Jeff Knight resigns from Jannus Live following a boat crash incident.
Jeff Knight, a local businessman and minority owner of Jannus Live, has resigned from his position with the St. Petersburg venue in the wake of a tragic boating incident that occurred on Sunday. The event resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries after a boat operated by Knight collided with the Clearwater Ferry. The announcement of his resignation was made via social media by Jannus Live, emphasizing that the decision was made out of respect for the victims of this incident and to prevent any distractions from the venue’s operations.
In the immediate aftermath, Knight’s attorney released a letter to investigators asserting that Knight did not commit a crime when he departed the scene of the crash. The letter claimed that the ferry was inadequately lit and suggested that the crew may have been distracted by dolphins in the area.
Knight has been affiliated with Jannus Live since 2009, when it was previously known as Jannus Landing. The venue’s social media statement clarified that Knight would no longer be associated with Jannus Live and confirmed that operations would continue normally under the existing management team, dedicated to providing quality live entertainment for the local community.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is conducting an investigation into the incident, which took place near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge. Reports indicate that approximately 45 individuals were on board the ferry, including two crew members. Time-stamped footage captured the moment of the collision and showed Knight’s vessel striking the ferry shortly after 8:40 PM.
Knight’s legal counsel indicated that he had urged someone on his boat to call for emergency assistance and remained on scene until first responders arrived. According to the letter, Knight’s boat took on significant water following the incident, prompting him to make the decision to return to the dock for safety reasons.
Witness accounts and video evidence are central to the ongoing investigation. Knight’s attorney asserts that multiple witnesses have indicated the ferry lacked proper lighting at the time of the crash. In contrast, those familiar with the ferry’s operations have expressed skepticism regarding these claims, highlighting that navigational lights typically function well.
Knight has previously faced legal issues related to impaired driving and has a history of incidents involving his vessels. His previous encounters with law enforcement add a layer of complexity to the current situation, as the investigation unfolds to determine the cause of the tragic accident.
As authorities continue their inquiry, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash and ensuring accountability for all involved parties.
