Potential bidders have until 4 p.m. today to inspect the array of surplus and seized property – high-end and late-model vehicles, electronics, jewelry – that will be auctioned Saturday morning beginning at 9 at the Public Safety Communication Center on Popp’s Ferry Road, east of Cedar Lake Road.
Since 9 this morning, a steady stream of would-be bidders has passed through the three dozen vehicles and looked over computers and jewelry to plot strategy for when bidding begins Saturday. The gates today are open until 4 p.m. A $10 admission will be charged to those attending Saturday and those attending must be age 18 or older.
Among the 300 items that will be sold at the auction: a Cadillac SUV, BMWs, laptop computers, and two school buses. Of course, a number of the vehicles are former patrol cars from the Biloxi Police Department or staff cars from the Biloxi Fire Department. Also on the block are digital cameras, lawn mowers, designer clothing, cell phones, office equipment, ice machines, TVs and more than 50 bicycles.
“The great thing about this auction for the bidders is that it’s an absolute action, meaning everything must go,” Biloxi Chief Administrative Office Mike Leonard said. “For the city, it’s a way for us to legally dispose of equipment we have replaced and property that has been seized through the courts.”
Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be sold during the auction, which is expected to run until about 3 p.m. Winner bidders must make immediate payment using cash, check or credit card. Seven percent sales tax is added unless the buyer is exempt from tax.
The auction is being conducted for the city by longtime auctioneer Nick Clark, who is a licensed auctioneer based in Jackson. City employees and Clark’s staff are not eligible to bid.
The auction site is at 1656 Popp’s Ferry Road, east of Cedar Lake Road. The auction is being conducted for the city by Nick Clark Auctions.
See the flyer
Photo Gallery: The scene this morning
See the Nick Clark Auctions website
Elsewhere this weekend: The monthly downtown event, First Friday takes on a Christmas theme this evening from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Rue Magnolia Art District, at 6 p.m. nearly 200 children will parade in a 10-unit procession for annual Christmas the Water Children’s Parade in downtown traveling from Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Center to the Biloxi Town Green where the Lighting of the Green will take place and at 7 p.m. “A Christmas Carol” performance will take place at the Saenger Theater. Then on Saturday the 13th Annual Christmas on the City festival will fill the Rue Magnolia Art District with arts, crafts, and food booths from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the parade of decorated boats will travel along the Mississippi Sound beginning at 6 p.m. Also, Santa’s Best swim meet will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Biloxi Natatorium.
See the Community Calendar
See a complete listing of Christmastime happenings
See a complete weekend line-up of events
News and notes: Images, agenda, and safety videos
Lighting of the Lighthouse: The Christmas season officially kicked off in Biloxi Thursday evening when Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich” turned the switch and lit the historic Biloxi Lighthouse in Christmas lights. To see images from the event, click here.
Council meeting: The first meeting of the month for the Biloxi City Council will be Tuesday evening at 6 at the Biloxi City Hall. To see the agenda and supporting documents, click here.
Shopping safety: Biloxi Police Chief John Miller is asking that you don’t let safety take a back seat when out shopping during this holiday season. To see the four-minute video, click here.
Christmas tree safety: The Biloxi Fire Department has a few tips to help you to stay fire safe when choosing and decorating a Christmas tree this holiday season. To see the nearly two-minute video, click here.
