Florida lawmakers will likely keep the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center in Gainesville under state control. Florida Department and Children and Families Spokesman Joe Follick says although the deal isn’t final just yet, lawmakers see the important work done at the center.
“At the end of the day the value of this facility has been proven, mainly through the hard work and I think lawmakers recognize that and, probably, that center will be an important part of the community for a long time,” he says.
He says the governor wanted to take the facility out of state hands in an effort to save money, and they will likely still see some budget cuts to make up the cost. Follick says they will start getting the final numbers when the legislature approves the budget Friday, and then begin to figure out the best way to distribute the money.