Plants for Sale at the Pinellas County Jail

The Pinellas County Jail is probably not the first place you may consider to purchase your next pot of flowers or palm tree, but the community can do just that at the 49th Street facility in Clearwater.

The inmates help nurture and grow as a part of the jail's horticulture program. Pinellas Technical Education Centers instructor Chuck Pool works with the inmates and teaches plant cultivation and care. The program is self-funded through plant sales.

"The prices and the quality of the plants are wonderful," said Tom LeBlanc, of Largo, who was shopping for trees recently.

Almost hidden between buildings and fences is the two-acre plot of land, which houses the inmate horticulture program's plant nursery. The plants come from an area wholesale nursery. The plants are overstocks or need some extra care before they can be sold.

"They have different (plants) each time and the prices are very good," said shopper Betty Russell, of St. Petersburg. "This is a good thing they are doing for the inmates."

If you go:

• 14400 49th St. N, Clearwater (follow the PTEC signs on the perimeter road)
• Hours: Monday through Friday from 1-2 p.m.

Sign up for the Tarpon Springs Patch email newsletter to get our top headlines delivered straight to your inbox so you won't miss a thing!