Clearwater Ferry to resume service Thursday; injured passenger sues
May 7, 2025 - The Clearwater Ferry, suspended since a fatal collision April 27, will resume operation Thursday between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach. The vessel Monica's Crossing was not involved in the accident and will provide the service. According to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, the U.S. Coast Guard has inspected the vessel and cleared it for commercial operation. Meanwhile, passenger Nicole Makelele has filed a lawsuit seeking more than more than $50,000 from St. Pete businessman Jeffry Knight, the driver of the 37-foot powerboat that struck Maddie's Crossing, another boat in the Clearwater Ferry fleet, on the 27th. Passenger Jose Castro was killed in the collision. No criminal charges have been filed in the case, which is being investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.