Bolton-Biloxi Lighthouse Fight Continues
By Sue Clark on Aug 6, 2008 in Opinion 
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Bolton Gets Another Thirty Days
In the long running dispute with the city of Biloxi, Hayes Bolton has been given another thirty day reprieve to install a proper fence to hide his jet ski dealership and pawn shop from the eyes of visitors to Biloxi’s lighthouse. If he doesn’t he will face contempt of court charges. What? Hasn’t that been threatened before? I’ve lost count of how many times he’s been given thirty days to comply, and yet he continues to flaunt the law, avoiding jail time and refusing to do as the judge reasonably asks.
To do a quick recap, the story began when Biloxi attempted to condemn his property to take control over it. I did not (and still don’t) believe in that type of proceeding, but when Bolton refused to put up a suitable fence, and overpriced his property, I began to think he’s suffering from Oppositional Defiance Disorder.
In the latest round of court proceedings, Judge Robin Midcalf has given him another thirty days to meet the guidelines for a fence, since the poor boy was unable to do so in the meantime. Bolton’s plans to sell the property to a national drug store chain have fallen through, so he’s once again responsible for fixing the fence that isn’t.
According to the story in the Sun Herald, Community Development Director Jerry Creel said he sent a building inspector to check on the brick columns and said they nearly fell on him. “They are not anchored to anything, but are just towers of brick and mortar.” Certainly not the historically accurate, or at least aesthetic fence the city wants him to put up.
Biloxi has supposedly made an offer to buy the property, but the amount is ridiculously low, according to Bolton and his attorney. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in thirty days, and what Bolton’s latest excuse (if any) is for not complying with the judge’s order. I for one, would like to see him thrown in jail for contempt of court, as he’s been threatened to have done for so long now. Does Judge Midcalf not have the courage to do so? How many chances does a person get down in Mississippi? If your name is Hayes Bolton, apparently as many as you want.
For further background on this story, please visit the posts listed below.
Photo credit: Biloxi Lighthouse 2008 by Traveling Fools of America. Some rights reserved.
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September 6th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
WOW , I BET THE CITY OF BILOXI OFFICALS AND JUDGE FEEL LIKE REAL IDIOTS NOW. HAYES BOLTON WAS FOUND DEAD IN HIS HOME. HE TOOK HIS OWN LIFE BECAUSE OF THE PRESSURES OF THE CITY AND HIS FIGHT WAS JUST TOO MUCH TO HANDLE HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND THAT I WILL MISS .
RIP HAYES
September 10th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Wow! How does one go from……” If the fence that Mr. Bolton offered to build was not acceptable, perhaps the city should spring for the costs associated with one that they feel is good enough. By the way, look at the fence surrounding the lighthouse put up by the city. Historically accurate? I think not. An alternative would be for the city to move the lighthouse to someplace more picturesque. Good for tourism, and Mr. Bolton can keep his business.”………….to “I for one, would like to see him thrown in jail for contempt of court, as he’s been threatened to have done for so long now. “…………I guess you must be happy you wont have to write about Mr Bolton anymore.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
@gary hopkins,
Sad to hear of his death. I don’t think the issue will be closed, though.
@tracy,
If he would have complied with at least part of the court orders, that’s one thing. But he didn’t. If I had ignored the directives, you can bet I’d be in jail for contempt of court.
And yes, I still think the city has no business attempting to take property by eminent domain. But a little cooperation on both sides would have done wonders for the city and lighthouse.
December 26th, 2008 at 12:18 am
I had heard about this about this situation about about a month ago. Hayes and I had been friends many years ago. In my wildess dreams I can not ever imgagine him taking his own life.He was one of the most compassionate people I had ever met. It makes me sad that it is known that he took his own life.
Linda Carol Kirbow Nunes :]]
December 27th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
That was the ruling. It may have been easier for his friends and family if it was an accident. It’s always so sad when something like this happens.
Thank you for commenting.