Flagler County Jail Expansion To Open For Business Soon

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Flagler County Jail

Flagler County, FL-A new expansion to the jail facility in Flagler County opens officially on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting. The building of the jail was funded by the continuation of a half-cent sales tax approved by voters four years ago.

Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre said when the original jail was built, Flagler County's population was only 25,000 people. It's more than quadrupled since then and so there was a need for the jail expansion.

Manfre said as the population has grown, so have violent crime numbers, leading to the need for separate areas for the more violent criminals.

The new two-story, pie-shaped expansion adds 272 beds bringing the total to 402. Sheriff Manfre said the construction was budgeted at $20 million for 200 additional cells. He said he's proud of the fact that there are more beds in the facility and the project came in $2 million under budget.

Manfre said that the additional space will make things safer for inmates and staff alike. Other improvements include new electronic security and access controls throughout the facility, and full renovation of security and detention doors, hardware and locks.

Sheriff Manfre also said he's got some other ideas to go along with the new jail and has already implemented some of them

The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 10 a.m. July 7 at the Flagler County Inmate Facility, 1002 Justice Lane, Bunnell. Speakers include Flagler County Commission Chair Barbara Revels, Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson and Sheriff Jim Manfre.

Refreshments will be served and limited tours will be provided. Visitors will undergo security screenings before entering the Inmate Facility that are similar to entering the courthouse.