Florida TaxWatch will open a new chapter in its campaign to save taxpayer dollars in the Sunshine State Thursday when the organization kicks off its Center for Smart Justice.

The group will be convening the board for the center to kick over ideas and information on how to reform the state’s correctional system.

“The Florida TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice is promoting statewide justice reform that is enhancing public safety through proven, cost-effective measures and driving decision-making in the public policy arena,” Dominic Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, said Wednesday. “The time to act is now and we have incredible partners in our effort to make these crucial reforms in the state and look forward to continued discussions with the governor and the Legislature to make Florida the trailblazer in reforming our justice system.”

The board for the new center will be led by Bob Stork, founder and president of Communications International Inc. Former judge and Monroe County Sheriff Allison DeFoor, who was Gov. Bob Martinez’s running mate for lieutenant governor back in 1990, will serve as vice chairman of the new board.

The board also contains prominent figures from Florida’s political, education, business and legal communities.

Two former state attorneys general -- Bob Butterwoth and Richard Doran -- will serve on the new board. So will former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney who now serves as president of the University of North Florida. Former state Rep. Sandy D'Alemberte, best known for serving as president of both the American Bar Association and Florida State University, will also be on the board.

Other members of the board include attorney Nathan Adams of Holland & Knight; Barney Bishop, president and CEO of the Associated Industries of Florida; Joseph Clark from the Eckerd Family Foundation; and Seminole County Sheriff Donald Eslinger. Judge Irene Sullivan and retired Judge Janet Ferris will also be on the board.

Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.