Florence learns of prison closure through State of State address
The Town of Florence says they had no idea of Governor Doug Ducey’s intentions to close the Florence state prison until he announced it publicly during his State of the State address on Monday, Jan. 13.
In a statement posted on the town’s website, it says staff were “startled” by the sudden announcement but they are “committed to work closely with our colleagues at the State, in the State Legislature, at Pinal County, and with our partners at our local correctional facilities to better understand the impacts of this decision and to strive to find a solution that is appropriate for our community, our residents, and the many employees that call Florence home for eight to twelve hours per day.”
The Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence is Arizona’s largest and oldest prison. It has existed for over 100 years and currently houses about 3,800 incarcerated men.
