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Miramar approves donation of 11 surplus public-safety vehicles to Commonwealth of Bahamas
Summary
The City Commission approved donating 11 surplus public-safety vehicles — one ambulance and 10 police pursuit vehicles — to the Royal Bahamas Police Force under Florida statute 274.06; the Bahamas delegation will coordinate shipment and will cover transport costs.
The Miramar City Commission on Feb. 5, 2025 approved donating 11 surplus public-safety vehicles — one fire-rescue ambulance and 10 police pursuit vehicles — to the Commonwealth of Bahamas Royal Police Force under Florida Statute 274.06.
The donation, presented by Kirk Hobson Garcia, acting director of Public Works, was described as a way to "strengthen regional collaboration" and to “optimize the use of surplus assets.” Hobson Garcia said the vehicles have been cleaned and prepped and that the Bahamas will arrange and pay for shipping. He also said a formal handover event is scheduled for the following morning at 9:30 a.m.
City staff told commissioners each vehicle is valued at less than $5,000 and that U.S. Customs documentation and an inspection will be completed before shipment. A Bahamas delegation that included elected officials and senior police representatives attended the meeting and thanked the city for the gift. Kingsley Smith, parliamentary secretary for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, said, "I would too would like to thank all of you for this kind donation." A member of the Bahamas delegation identified in the meeting as "Miss Knowles" also addressed the commission to extend thanks.
Commissioners asked practical questions about timing and logistics. Hobson Garcia said he expects the paperwork and export process to take roughly two to three weeks and described coordination with a customs broker and a Bahamas embassy point of contact. The process will include taking vehicles to a shipping yard, loading into containers and transporting to The Bahamas; the receiving country will bear shipping costs, the presentation said.
Mayor Wayne Messam and multiple commissioners praised the donation as regional cooperation and noted the large Miramar population with Bahamian ties. The commission approved the donation by voice vote, recorded as four affirmative votes (Commissioners Barnes, Chambers, Colburn and Mayor Messam) with no recorded opposition.
The agenda item paperwork listed the legal authority as Florida Statute 274.06, which authorizes disposition of surplus property by sale, donation or other means to government entities when aligned with public interest. City staff said they will follow the statute's notification and documentation requirements and complete customs paperwork before physical transfer.
The commission promised a formal ceremony and follow-up to identify additional surplus vehicles for potential future donations. The item did not specify a complete inventory list in the public presentation — the staff report and procurement documentation list vehicle types and per-unit values as "each valued at less than $5,000."
