Although residents and staff at Avon Park Youth Academy forgo many daily pleasures, Thanksgiving celebrations still go on from behind razor-sharp fencing. ...more

November 20, 2008

The Sixth Element Drum Ensemble is scheduled for its debut performance for 200 people at 4:30 pm, Thursday, July 24, at the Avon Park Youth Academy, 242 South Blvd., Avon Park. ...more

July 21, 2008

It's cut-and-dry and easy at the Avon Park Youth Academy, if you do what you are supposed to do, according to a 17-year-old from Orlando. ...more

July 11, 2008

AVON PARK — Walking through Avon Park Youth Academy, it's easy to forget you are surrounded by convicted felons. Teenage boys respond to questions with "Yes, ma'am" and "No, sir," they work together on projects and ask their instructors questions. But the fence topped by razor wire reminds the residents they are forced to be there. Right now the 200-bed facility is almost at capacity, with 196 residents from areas throughout the state who were placed there by the Department of Juvenile Justice. ...more

October 28, 2007