Jul. 9, 2009--CLEARWATER -- An everything-must-go sale is underway at the 112-year-old Belleview Biltmore Resort hotel, with some 600 people lined up outside shortly after the sale began Thursday at 10 a.m. and another 200 or so bargain-hunters inside.

Items for sale range from chandeliers to wheelchairs to PA equipment. Even garland hanging in the hallway off the lobby was up for grabs, priced at $45, while one armoire was going for $200.

The sale, conducted by National Contents Liquidation, is the first step in a massive makeover. The hotel was closed last month to prepare for a three-year, $100-million renovation. Every item inside the 246-guest room facility -- from the beds to the television sets to the fixtures and kitchen appliances -- is for sale.

Joseph Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, which owns the Biltmore, said his company still plans the $100 million makeover.

"I think the deal is even better than it was a few years ago," he said by phone Thursday morning.

All items will be tagged, priced, and sold as is, and the buyer will have to remove the purchases from the property.

The sale will continue until 5 p.m. Sunday until everything is sold. For more information, call (727) 441-9690.

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