CORTEZ – After 25 years in business, the Sea Hagg, 12304 Cortez Road W., is being sold and an online auction of some 1,000 nautical, decorative and architectural items is underway.
“This auction is going to be held in two parts and is online only,” said Brian Hollifield, owner of Sarasota-based Freedom Auctions. “This is all because of parking challenges at the site, where we would expect more than 200 people to turn out.”
This sale is intended for locals, Hollifield said, as the second phase of liquidation will take place in February in Freedom’s Sarasota gallery, which he anticipates will bring buyers worldwide.
“Locals really won’t want to miss this,” he said.
The iconic blue 1991 Mercury Capri convertible complete with mermaid tailfins parked out front of the shop is a well-known advertising sign and is up for grabs in the auction.
Hollifield said it doesn’t run and he’s not sure if there’s even a key, but he said that it’s a landmark on Cortez Road that countless people have stopped to photograph.
The Sea Hagg closed its retail operations on Oct. 8. The online auction ends Thursday, Oct. 27. Items must be picked up Oct. 28-30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items not picked up will be forfeited.
The auction features a large assortment of items including furniture, concrete figures and architectural and decorative pieces.
“This is a very positive sale,” Hollifield said. “Jan Holman has sold the property after 25 years in business and it conveys on Oct. 31 to the new owners.”
On the Sea Hagg Facebook page, “The Sea Hagg wishes to thank all the folks responding to the news of our closing this week. She has really enjoyed being a special part of family traditions and vacation adventures all these years. We all agree it is sad to say goodbye to this treasure. But the spirit of the Sea Hagg continues, showing up in restaurants, homes and gardens.”
The Sea Hagg will have an online shop and seasonal sales events, according to the Facebook page. Holman will continue to design for homes, resorts and restaurants.
For more information, visit the auction website.
