In 1955, two veteran Florida Sheriffs took a trip to Texas - a trip that would forever change the lives of thousands of troubled, abused, and neglected youngsters in Florida - an impossible dream which has grown into one of the nation's finest residential child-care programs.

Hillsborough County Sheriff R. Ed Blackburn, Jr. and Marion County Sheriff Don McLeod went to Amarillo, Texas, to return a pair of armed robbery suspects to Florida; a boy of 18, injured in his escape attempt and a frightened 17 year old girl, some five months pregnant.

While in Texas, they learned about a ranch for needy and neglected boys founded by an ex-wrestler, Cal Farley. The two Sheriffs, who daily saw young people getting in trouble and being neglected, knew Florida Sheriffs could also capture the vision of helping neglected and unwanted boys.the Youth Ranches statewide network of care has served thousands of Florida's needy and deserving children. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, the Youth Ranches includes four residential child-care campuses and two camps helping to restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future.