Whitney Beach Plaza attracts kayak shop

Happy Paddler Island Adventure Outfitters, a local kayak rental and tour company, has signed a lease for space in Whitney Beach Plaza.

Owners Shane Catts and Holly Rolls will offer new and used kayaks and paddleboards for sale at the store, along with specialty gear for excursions.

Happy Paddler Island Adventure Outfitters is based on Anna Maria Island and offers tours and rentals on the barrier islands and in Robinson Preserve in Bradenton.

The company also offers private expedition tours, paddle lessons and naturalist courses.

Catts and Rolls are out of town on business and couldn’t be reached for comment. A timeline for the store’s opening hasn’t been announced yet.

Other recent additions to the plaza include Rip Current, a new beach apparel shop that includes everything from clothing to home décor, and Beach Fitness 24/7, which plans to open Aug. 1.

 Bob Parrish, CPA, P.C., meanwhile, leased the 1,144 square-foot space formerly housed by Engel & Volkers Florida on July 1.

Giacamo’s Bar and Lounge, though, originally scheduled to open before the Fourth of July holiday, is still not open and a new opening date hasn’t been announced.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].