Top Florida Correctional Official Resigns
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — After two years and a flurry of controversies, Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Michael Crews will resign at the end of the month.
economic downturn
Florida Gets Tough on Inmate Abuse
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — More than a dozen employees of the Florida Department of Corrections have been fired following a crack down on employee misconduct.
Jacksonville Debuts Transitional Facility for Inmates
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new facility that looks like a high school and apartment complex combined awaits Florida inmates just released from the state’s prison system. Opened on Feb. 12, the five-building, 344-bed Jacksonville Bridge complex features a transition center, work release facility and residential substance-abuse treatment program.
Read moreFlorida Judge Limits Privatization of Prison Health Care
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A judge in Florida blocked efforts by the state’s Department of Corrections to privatize the delivery of health care in its prisons in an early December ruling. Although the judge’s decision did not rule out ever aspect of the plan, it dealt a significant blow to the proposal. Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper ruled that health care services could not be privatized in any of the regions north of Palm Beach County because the state legislature hasn’t provided specific funds for outsourcing in those regions.
Read moreFlorida Looks to Expand Re-Entry Program With Federal Grants
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Corrections was recently awarded a $750,000 federal grant to improve its offender re-entry program.
The funds for the Federal Second Chance Act program, which were conferred jointly to the DOC, the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, will be used to boost the state’s growing re-entry program that aims to reduce recidivism by targets felony offenders returning back to society.
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