Starke, Bradford County, Fla. — April 16, 2026 — Strong community opposition helped halt progress on Agenda Item 5A at last evening’s Bradford County Commission meeting, as commissioners declined to advance a motion to move forward with leasing the Douglas property for use as a detention facility.

After extensive public comment highlighting legal, financial, environmental, and community concerns, a motion made by Commissioner Dougherty failed to gain support, signaling that the Board was not prepared to move forward with the proposal given unresolved risks and alternative uses.

Sarah Younger, SSJ Executive Committee member, urged commissioners to reconsider the lease, framing the issue clearly.

“This comes down to a simple question: are you protecting County property—or giving it away too cheaply and too quickly?” Younger said.

The proposal would have leased a 100,000-square-foot facility for $1,000 per year for a detention center that could hold up to 3,000 people. Younger argued the County would be “taking on more risk for less return,” citing the lack of a finalized federal contract, Department of Homeland Security approval, or guaranteed revenue.

“When the public benefit is unclear, this creates legal exposure,” she said. “It opens the door to scrutiny and potential litigation over whether public assets were given away without adequate return.”

Younger also raised concerns about hidden local costs, including increased demands on the Sheriff’s Department and emergency services, as well as environmental risks tied to the site’s ongoing remediation.

“Moving forward now means layering a high-risk use on top of an unresolved environmental problem,” she said.

Bradford County resident Maria Geer emphasized the long-term vision for the property and the community’s identity.

“I don’t want this to be our legacy,” she said, expressing hope for an industrial park that would bring local jobs and sustainable growth. “We should be choosing something our community can be proud of.”

A speaker from Starke, Jenna Talleda, highlighted key operational and financial risks associated with immigration detention, noting it differs significantly from traditional corrections.

“This is not just ‘more corrections,’” she said. “You’re tying Bradford County to a system that has struggled with oversight and accountability.”

She warned that local services—including EMS, law enforcement, and healthcare—could be strained, while projected costs could reach approximately $195,000 per month.

“That is not sustainable funding—it’s an ongoing subsidy,” Jenna said, pointing to industrial development opportunities that could provide stable jobs and long-term tax revenue.

Speakers consistently urged the Commission to slow the process, complete environmental remediation, require fair market value, and fully evaluate alternative uses for the property.

Community members welcomed the Commission’s decision not to advance the proposal, viewing it as a sign that additional consideration is being given to protecting County resources and pursuing more sustainable development options.

“This is an outcome worth noting.” Younger said after the meeting ended, “Sometimes the best decision is knowing when not to make one.”