“There’s no doubt about it,” says Biloxi Police Chief John Miller of the city auction this weekend: “Some people like to come to these city auctions just to watch, to listen to the auctioneer, to see the deals and see what’s going on. There is a definite entertainment value.”
The city will hold an absolute auction – all items will be sold for the highest price – of surplus equipment and seized items on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at 1656 Popp’s Ferry Road, behind the Cedar-Popp’s fire station. Those interested have a chance to preview the merchandise on Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee on Saturday, and food and drinks will be available.
Safety guidelines – wearing of facemasks and social distancing – will be followed during the event.
In all, more than 800 items will be sold, many in lots, where items are bundled together.
Among the items: surplus and seized vehicles, laptop computers and tablets, cell phones, video game players, hand tools, power tools, generators, jewelry, commemorative and gold coins, and dozens of bikes of all makes and models.
“This is an opportunity for the city to legally dispose of surplus and seized assets,” said Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. “It’s also an opportunity for the general public to find some great deals on a wide variety of merchandise. And there’s the entertainment value.”
Years ago, before he was chief, Miller was actually an auctioneer, when the auctions of surplus and seized property were held at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center.
In more recent years, the annual auctions have been conducted by a professional auctioneer, Nick Clark, and conducted on city property off Popp’s Ferry Road, east of Cedar Lake Road.
Clark said he’s impressed with the array of assets being auctioned.
Among the items expected to attract attention: a Ford F 250 Ranch King and a 19-foot Boston Whaler. “Those Ranch Kings could be valued as much as $80,000 in some auctions and we sold one the other day for $16,000” Clark said. “And everybody’s heard of the Boston Whaler name. And if you’ve already got a boat, we have a numbers of trailers for sale, too.”
The vehicles run the gamut, including the Ford 250 King Ranch, Acura T2X, several Crown Victorias, Ford F-150s, Impalas, Explorers, a Trans AM, Chevy Suburban, Honda Accord, and Dodge Durango.
“Some are in real good shape,” Clark said with a smile. “Some are pre-wrecked, and we probably have one or two with a bullet hole in them, at no extra charge.”
See the flyer from Nick Clark
See the complete list of items
See photos and auction details
News & notes: Relief, reports, reminder
Relief I: The Biloxi Police Department is part of an effort to help repair homes, deliver supplies and prepare food for Sally victims. Those wishing to to donate cleaning supplies, food, drinks (no clothing) can drop off items at the sheriff’s Lorraine Road Work Center, 10046 Lorraine Road, Gulfport today through Friday. Details: Robin Weaver, 228-896-0606.
Relief II: The Biloxi Fire Museum continues to raise funds for building supplies to help restore homes for first responders in the Laura and Sally disaster zones. To donate securely online, click here.
Reports: Find out what happened in Biloxi last week, as reported by the city’s Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development and Engineering departments. To read the weekly reports, click here.
Reminder: The curtain is coming down on Census 2020 at the end of this month. Billions of dollars stand to be lost by states and cities who fail to have all residents counted. Have you, your family and friends responded? It takes only a few minutes. Click here.