WEWAHITCHKA, Fla. — The top priority of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is the safe and secure operations of Florida’s correctional institutions, including the health and wellbeing of all staff and inmates. On March 8, 2022, in conjunction with local emergency management officials, FDC staff and administration successfully evacuated nearly 1,700 inmates from Gulf Correctional Institution due to a nearby wildfire.
“I am immensely proud of our staff for their unyielding devotion to our mission, especially while working under pressure,” said Secretary Ricky Dixon. “We also appreciate our local law enforcement and emergency management partners for their ongoing efforts and ask you to keep the communities impacted by this fire in your thoughts and prayers.”
During the evacuation, public safety was of primary importance. All inmates and staff are accounted for, safe, and well. Transfers have been completed to nearby Franklin Correctional Institution in Carrabelle, and the Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley. Individual inmate locations will be updated on our website within 24 hours.
FDC inmate search service: www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx
