Marianna- Demolition crews began leveling the old Marianna jail Monday. The historical building was an important part of the community for more than 80-years, but has been vacant since 2008.

Though most people in the area agreed it was time to tear it down, Sheriff Lou Roberts said he made lot of memories in that building.

"It was like a fortress" said Roberts. "Anytime we had a bad storm I can remember, you know, feeling safe in that place. You knew the walls were not going to give in. So I'm interested to see how well it holds up in the demolition" he told us.

But what was once shelter from the storm and protection for the public began to crumble in a matter of blows. "A lot of history being torn down today. If the walls could talk, it would be a very interesting story" Roberts said.

Monday, he recounted the time three inmates overpowered a guard and escaped. "For the jailer that night, it was pretty devastating. One of them was in for kidnapping, one had some pretty serious charges and the other I think was in for kidnapping. They were pretty bad guys" Roberts recalled. All three inmates were recaptured hours later and the guard was OK, but Roberts said that memory, among others was one he'd never forget.

"You know you don't think about the bad memories, you think about the interesting and the good times you had there. The different events that took place there, the different cases that we're investigated there- that was the hub of where the activity was" Roberts said.

And though Monday was a bitter sweet day for the Sheriff, Roberts said he was glad to see the town grow with the times. Monuments and plaques were removed from the jail to be saved for a possible local history display. Future plans for site have not been announced.