Bradenton Beach officials were put on notice of a potential $100 million class action lawsuit alleging political corruption, graft and fraud in the city’s post-hurricane property damage assessments and treatment of small businesses.
A letter dated Aug. 1 and submitted Aug. 14 to Bradenton Beach City Hall by businessman Bob Bolus notified the city of his intent to sue in federal court, but Florida statutes require a 180-day investigation period before litigation. The rule is designed to protect public funds and potentially avoid the cost of prolonged litigation.
The Florida Department of Financial Services was copied on the correspondence.
Bolus alleges that following hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024, substantial damage assessments found the cost of restoring many structures equaled or exceeded 50% of their market value. Under FEMA and local ordinances, such a finding triggers a requirement to bring a building into compliance with current codes. Bolus claims to have copies of numerous property owners’ contacts with city officials and alleges “political corruption and graft” involving city officials and developer Shawn Kaleta, as well as “fictitious entities” controlled by Kaleta.
According to the letter, Bolus alleges that officials and Kaleta conspired to fraudulently determine properties as substantially damaged in an unlawful agreement that allowed Kaleta to purchase and develop the properties. The letter also claims “sweeping restrictions” on small businesses devastated by the hurricanes, characterizing them as a fraudulent attempt to force them out of business to benefit Kaleta, entities he controls, local officials and their associates.
Bolus also states he has a “whistleblower” witness with “intimate knowledge” of the allegations.
Bolus plans to seek punitive damages, in addition to other damages allowed by law and he intends to report the allegations to the Florida Attorney General for possible criminal investigation.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie declined comment to The Islander Aug. 14.
The Islander texted Shawn Kaleta Aug. 14, but, as of Islander press time Aug. 18, there was no reply.
Bolus and Kaleta are involved in ongoing litigation on another matter.
In July 2021, AMI Welcome Center LLC, as assignee of Shawn Kaleta, filed suit in Manatee County against Bolus Truck Parts & Towing Service Inc., alleging breach of contract.
The dispute stems from a May 2021 commercial contract for the sale of the former Bank of America building at 699 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach. Kaleta’s legal team alleges Bolus breached the agreement by failing to clear a recorded judgment lien and refusing to execute closing documents.
AMI Welcome Center claims it delivered full payment and was ready to close, but Bolus’ nonperformance caused damages exceeding $30,000. Kaleta’s legal team is seeking damages, attorney’s fees and a court order compelling Bolus to complete the sale.
In an Aug. 14 interview with The Islander, Bolus spoke briefly about his allegations. He claimed city officials and Kaleta were engaged in corruption.
Bolus said he opted to pursue a federal case in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to avoid what he described as a “good old boy club” in local state court.
However, he declined to comment on details.
“I think we’re going to wait a little for the thing because when we lower the boom … the storm is coming. And it’s not from the Gulf… It’s coming right from us,” he said.
