, 2025, after a three-month Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation. He is charged with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating crash that killed one person and injured several others, along with 16 misdemeanor counts related to speed and failing to keep a lookout.Knight, a former downtown St. Petersburg business owner, entered a not guilty plea on Aug. 1, 2025. Many depositions have already been taken, with more to come before the new trial date.PREVIOUS COVERAGE Jeff Knight enters plea of not guilty in Clearwater ferry crash: Court documents Family of victim reacts to arrest made in Clearwater Ferry crash Timeline: Events that led to the arrest of Jeff Knight after fatal ferry crash Jeff Knight arrested after 3-month FWC investigation into deadly Clearwater ferry crash Victim who was killed in boat collision near Memorial Causeway bridge has been identified
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