On August 14, Bradenton Beach received a letter informing them of a potential $100 million lawsuit. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson
Bob Bolus addresses the audience during a Bradenton Beach commission meeting in 2023 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
Officials in Bradenton Beach have been alerted to a potential $100 million class action lawsuit, which includes allegations of political corruption, graft, and fraud regarding the assessments of property damage following hurricanes and the treatment of local businesses.
A letter dated August 1 and delivered to Bradenton Beach City Hall on August 14 by businessman Bob Bolus alerted the city of his plans to file a lawsuit in federal court. However, Florida law mandates a 180-day investigation period before litigation can commence, a rule intended to safeguard public funds and potentially avoid lengthy legal battles.
The Florida Department of Financial Services also received a copy of this correspondence.
Bolus asserts that after hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in the fall of 2024, significant damage assessments indicated that the costs to restore various structures were equal to or exceeded 50% of their market value. According to FEMA and local regulations, such evaluations necessitate compliance with current building codes. Bolus claims to have documentation of multiple property owners communicating with city officials and alleges “political corruption and graft” involving city officials, developer Shawn Kaleta, and “fictitious entities” associated with Kaleta.
In the letter, Bolus accuses officials and Kaleta of colluding to falsely classify properties as substantially damaged via an unlawful agreement that enabled Kaleta to acquire and develop these properties. The letter further describes “sweeping restrictions” imposed on small businesses affected by the hurricanes, characterizing them as fraudulent attempts to drive them out of business for the benefit of Kaleta, his companies, local officials, and their affiliates.
Additionally, Bolus mentions he possesses a “whistleblower” witness who has “intimate knowledge” of these allegations.
Bolus intends to seek punitive damages, along with any other damages permitted by law, and plans to report the allegations to the Florida Attorney General for potential criminal investigation.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie declined to comment to The Islander on August 14.
The Islander reached out to Shawn Kaleta on August 14, but by the time of publication on August 18, no response had been received.
Bolus and Kaleta are currently engaged in another legal dispute.
In July 2021, AMI Welcome Center LLC, representing Shawn Kaleta, initiated a lawsuit in Manatee County against Bolus Truck Parts & Towing Service Inc. for breach of contract.
This dispute originated from a May 2021 commercial contract concerning the sale of the former Bank of America building at 699 Manatee Ave., Holmes Beach. Kaleta’s legal team contends that Bolus breached the contract by failing to resolve a recorded judgment lien and refusing to sign closing documents.
AMI Welcome Center asserts that it made full payment and was prepared to finalize the sale, but due to Bolus’ inaction, it suffered damages exceeding $30,000. Kaleta’s legal representatives seek damages, attorney fees, and a court order mandating Bolus to complete the transaction.
In an interview with The Islander on August 14, Bolus briefly discussed his claims, stating that city officials and Kaleta were involved in corrupt activities.
Bolus explained his decision to pursue a federal case in the 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 refrained from elaborating on specific 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.
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