Bradenton Police Probe Contractor Over Unfinished Hurricane Repairs
The Bradenton Police Department is investigating a Manatee County construction company following complaints of incomplete hurricane repair work in Seabreeze Mobile Estates. The neighborhood sustained significant damage during Hurricane Milton in October 2024, and more than two dozen residents say they hired RedFin Construction, also known as MTC General Contractors, but never saw the promised repairs.
Homeowners reported paying large deposits, in some cases tens of thousands of dollars, only to be left with unfinished or untouched projects. Frustration has mounted as families await repairs necessary to restore or sell their homes.
The company’s executive, Brian Michaud, has faced scrutiny before. Records from Wisconsin show that the state’s Department of Justice sued him in 2014, resulting in a $41,000 forfeiture judgment tied to a coupon book business that misled advertisers and veterans’ organizations. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau had investigated the case, finding that companies and charities were negatively affected.
In Manatee County, residents such as Jim Schmidt say they are struggling to move forward. His 87-year-old mother-in-law paid more than $16,000 as a deposit but is now transitioning into assisted living, leaving her family to repair and sell the home to cover care costs. Schmidt said the company has issued repeated delays while circulating a list of pending addresses still awaiting work.
Emails from Michaud to residents insist the company has acted properly, accusing critics of spreading false claims. However, some families say refund promises have gone unfulfilled, leaving them with little recourse other than law enforcement and consumer protection agencies.
The investigation remains active as police review complaints and documentation from residents.
