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Residents, environmental groups urge pause on Douglas property lease and proposed detention center
Summary
Dozens of residents and civic groups strongly opposed a sheriff‑led lease of the Douglas warehouse for a proposed federal detention center, citing contamination, water/sewer capacity, potential costs to taxpayers and late posting of lease documents; the sheriff presented a lease proposal but the board did not record a final vote.
Dozens of residents, faith leaders and environmental advocates pressed Bradford County commissioners on Tuesday to delay any leasing decision related to the Douglas warehouse while environmental testing and a full fiscal review are completed.
What happened: The public‑comment portion of the meeting — which followed presentations from county departments — was dominated by speakers opposing a proposal to lease the Douglas property for use as a federal detention facility. Commenters repeatedly asked the board to pause consideration until Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) testing and an analysis of sewer/water capacity and fiscal impacts are completed.
Key concerns cited by residents: - Environmental contamination: Several speakers cited documented contamination at the Douglas site (including TCE) and argued that disturbing the soil to install wastewater infrastructure or other utilities could spread contamination.…
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