Never mind! After public outcry, Okaloosa County nixes possible site for new jail

CRESTVIEW — Cheers filled the Crestview Courthouse on Tuesday during an Okaloosa County Commission meeting as County Administrator John Hofstad told those in attendance that county officials have backtracked on plans that would have seen the purchase of a 68-acre property that could have been the future location of the new Okaloosa County Jail.

Here is what we know:

Background of the jail issue

On Thursday, Nov. 30, county officials released the meeting agenda to the public. The agenda included discussion and a vote on the purchase of a 68-acre plot to the northwest of the Highway 90/Mt. Olive Road intersection for the site of a new county jail.

The county deemed the land favorable, since it has access to water and sewer service and fiber connectivity.

Then, over the weekend, the public pushback commenced.

"In light of recent input from business prospects and residents related to this property, the staff report has been updated for discussion at the meeting," county officials wrote in a Facebook post.

With the change, the Tuesday meeting turned into a discussion about a possible purchase of the land for other county uses, such as a realignment of the intersection of Mount Olive Road and Jericho Road, the possible implementation of a memorial to fallen law enforcement officers, and stormwater control.

Public pushback on the proposed jail site

"Putting the new jail there would kind of put families in jeopardy over there," Chirs Boyle said during a public comment section of the meeting. Resident Jesse Davis presented the commission with a petition signed by 230 people who opposed that site for the new jail.

During his three-minute speaking time, he also gave his thoughts on the issue of other uses of the proposed land. Those issues highlighted the price taxpayers would have to pay for the county to remove lead from the grounds, which once were used by the Shoal River Sporting Clays and Shooting Center.

Commissioners' thoughts on the selection process

As the commissioners began to deliberate on the issue, all five members showed apprehension about purchasing the property.

Commissioner Nathan Boyles knows that the current jail is well past its better days, which creates challenges for those working there and those incarcerated at the facility. Boyles told those in attendance at the meeting that it's the county's responsibility to maintain public safety, which includes a new jail.

"I think this was one of those situations where we got running a little bit too fast and stumbled," Boyles said.

Commissioner Paul Mixon advocated establishing a site selection committee for the new jail. The process would be similar to the ones county officials use for large purchases. This process would present options to the board, promoting more community involvement in the selection process.

What's next?

After deliberations, all commission members agreed that the county should begin a site selection process to determine where a new jail could be located.

By the Jan. 2 County Commission meeting, commissioners expect to receive information on a new site selection committee.

As for the parcel of land under discussion: The board will have until Feb. 7 to approve the purchase of the property, while a closing would have to occur before April 30.

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This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Let's try this again: County nixes proposed jail site; will appoint committee