The move to privatize Suwannee Correctional Institution has been abandoned, according to SCI Warden Jim Witt.
The measure was written into the proposed state budget by the Florida Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee. Budget conference committee members gave up on the measure during negotiations Sunday night, according to legislative reports.
"We're excited we're going to be able to stay in the community," Witt said Monday by phone.
The measure would have saved the state $3.4 million in operational costs and retirement benefits for correctional officers and other employees. However, SCI will be a 24-hour lock down facility that houses inmates with behavioral problems. If the prison were to be privatized, those inmates would have to be housed elsewhere.
SCI currently has 175 inmates at the work camp with a capacity of 432. The main unit is scheduled to open in August. The annex is scheduled to open in November. If original plans are followed the prison will house more than 3,000 inmates and employee more than 600 workers.
SCI is located seven miles east of Live Oak on the south side of US 90.
Local News
<font color="#FF0000">BREAKING NEWS:</font> Privatization plans scrapped
Suwannee Correctional Institution will remain a state-run facility
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5th grader belts a rendition of "I Will Always Love You"
A Suwannee County fifth grader mesmerized students, parents and faculty during the Suwannee Intermediate School Spring Talent Show Thursday evening.
Brittanie Powell performed “I Will Always Love You” which was immortalized by the late Whitney Houston. It was Brittanie’s first performance and she selected the song a few weeks ago after watching a contestant perform it on American Idol. -
Pournelle receives valedictorian title
The only SHS senior with a 4.0 GPA was left out previously due to district policy
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Suwannee Democrat obituaries - May 25, 2012
Agnes Barr Taylor
Bobby Roberts
Clifton E. Riley Sr.
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Suwannee County's vals and sals
Editor's note: In today's paper (May 25) salutatorian is above Mara Lance's photo. Lance is a Suwannee High School valedictorian.
SHS
Valedictorians
Laura-Kaitlyn Boatright
Mara Magee Lance
Salutatorian
Christopher Cole ThomasBHS
Valedictorian
Robert Hansen
GPA - 3.83
Salutatorian
D’Vonte Cherry
GPA - 3.76
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Democrat Morning Update for Friday, May 25
Good morning. This is what's happening in your county today.
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FCAT 2.0 math and reading results
Suwannee falls right in line with state averages
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