Locals tour the Dozier School for Boys property

In December of 2018, the state gave all 1,278 acres of the Dozier School for Boys Property in Marianna back to Jackson County.

Jackson County commissioners, employees, and community members took a walking tour of both the north and south campuses Tuesday.

"It's allowing them to go in and look in the buildings and see potential homes where hopefully we'll be able to house some of our administrative type people out at the Dozier facility," District Five Commissioner Jim Peacock said.

The project has been named "Endeavor."

"We chose that name because we're endeavoring to make this a great place and a great economic asset for Jackson County," Peacock said.

Several uses for the land have been discussed, including an autism center, manufacturing plant, and room for county offices.

Officials said they plan to demolish approximately 70 buildings.

"What I'm hoping we can do is we can take and grind those old buildings up and use the material as road base on some of our dilapidated dirt roads that are continually washing out," Peacock said.

The fence lining the outside of the property has become a familiar sight for locals and those just traveling by.

Officials said they plan to take the fence down once demolition is complete.