Bay Correctional Facility, located in Panama City, Florida, is a private prison operated by The GEO Group, Inc. The facility has a capacity of 985 inmates and houses male offenders. Bay Correctional Facility was constructed in 2004 in Bay Industrial Park on Bayline Drive.
The prison has faced several controversies over the years. In 2018, the facility was placed on lockdown after a group of inmates staged a protest against the quality of food served. Reports also surfaced of inadequate medical care and staff shortages. The GEO Group, Inc. has faced criticism for its management of the facility and its treatment of inmates. Despite these issues, the prison remains operational and continues to house inmates.
Overall, Bay Correctional Facility remains a topic of interest and controversy in the Florida prison system. The facility’s management and treatment of inmates are closely monitored by advocates and officials alike.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 985 |
| Physical Address | 5400 Bayline Drive Panama City, Florida 32404-5492 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (850) 769-1455 |
| Jurisdiction | Private |
History and Overview
Bay Correctional Facility is a private prison located in Panama City, Florida. It was built in 2004 by the Corrections Corporation of America (now known as CoreCivic) under a contract with the Florida Department of Corrections. The facility has a capacity of 985 inmates and houses medium- and maximum-security male offenders.
In 2018, Bay Correctional Facility was taken over by the GEO Group after the company acquired CoreCivic’s correctional and detention facilities. The facility continues to operate under a contract with the Florida Department of Corrections.
Private prisons like Bay Correctional Facility are controversial, with critics arguing that they prioritize profits over inmate rehabilitation and safety. However, supporters argue that private prisons can provide cost savings for taxpayers and alleviate overcrowding in public prisons.
In 2017, Bay Correctional Facility made headlines when Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm, caused significant damage to the facility. The facility was evacuated and inmates were transferred to other prisons. After repairs were made, the facility reopened in 2018 under the new management of the GEO Group.
Jesse Williams, a former inmate at Bay Correctional Facility, filed a lawsuit against the facility in 2019 alleging that he was subjected to inhumane conditions, including a lack of access to medical care and extreme temperatures. The lawsuit is ongoing.
Overall, Bay Correctional Facility has a complicated history and continues to be a source of controversy and debate.
Location and Contact Information
Bay Correctional Facility is located in Panama City, Florida, on Bayline Drive. The facility is easily accessible by car, and visitors can use the provided directions to reach the facility without any issues.
Physical Address
The physical address of Bay Correctional Facility is 5400 Bayline Drive, Panama City, Florida 32404. Visitors can use this address to locate the facility using a GPS device or online map.
Directions
Visitors can use the following directions to reach Bay Correctional Facility:
- From the North: Take I-65 South to Exit 130 for AL-30 towards Greenville. Turn right onto AL-30 W and continue onto FL-77 S. Turn right onto FL-389 S and continue for approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto Bayline Drive and continue for approximately 1.5 miles. The facility will be on the right.
- From the South: Take US-98 E to FL-77 N in Callaway. Turn right onto FL-77 N and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Bayline Drive and continue for approximately 1.5 miles. The facility will be on the right.
Contact Us
Visitors can contact Bay Correctional Facility using the following information:
- Phone Number: (850) 769-1455
- Mailing Address: Bay Correctional Facility, 5400 Bayline Drive, Panama City, Florida 32404
Visitors should note that phone calls may be monitored or recorded for security purposes. Additionally, all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection.
Overall, Bay Correctional Facility is easily accessible and provides visitors with clear directions and contact information.
Facilities and Services
Bay Correctional Facility offers a range of prison facilities and services to its inmates, including educational programs and medical facilities.
Educational Programs
The facility provides Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) programs to help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Vocational programs are also available to provide training in various trades, such as welding, carpentry, and auto mechanics. These programs aim to equip inmates with the necessary skills to secure employment upon release.
Medical Facilities
Bay Correctional Facility has a medical unit staffed by qualified medical professionals who provide routine and emergency medical care to inmates. The facility offers a range of medical services, including dental, vision, and mental health care. Inmates with chronic medical conditions are provided with ongoing medical care and treatment.
The safety of inmates is also a top priority, and the facility has implemented safety measures to ensure the well-being of all inmates. Substance abuse programs, including Intensive Outpatient and Substance Abuse Prevention/Education, are available to inmates who require assistance with addiction.
Institutional Betterment Programs, such as the Law Library Program and Library Program, are also available to help inmates improve their knowledge and skills. These programs aim to provide inmates with access to educational and legal resources to help them better understand the law and make informed decisions.
