I am trying to figure out the exact dates, I was transfered to Straight-Atlanta in August 1981 (according to things I read about when that concentration camp opened) and escaped shortly there after. Finally reaching phase 3 after 10 months. I was in St Pete in what had to be late 1980. I was in a total 10 months, 3 weeks, 5 days and about 6 hours. When I escaped I called my parents from a payphone after vanishing for 3 weeks and was ready to go underground forever if they didnt call off the dogs. I was 17 then and now I am 42. It was a pretty evil place. I remember seeing a guy jump through a small Florida crank style window to get to freedom. I saw a guy heave a livingroom chair through a sliding glass door. (Fellow Newcommer). I had been denied being able to use the restroom during a rap and ended up pissing myself and having to sit in piss for several hours till lunch break and even then, I didnt get freash clothes. I had been "restrained" many times. This as you know means 4-6 people wrestle you to the ground and sit on your chest, legs and arms and head. I was made to eat peanut butter sandwitches and water at the table while the oldcommer family had steaks, spagetti and other more tasty meals. That was a two week sentance of bread, peanut butter and water.. For trying to "split" /escape.. Each of my split attempts was followed a decent beating followed by some deprivation ie: food, sleap etc and of course a restart LOL, I was on phase 1 for 9 months and restarted 3-4 times.. I had an ingrown toenail during my stay and it took an act of congress to get to go to a doctor and then I was not allowed even as much as an asprin for fear I might get high.. If I were to see any of those old men (who must be at least 50-60 now) who ran that place I think I would just kick their ass. God, that was a long time ago... memories still pretty vivid. If you were among the 1st group of folks to go to Straight-Atlanta from St Pete, it would be good to hear.
