Suwannee Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Live Oak, Florida. The facility is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and houses male offenders of minimum, medium, close custody, and death row. The institution is made up of a Main Unit, Work Camp, Road Prison, Transitional House, and Annex.
The Suwannee Correctional Institution has been the subject of several surveys and reports, including physical and mental health surveys, institutional demographics, and staffing. These reports provide insight into the conditions and operations of the facility. The reports are available to the public and can be accessed online through the Florida Correctional Medical Authority website.
The Suwannee Correctional Institution has faced criticism in the past for issues such as overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate medical care. However, the facility has also received praise for its educational and vocational programs, which aim to help inmates reintegrate into society upon their release. Overall, the Suwannee Correctional Institution is a significant part of the Florida Department of Corrections and plays a vital role in the state’s criminal justice system.
Temporarily closed satellite location: Suwannee Work Camp
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 3,567 |
| Physical Address | 5964 U.S. Highway 90 Live Oak, Florida 32060 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (386) 963-6530 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Establishment
Suwannee Correctional Institution (SUWCI) is a state prison located in Live Oak, Florida, USA. The institution is situated on U.S. Highway 90, approximately 60 miles west of Jacksonville, Florida. The facility is easily accessible by car and public transportation.
The institution was established in 2009 and is part of the Florida Department of Corrections. SUWCI is a multi-level security prison that houses male inmates of minimum, medium, and close custody levels. The facility consists of a Main Unit, a Work Camp, a Road Prison, a Transitional House, and a Community Release Center.
The institution is located in Live Oak, Florida, a small city of approximately 6,800 residents. Live Oak is the county seat of Suwannee County and is located in north-central Florida. The city is home to several parks, museums, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal location for families to visit while visiting loved ones at the institution.
Overall, Suwannee Correctional Institution is a well-established facility that provides a safe and secure environment for its inmates. The institution’s location is convenient for visitors and provides easy access to the surrounding areas.
Inmate Information
Suwannee Correctional Institution houses adult male inmates in Live Oak, Florida. The facility is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 3,567 inmates. Inmates at Suwannee Correctional Institution have been convicted of a variety of crimes, including drug offenses, robbery, and murder.
The facility provides several resources for inmates to access information and communicate with the outside world. Inmates can receive mail from family and friends, and they can also make phone calls and send emails through a secure system. Inmates can also access educational and vocational programs to help them prepare for life after release.
Youthful adult inmates, aged 18-24, are housed in a separate unit at Suwannee Correctional Institution. This unit provides specialized programming and services to help young inmates successfully transition back into society.
Inmates who have committed particularly heinous crimes, such as Craig Price, who was convicted of four murders in Rhode Island, are housed in a separate maximum-security unit at Suwannee Correctional Institution. Aiden Fucci, who was charged with the murder of Tristyn Bailey, is not housed at Suwannee Correctional Institution as he is a juvenile and is being held in a separate facility.
Overall, Suwannee Correctional Institution provides inmates with access to resources and programs to help them successfully re-enter society upon release.
Sending Funds
Sending funds to an inmate at Suwannee Correctional Institution is a straightforward process. Friends and family members can deposit money into an inmate’s account to be used for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other approved expenses.
There are several ways to send funds to an inmate at Suwannee Correctional Institution. One option is to use the Send Money service provided by JPay. This service allows users to send money online, over the phone, or in person at participating retail locations. To use the Send Money service, users must create a JPay account and provide the inmate’s ID number.
Another option is to send a money order or cashier’s check through the mail. Money orders and cashier’s checks should be made payable to “Florida Department of Corrections” and include the inmate’s name and DC number. Cash and personal checks are not accepted and will be returned to the sender.
It is important to note that funds sent to an inmate’s account may be subject to certain restrictions. For example, inmates may only be allowed to spend a certain amount of money per week on commissary purchases. Additionally, funds may be used to pay outstanding debts or fines owed by the inmate.
Overall, sending funds to an inmate at Suwannee Correctional Institution is a simple process that can be done online, over the phone, or through the mail. By following the guidelines provided by the Florida Department of Corrections, friends and family members can ensure that their loved ones have access to the funds they need to make purchases and communicate with the outside world.
Visitation and Communication
Suwannee Correctional Institution allows visitors to come and visit their loved ones who are incarcerated. Before visiting, visitors must be on the incarcerated individual’s approved visitor list. All visits must be scheduled in advance, and visitors must adhere to all applicable rules as if they were visiting in person. Visitors can schedule a visit via the Internet or by calling the institution.
In-person inmate visitations are Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Video visits are available and can be scheduled for 30 minutes. Additional time may be available depending on the institution and schedule. All video visits are subject to monitoring and recording. Visitors must follow the same rules as if they were visiting in person.
Suwannee Correctional Institution conducts searches on all visitors before they are allowed to enter the facility. Visitors must abide by the dress code and follow all rules and regulations. Any violation of the rules may result in the termination of the visit and the visitor being banned from future visits.
Inmates at Suwannee Correctional Institution are allowed to receive mail from friends and family. Inmates can receive letters and photographs, but any other items must be approved by the institution. All incoming mail is subject to search and inspection for contraband.
Inmates can also send and receive emails through a secure system. The emails are monitored and can be reviewed by the institution. Inmates must follow all rules and regulations regarding email communication.
