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Community supports Anna Maria Island surf shop as it recovers from fire

The owners of a popular surf shop on Holmes Beach haven't been able to rebuild after a fire in April, but they're still open for business.
Credit: 10News Staff
West Coast Surf Shop continues to sell what's left of its inventory and to host surf classes.

HOLMES BEACH, Fla.-The owners of a popular surf shop on Holmes Beach haven’t been able to rebuild after a fire in April, but they’re still open for business.

“We’re not going out with a fire; we want to reopen,” said Jim Brady, owner of West Coast Surf Shop on Gulf Drive.

Below their burned shop the owners of West Coast Surf Shop are selling inventory left over at a discount and continuing their surf camp for kids.

“When you own property and business together, when your income stops, your business stops. But the bills don’t’ stop. Personal bills don’t stop,” said Brady.

Regular customer Kristen Johnson returned to buy her son a skimboard.

“Support a local business in need. We wouldn’t buy it anywhere else,” said Johnson.

“When coming across from downtown Bradenton, this is one of the first places you see on the island,” said new customer Dave Taylor. He stopped in during his Fourth of July beach day.

Taylor said his daughter is also part of the surf shop’s surf camp this summer.

The "challenges they’ve had with the insurance company, challenges with the fire alone doesn’t stop them from still doing business … it’s great to see that,” he said.

Brady opened the surf shop on Holmes Beach 54 years ago.

“It’s been a way of life for me since I was 16,” he said.

The Bradys have given many young people on the island their first job, a place to live, memories of summers at the beach, and on Saturday up to 700 friends came out to Anna Maria Island to say thanks at a benefit for the family.

“It definitely makes life easier,” said Brady. “The generosity, the outpour of concern and support was phenomenal. I mean, it really surprised me. I really appreciate it.”

Brady hopes the insurance issues will soon be resolved and he can reopen the surf shop by Christmas.

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