Overall, Bay Correctional Facility is committed to providing its inmates with the necessary facilities and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Inmate Information
Inmate Search
The Bay Correctional Facility provides an online inmate search tool that allows users to search for inmates by their last name, first name, or ID number. This search tool is available on the facility’s official website and is updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Inmates can also be searched using JPay Services, a third-party service that offers a mobile app and website for inmate searches.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at the Bay Correctional Facility are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. All incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate and include:
- Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
- PO Box 23608
- Tampa, FL 33623
Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, but they can receive letters, photos, and money orders. All incoming mail is subject to inspection and may be rejected if it violates facility rules.
Inmate Money
Inmates at the Bay Correctional Facility can receive money from family and friends through JPay Services or by mail. Money orders must be made payable to the inmate and include their full name and ID number. Inmates can use this money to purchase items from the facility’s commissary or to pay for phone calls and other services. Inmates are not allowed to have cash or coins in their possession.
Overall, the Bay Correctional Facility provides inmates with the necessary resources to stay in touch with their loved ones and manage their finances while incarcerated. However, it is important to note that all communication and financial transactions are subject to monitoring and inspection by facility staff.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation is an important way to maintain family and community ties for inmates at Bay Correctional Facility. However, the facility prioritizes the health and safety of those who live and work in the facility, and thus, has specific guidelines for visitors.
Visitors must receive approval to visit and understand the scheduling process before visiting. The facility offers in-person and video visits, and visitors must be familiar with the visiting guidelines for adult inmates. The guidelines include information on the types of visits, how to use Webex to join a video visit, and vaccination/testing procedures.
To schedule a visit, check the FDC website. Visitors should check the visiting status page for specific visiting days and reservation instructions before scheduling a visit.
Visiting hours at Bay Correctional Facility are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. EST. Visitors should check the facility visiting status page frequently for updates on the phase status of the facility and important details for requesting a visit. The visiting status page also provides information on any additional days of visiting or visiting closures.
Communication between inmates and their loved ones is important, and Bay Correctional Facility offers various communication methods. Inmates can make collect calls, and they can also purchase phone time through the commissary. The facility also offers electronic messaging through JPay, which allows inmates to send and receive secure messages. However, inmates are not allowed to receive incoming messages from the internet or email.
Overall, Bay Correctional Facility recognizes the importance of visitation and communication for inmates and their families. The facility provides clear guidelines and options for visitors and inmates to maintain their connections while prioritizing the health and safety of everyone involved.
Security and Custody Levels
Bay Correctional Facility is a mixed-security prison that houses male inmates in Panama City, Florida. The facility has a capacity of 985 inmates and is operated by The GEO Group, Inc. The prison has a security level of close custody, which means that the inmates are closely monitored and have limited movement within the facility.
The custody level of the inmates at Bay Correctional Facility varies depending on their behavior and the severity of their crimes. Inmates can be classified as minimum, medium, or close custody. The classification is based on several factors, including the nature of their offense, their criminal history, and their behavior while in prison.
The staff at Bay Correctional Facility is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the inmates, visitors, and other staff members. The prison employs a team of correctional officers, administrative staff, and medical personnel to provide care and support to the inmates. The warden of the prison is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility and ensuring that all procedures are followed.
The Florida State Prison System has strict procedures in place to ensure that inmates are housed in facilities that are appropriate for their security and custody levels. Inmates are regularly evaluated to determine if they should be moved to a different facility with a higher or lower security level. The goal of the system is to ensure that inmates are housed in facilities that are safe and secure, while also providing them with the resources they need to successfully re-enter society.
In conclusion, Bay Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison with a close custody level. The prison employs a team of staff members who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the inmates, visitors, and other staff members. The Florida State Prison System has strict procedures in place to ensure that inmates are housed in facilities that are appropriate for their security and custody levels.
Release and Reintegration Programs
Bay Correctional Facility offers various programs to prepare inmates for their release and reintegration into their communities. These programs are designed to help inmates successfully re-enter society and reduce the risk of recidivism.
One of the programs offered is the 100-hour Transition Program. This program provides inmates with the essential skills and knowledge needed to successfully transition back into society. Inmates learn about job search techniques, resume writing, and interview skills. They also receive guidance on financial management, housing, and community resources.
Another program offered is the Life Skills program. This program focuses on providing inmates with practical skills that they can use to lead a productive life outside of prison. Inmates learn about budgeting, time management, and decision-making skills. They also receive training on interpersonal skills, such as communication and conflict resolution.
Bay Correctional Facility also offers a Volunteer Literacy Program. This program provides inmates with an opportunity to improve their reading and writing skills. Inmates work one-on-one with volunteers to develop their literacy skills. This program not only helps inmates improve their literacy skills, but it also provides them with a positive social experience.
Overall, Bay Correctional Facility provides inmates with various programs to prepare them for their release and reintegration into their communities. These programs are designed to help inmates successfully transition back into society and reduce the risk of recidivism.