Interim Bradenton Beach building official Rob Perry addresses the city commission April 16 at city hall to review relocated boulders on the beach near 22nd Street North and Gulf Drive North. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
A dispute over the displacement of boulders on a Bradenton Beach shore was deemed a civil matter between property owners following a review by local and state officials.
Interim building official Rob Perry informed city commissioners of the development April 16, outlining the city’s coordination with Florida Department of Environmental Protection inspector Erin Luaces after reports that the rocks, originally placed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect the shoreline, were moved March 31.
Perry has said that during an April 8 meeting with Luaces, developer Shawn Kaleta acknowledged moving the boulders near his property, Seaside at Anna Maria Island Inn, 2200 Gulf Drive N.
Gayle Luper said the relocated boulders blocked beach access at a cottage owned by her family at 2108 Gulf Drive N.
Perry said city staff worked with Kaleta and Luper and coordinated a site visit with the DEP.
He said DEP staff provided guidance, emphasizing that work on the beach — like moving rocks — requires permitting and authorization.
He said the DEP also issued a warning to Kaleta. “They just said, ‘Don’t do it again. Stop what you’re doing,’” he said.
“The final email from DEP was it becomes a civil matter between the two properties,” he said. “Case closed on that one.”
Commissioner Scott Bear asked whether the rocks would be moved back and Chief John Cosby said the city’s position is that the rocks were determined to be on Kaleta’s private property and the dispute should be handled between the property owners.
However, any future work on the beach, including moving rocks or altering dunes, requires a field permit or other authorization from DEP, he said.
The review prompted a broader look by the city at shoreline activity, including unpermitted fencing and other structures that may extend beyond private property and were built after the 2024 hurricanes.
DEP investigators were expected to return to the site to review shoreline conditions, Perry said.
The Islander reached out to the DEP multiple times April 7-April 17 for comment but, as of press time April 20, there was no response.
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