Last of BB Sunshine defendants ordered to pay
Is the sun about to set on a Bradenton Beach Sunshine dispute?
Circuit Judge Edward Nicholas ruled May 14 that Reed Mapes must pay $19,760 to Bradenton Beach to end a Sunshine lawsuit that pitted the city against volunteer board members.
The amount includes $17,998 in attorney fees and prejudgment interest of $1,762.
The order follows the judge’s 2019 ruling that former members of the planning and zoning board and Scenic WAVES Committee violated Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law by discussing city issues as part of a grass-roots group, Concerned Citizens of Bradenton Beach.
The Sunshine Law is a series of regulations intended to guarantee that government records and meetings are accessible to the public — in the sunshine.
Previously, defendants John Metz and Tjet Martin settled with the city for a $350,000 joint payment.
Defendants Patricia Shay and Bill and Rose Vincent settled for $500 each.
At a hearing March 29, attorney Robert Watrous said he believed Mapes owed $31,925 in city fees and $17,998 in attorney fees.
The Islander called Mapes for comment May 20 but he declined the call.
— Kelsey Mako