Capacity: 1948
Client: Florida Department of Management Services (FL DMS)
Accreditations: American Correctional Association (ACA) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO) was awarded a contract for the design, finance, lease, construction and operation of the South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility in 1994.
The facility provides academic and vocational training including CDL, work opportunities, substance abuse programs and counseling. A Prison Industries Program through Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises, Inc. (PRIDE) operates a print shop at the facility.
The facility consists of a dormitory building that is utilized as a Therapeutic Community (TC). The TC is licensed as a residential Level III Drug Treatment Program by the Florida DCF. More than 80% of the total population participates in some form of education, substance abuse, or life skills programming. The facility also has several recreation areas, both indoor and outdoor.
The facility received accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA) in 1999 and was re-accredited in 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017 with a score of 100%. The facility was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 2002, making it the first correctional facility in Florida to receive this honor. SACS re-accredited the facility in 2006.
The Jack Brewer Foundation (JBF) continues to make a powerful impact in South Bay, Florida, with its ongoing food distribution efforts. On December 28 and December 31, 2024, JBF’s 2nd Chance Fathers—men who have successfully reintegrated into society after incarceration—worked alongside volunteers to distribute nearly 40,000 pounds of food to more than 1,100 families in need. This initiative not only provides vital support to the community but also underscores the positive impact of second chances, as these fathers give back to help break the cycle of poverty and incarceration. The GEO Group, which operates the South Bay Correctional Facility, plays a key role in supporting these efforts. GEO staff and alumni of the facility volunteer each week at the food distribution, furthering the mission of rehabilitation and community reintegration. These contributions highlight the importance of collaboration in transforming lives and building stronger communities in South Bay. READ MORE
As the year came to a close, the Jack Brewer Foundation (JBF) brought a message of hope and renewal to the South Bay Correctional Facility with a powerful praise and worship service, led by renowned American worship leader Sean Feucht of Let Us Worship. Held ahead of New Year's Day, the service filled the incarcerated men with faith, inspiration, and the promise of new beginnings as they looked forward to the year ahead. Through its Faith and Fatherhood Initiative, JBF continues to offer essential resources and support to thousands of incarcerated fathers, helping them rebuild their lives, reconnect with their families, and provide for them. This event served as a powerful reminder that the end of one year marks the beginning of new opportunities for renewal, redemption, and second chances offered through Jesus Christ. READ MORE
This holiday season, the Jack Brewer Foundation (JBF) hosted a Heroes Holiday Sports Event at the South Bay Correctional Facility, bringing together NFL players, UFC fighters, boxers, and other special guests. These Christian leaders shared powerful messages of hope, redemption, and faith with the incarcerated men, while also spending time engaging in casual conversation. The event featured a friendly softball game between the athletes and the men, with GEO executives and staff also participating, fostering camaraderie and connection. In addition to the game, the day included games of cornhole and checkers, creating an atmosphere of fellowship and relaxation. Over 350 men took part in the event, enjoying the activities, the opportunity to connect with visitors, and a hot meal provided by JBF. The day was filled with prayer, uplifting conversations, and discussions on fatherhood, leadership, and personal growth, all grounded in Christian principles. JBF continues to use sports and community engagement to promote character development, teamwork, and the rebuilding of relationships, helping these men strengthen their connections with their families and build a brighter future. READ MORE
Skill Builders Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing futures through quality training and apprenticeship programs, has proudly partnered with The GEO Group to launch an innovative Solar Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program at South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility. This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip incarcerated individuals with the skills and certifications necessary to secure stable employment in the rapidly growing solar energy industry upon their release. READ MORE
Exciting, thrilling, exhilarating, and nerve wrecking were just some of the adjectives I heard as participants eagerly awaited the moment they had to display their masterful culinary skills. READ MORE