BRADENTON BEACH – Homeowner Bob Bolus, an outspoken critic of the city government, has delivered a notice of intent to file a $100 million class action lawsuit against the city based on allegations of fraud and favoritism toward developer Shawn Kaleta.
The letter was delivered to the city by certified mail on Aug. 14.
Bolus, who divides his time between his homes in Bradenton Beach and Scranton, Pennsylvania, has been involved in a legal battle with Kaleta since July 2021. According to the Manatee County Clerk of Court website, Kaleta has sued Bolus, doing business as Bolus Truck Parts and Towing Service Inc., for breach of contract.
Bolus’ letter reads as follows:
“To Whom It May Concern:
“Please be advised that this is a letter of notice of intent to file a lawsuit pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 768.28 (6), as a required condition precedent to maintaining a claim. As per the applicable statute, Florida’s Department of Financial Services is copied on this correspondence.
“Please consider this your opportunity for one-hundred eighty (180) days to investigate the claim and amicably resolve the matter without the need for litigation, as outlined under Florida Statutes 768.28 (6)(d). All of the facts and circumstances relied upon within my claim occurred with the previous three (3) years, fulfilling the requirement of Florida Statutes 768.28 (6)(a) and all potential causes of action are within their respective statutes of limitations under the relevant law.
“During the past year, I sent an informal complaint to The Board of Commissioners as an attempt to resolve these issues, and that complaint was ignored, so now, in order to preserve my rights, I believe I’m left with no recourse but to seek redress in Federal District Court in The Southern District of Florida.
“Due to the devastating effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck Anna Maria Island on September 25, 2024 and October 9, 2024, property owners requested “substantial damage assessments” of their properties. The assessments were largely found to determine that the cost of restoring the structure would equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) of its market value. I have copies of numerous property owners contacts with Bradenton Beach officials.
“Further, I have evidence that through political corruption and graft, Braden (sic) Beach officials have conspired with an individual, Shawn Kaleta, and any number of fictitious entities controlled by Mr. Kaletta (sic) to fraudulently determine that properties are “substantially damaged” at or beyond 50% of their market value in an unlawful agreement wherein Kaletta (sic) would then purchase and develop the properties.
“I also have a witness who is a “whistleblower” with intimate knowledge of these allegations who was dismissed because he refused to go along with what he knew to be morally objectionable.
“I further have reliable evidence of sweeping restrictions imposed on small business owners who were devastated by the 2024 hurricane season that are nothing more than a fraudulent attempt to force them out of business in a conspiracy to benefit Mr. Kaletta (sic), fictitious entities controlled by Mr. Kaleta, and local officials and their associates.
“I plan to consolidate all claims into a class action lawsuit for fraud and any and all other appropriate claims and seek damages, including punitive damages, treble damages, and all other damages allowed by applicable law in a claim for relief of one-hundred million dollars ($100,000,000.00).
“I believe fraud is apparent as there is a knowingly false material misrepresentation, made with intent to deceive, upon injured third parties who relied on that misrepresentation, had a right to rely on that misrepresentation, and were, in fact, injured because of that misrepresentation.
“Lastly, I plan to report graft and political corruption to the Florida Office of Attorney General, as what is happening is criminal, as well as civil.
“Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
“Sincerely,
Bob Bolus, Sr.
cc: Florida Department of Financial Services.”
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie declined to comment on the letter.
