Gulf Correctional Institution

Gulf Correctional Institution
Aerial view of GULCI
Interactive map of Gulf Correctional Institution
Location
StatusOperational
Security classMinimum, medium, and close
Capacity1,411 (main unit)
Population1,699 (January 2025)
Opened1992
Managed byFlorida Department of Corrections
WardenJeremy Proctor

The Gulf Correctional Institution (GULCI) is a state prison for men located in Wewahitchka, Gulf County, Florida, owned and operated by the Florida Department of Corrections.[1] With a mix of security levels including minimum, medium, and close, this facility was opened in 1992 and has a maximum capacity of 1,411 prisoners.[2]

The Gulf Annex opened in May 1999, and holds another 720 inmates at the same security level.[3] It was rendered temporarily uninhabitable by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. It reopened at the end of 2024.[4]

History

In 2025, the Southern Poverty Law Center released a report detailing a "culture of violence” at GULCI.[5] Drawing on first-person accounts and public records, the report alleged pervasive staff misconduct, including excessive use of force and degrading treatment of incarcerated people, exacerbated by chronic overcrowding and understaffing. The findings contributed to broader scrutiny of conditions in Florida’s prison system and calls from advocacy groups for increased oversight and reform measures.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Gulf Correctional Institution". Florida Department of Corrections. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  2. ↑ "Physical and Mental Health Survey - Gulf Correctional Institution" (PDF). Florida Correctional Medical Authority (CMA). February 4, 2025. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2025-03-05.
  3. ↑ "Gulf Correctional Institution Annex". Florida Department Of Corrections. Archived from the original on 2026-05-22. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
  4. ↑ Maida, Austin (October 31, 2024). "Gulf Correctional Institution Annex to re-open by end of 2024". WJHG-TV.
  5. ↑ Perry, Mitch (2025-12-07). "Report alleges 'culture of abuse and violence' at Panhandle prison • Florida Phoenix". Florida Phoenix. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
  6. ↑ "Southern Poverty Law Center Report Shows Culture of Abuse at Florida Prison | Prison Legal News". www.prisonlegalnews.org. Retrieved 2026-05-22.

30°10′30″N 85°15′41″W / 30.175042°N 85.261432°W / 30.175042; -85.261432

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