Okaloosa County Commissioners have unanimously approved a proclamation designating April 2025 as “Second Chance Month” to support the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the community.

• The initiative aims to help the hundreds of thousands of people released from incarceration in Florida each year by coordinating support from community stakeholders, faith-based organizations, and government agencies.

“It is important to recognize that most people who are incarcerated will be released back into the community,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “Okaloosa County remains committed to advocate for the successful reintegration of these individuals through a thoughtful and strategic collaboration with our community partners to ensure long-term public safety, reduce recidivism and save tax-payer dollars.”

Emerald Coast Life Center, Inc. works with incarcerated individuals within the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections in partnership with jail staff to support successful reentry.

Mixon highlighted the importance of these partnerships, saying, “We appreciate the tremendous partnership we have with Emerald Coast Life Center and all of our other partners, that work to promote education, vocation and workforce preparation for these individuals as they move beyond the criminal justice system into a stronger, healthier lifestyle.”