The Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach is at the center of a legal battle after the landowner moved to evict the residents and close the park.

The Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association on March 28 sued the park owner, Pines Park Investors LLC, challenging closure notices sent to residents.

The lawsuit filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit alleges the owner of the park violated state law. The complaint also accuses the park owner of issuing improper notices, neglecting maintenance of common areas and failing to provide adequate residential parking.

The HOA is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, along with a court order to stop the closure.

The suit was filed about six months after the park was damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton. After the 2024 storms, the city eventually told residents they could repair their homes with the proper permits.

However, in January, PPI notified residents of a closure plan, citing hurricane damage, noncurrent lease payments and a coming zoning change.

Issues also arose over a park parking lot, which under the former ownership had been used by residents free of charge. Residents allege a new pay-to-park system does not meet zoning rules, which mandate that each home have an assigned space.

PPI bought the park Aug. 5, 2023, for $16.25 million from The Jackson Partnership LLLP. And a March 5 appraisal valued the park at $16.6 million — much lower than the $75 million asking price that PPI set when it offered to sell the park to residents. The lawsuit argues the asking price was unreasonable.

The lawsuit also highlights a clause in a mortgage agreement from the park purchase that prevents the new owner from changing the zoning or land use until August 2028.

The suit also takes issue with a “right to purchase” offer made by PPI and requiring residents to sign an agreement that strips their protections under state law.

PPI is overseen by developer Shawn Kaleta, who owns multiple properties on Anna Maria Island.

Attorney Jeremy Anderson of Anderson, Givens and Fredericks P.A. of Tallahassee, spoke to The Islander April 4 about the suit.

Anderson said residents of the park are alleging deceptive practices and unfair treatment. He said that despite assurances that the community is “rebuildable,” residents say they were misled about rent policies and the park’s future. Some have surrendered their homes under financial pressure, only for the owner to later announce the park would remain open — contradicting claims of a land-use change after obtaining titles to the units.

The lawsuit was filed March 28, with PPI given 20 days to respond.

“This area,” Anderson said, “is a slice of paradise for many hardworking Americans. For some families, it’s been home for generations, offering access to the beach and a way of life they’ve cherished for decades. They did so under the representation that for the past 55 years, the land was intended for park use. Pines Park Investments assured them there was no intent to change that.”

The Islander reached out to Kaleta’s legal counsel, Louis Najmy of Najmy Thompson PL, April 3 for comment but there was no response.