PSTA board members today floated a plan to tap insurance proceeds to bring in outside legal muscle for claims tied to last year’s deadly Clearwater Ferry collision. Agency leaders outlined a strategy to retain an attorney to steer a growing tangle of criminal and civil cases tied to the crash.
Board weighs a $500K legal tab
According to WTSP, PSTA staff told the board Wednesday the agency may spend up to $500,000 from an insurance policy to hire outside counsel for the Clearwater ferry case. Board members debated whether outside representation is necessary to defend claims and coordinate with the agency’s insurers.
Fatal crash and legal fallout
The legal chatter comes as families and attorneys continue to press claims from the April 27, 2025 collision in Clearwater Harbor that killed José Castro and injured roughly 10 people, local reporting shows. Tampa Bay Times has reported that Jeff Knight, the operator of the recreational boat involved in the crash, faces multiple felony counts and that a criminal trial is set for October.
Injured passengers seek counsel
Several passengers have hired attorneys and at least one civil complaint has already been filed, with plaintiffs’ firms lining up to represent victims, Spectrum News 13 reported. Some firms have said they intend to pursue negligence claims against the boat operator and any other parties they deem responsible.
PSTA: cooperating and focused on safety
PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry have repeatedly said they are cooperating with investigators and that safety remains their top priority. In a May 2025 statement the agency said it was "heartbroken" over the loss and injuries and confirmed that only inspected vessels cleared for limited service would be used while the investigation continues. PSTA also said the boat involved in the crash would not return to service.
The board did not settle on a specific firm or finalize a contract Wednesday, and agency officials said more details will come as claims and court calendars develop. For now, the discussion shows PSTA is gearing up for a potentially costly legal fight as civil and criminal cases move ahead.