The inmate mailing address is:
Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
PO Box 23608
Tampa, FL 33623Communication with inmates is an important part of maintaining relationships with loved ones who are incarcerated. Suwannee Correctional Institution provides various options for communication, including in-person visits, video visits, and email communication. Visitors must follow all rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the institution.
Educational and Personal Growth Programs
Suwannee Correctional Institution offers a variety of educational and personal growth programs aimed at helping inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them succeed after their release. These programs include GED and Adult Basic Education classes, as well as Basic Education and General Educational Development courses. Inmates can also take advantage of Special Education Services, which are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
The institution’s Library Services and Law Library Program provide inmates with access to a wide range of educational materials, including books, magazines, and legal resources. Inmates can also participate in Personal Growth Programs, which are designed to help them develop important life skills and improve their overall well-being. These programs include wellness education, as well as voluntary literacy programs that encourage inmates to improve their reading and writing skills.
In addition to academic programs, Suwannee Correctional Institution also offers a number of vocational programs that can help inmates develop valuable job skills. These programs include Ready to Work, which provides inmates with training in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. Inmates can also participate in the institution’s Voluntary Literacy Program, which is designed to help them improve their literacy skills and prepare for the GED exam.
Overall, Suwannee Correctional Institution is committed to providing inmates with a range of educational and personal growth programs that can help them succeed both while they are incarcerated and after their release. These programs are designed to help inmates develop new skills, build self-confidence, and prepare for a successful re-entry into society.
Religious and Behavioral Programs
Suwannee Correctional Institution offers a variety of religious and behavioral programs to its inmates. These programs aim to promote pro-social behavior and reduce recidivism and disciplinary infractions. The institution offers programming that caters to both male and female medium, minimum, close, and community custody-level inmates who are motivated to change.
Religious Education
The Chaplaincy Services Branch at Suwannee Correctional Institution ensures the Constitutional religious rights of inmates. Chaplains facilitate religious worship and sacred scriptural studies across faith lines in addition to providing pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and counseling. Religious programming is led by agency chaplains, contracted spiritual leaders, and volunteers.
Behavioral Programs
Suwannee Correctional Institution offers several behavioral programs that aim to help inmates develop a positive attitude toward life. These programs include Anger Resolution Class, Communication and Anger Management Class, New Life Behavior Classes, Parenting/Relationship Class, Religious Volunteer Program, Thinking for a Change, Victims Impact, and Institutional Betterment Programs.
Worship Services
Worship services are available to inmates of all faiths. These services are led by chaplains, contracted spiritual leaders, and volunteers. Inmates are encouraged to attend worship services as a way of promoting spiritual growth and development.
Overall, Suwannee Correctional Institution offers a range of religious and behavioral programs that aim to help inmates develop positive attitudes toward life. These programs are led by chaplains, contracted spiritual leaders, and volunteers who are committed to helping inmates achieve their full potential.
Vocational Training
Suwannee Correctional Institution offers vocational training programs to help inmates develop skills that can lead to employment opportunities upon their release. The vocational training programs at Suwannee Correctional Institution include Plumbing, GPS Systems, Fire Sprinkler Systems, and Substance Abuse.
Inmates in the plumbing program learn skills related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems. This program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Upon completion of the program, inmates have the opportunity to earn a certificate in plumbing.
The GPS Systems program provides inmates with training in the installation and maintenance of GPS tracking systems. This program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Upon completion of the program, inmates have the opportunity to earn a certificate in GPS Systems.
The Fire Sprinkler Systems program provides inmates with training in the installation and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems. This program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Upon completion of the program, inmates have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Fire Sprinkler Systems.
The Substance Abuse program provides inmates with education and training related to substance abuse and addiction. This program includes both classroom instruction and individual counseling. Upon completion of the program, inmates have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Substance Abuse.
Overall, the vocational training programs at Suwannee Correctional Institution provide inmates with valuable skills and knowledge that can lead to employment opportunities upon their release.
Notable Events and Investigations
Suwannee Correctional Institution has been the subject of several investigations and notable events over the years. Here are some of the most significant ones:
- Hoax Anthrax Threats: In 2023, two inmates of Suwannee Correctional Institution were indicted for making hoax anthrax threats. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The inmates will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac D.
- On-Site Corrective Action Plan Assessment: In 2017, the Correctional Medical Authority (CMA) conducted an on-site physical and mental health survey of Suwannee Correctional Institution. The survey report was distributed on March 8, 2017. In April 2017, SUWCI submitted and the CMA approved a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to address the deficiencies identified in the survey.
- Suicide of Inmate: In 2016, a 28-year-old inmate committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) investigated the incident and found that the inmate had a history of mental health issues and had been placed in a single cell for his own safety.
- Assault of Correctional Officer: In 2014, a correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate. The Florida Department of Corrections investigated the incident and found that the inmate had a history of violent behavior and had been placed in a mental health unit.
- Death of Inmate: In 2011, an inmate died after being found unresponsive in his cell. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigated the incident and found no evidence of foul play. The cause of death was determined to be natural causes.
These events and investigations highlight the challenges faced by Suwannee Correctional Institution in maintaining a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. While corrective action plans have been put in place to address deficiencies, ongoing vigilance and improvement are necessary to ensure the well-being of all involved.