Longtime owners of West Coast Surf Shop put store on market

ANNA MARIA ISLAND -- 

When you think of the Gulf, you may not think of surfing as a big hit on the West Coast of Florida.  

However, despite the lack of huge waves, a surf shop in Manatee County has managed to be a huge success.

The West Coast Surf Shop is located on Anna Maria Island.  The owner, Jim Brady, opened it in 1964 when he was a junior at Manatee High School.

Customers have flocked to it for 47 years. During this time, the surf shop has done very well.

But now Brady and his wife, Ronee, are ready for something new. They've listed the popular surf shop on the market.

"We've been kicking it around to sell it," he said. "We want to retire and spend time with our grandkids."

The couple wants to travel around the world with their grandchildren, who are competitive surfers.

Longtime customers are saddened by the news.

"I'm going to miss it if it goes away," Olivia Hamilton, 15, said.

Brady said the store isn't going anywhere. It's just he and his wife who will be leaving. They hope whoever buys it from them will keep it the same.

"If it's not broken, don't fix it," Brady said. "The store is good and in a good location."

The Bradys said that, once the shop gets new owners, they will help with the transition.

They won't give details about the asking price for the business. 

Anyone interested in purchasing the West Coast Surf Shop should contact Mike Norman Realty on Holmes Beach.