FL prisons are using wristbands to track inmates, and punishing those who refuse, some say
July 10, 2024
Family members report they’re losing privileges and gain time
Students experience Florida's unforgiving heat in model prison cell
April 29, 2024
According to the Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon, 75% of prisons in Florida don't have air conditioning.
Florida lawmakers won't hear bills to improve state prison conditions this session
Florida lawmakers won't hear bills to improve state prison conditions this session
March 1, 2024
'What's really sad is that I follow these (bills) every year – and they always die,' one advocate said.
Soaring costs for prisoners protested
October 16, 2023
Commissary prices are up by as much as 80%
“Across the country we see prisons using commissaries and communication systems and other services that are offered to incarcerated people as a means of squeezing money out of the poorest of families,” said Wanda Bertram, a spokesperson at the Prison Policy Initiative.
Canteen prices rise in Florida prisons, impacting inmates and their loved ones
September 27, 2023
In the last couple of years, inflation and food prices have been high as Americans go to the grocery store.
But for inmates in Florida prisons, prices have gone up even higher when it comes to purchasing food, drinks, health aids, toiletries and other goods at the canteen, or commissary, of the institutions they’re housed in.
Florida prisons use artificial intelligence to surveil calls
Florida prisons use artificial intelligence to surveil calls
September 19, 2023
A contract with a tech company provides prison officials with up to 50 million minutes of monitored conversations over the next year.
EXTREME HEAT IS KILLING PEOPLE IN PRISON. WHAT’S BEING DONE ABOUT IT?
August 29, 2023
As advocates fight to provide relief to incarcerated people, officials are resisting many measures that could help prisoners combat the heat.
Advocate for Florida prison inmates discusses conditions during extreme heat wave
August 11, 2023
WUSF interview with Denise Rock, the executive director of the advocacy group Florida Cares Charity Corp.
'Unlivable': Amid Florida heat, advocates decry lack of air conditioning in state prisons
'Unlivable': Amid Florida heat, advocates decry lack of air conditioning in state prisons
August 10, 2023
“They barely have ventilation! The heat in here is at an all time high, it seems. "
Advocates urge Florida Dept. of Corrections to do more to keep inmates cool
August 3, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - Record-setting heat this summer has advocates pushing for the Florida Department of Corrections to do more to keep inmates cool.
Florida’s prisons face dual crisis: inmate boom and scorching heat wave
August 3, 2023
Florida’s prison system is facing a dual crisis: a projected rise in the inmate population and a scorching heat wave with inadequate infrastructure to ensure prisoner safety.
Florida prison rule change helps inmates grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat
Florida prison rule change helps inmates grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat
August 2, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NSF) — Nearly a month into a stifling heat wave, corrections officials are attempting to alleviate sweltering conditions in Florida’s unairconditioned prisons, but advocates for inmates say the efforts fall short and aren’t being carried out the same way at all facilities.
Florida prisons grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat
Florida prison rule change helps inmates grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat
August 2, 2023
Nearly a month into a stifling heat wave, corrections officials are attempting to alleviate sweltering conditions in Florida’s unairconditioned prisons, but advocates for inmates say the efforts fall short and aren’t being carried out the same way at all facilities.
"Cooked" Alive: Inmates Stew in Florida Prisons' Extreme Heat
Former officers describe working in Florida prisons without A/C: ‘I thought to myself… this place is killing me’
July 31, 2023
As record-breaking temperatures scorched Florida and beyond this summer, Lyn has watched her partner become increasingly desperate to escape the heat eight months into his stint at Hernando Correctional Institution.
Former officers describe working in Florida prisons without A/C: ‘I thought to myself… this place is killing me’
Former officers describe working in Florida prisons without A/C: ‘I thought to myself… this place is killing me’
July 5, 2023
For many prison reform activists, the need to do something about the lack of air conditioning inside state-run prisons is paramount.
Plan to boost fund for people in Florida prisons rights past wrongs, advocates say
March 17th, 2023
At Madison Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, people who are incarcerated can play pickleball thanks to Marcus Winchester.
Florida prisons grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat
August 2, 2023
Nearly a month into a stifling heat wave, corrections officials are attempting to alleviate sweltering conditions in Florida’s unairconditioned prisons, but advocates for inmates say the efforts fall short and aren’t being carried out the same way at all facilities.
Group of FL inmates sue vendor over loss of digital media, like songs, movies and game apps
Group of FL inmates sue vendor over loss of digital media, like songs, movies and game apps
August 1, 2023
FL’s Attorney General is looking into an investigation on the matter
The War on Drugs Persists for Older Incarcerated People in Florida
February 22nd, 2023
Leftover policies from the war on drugs and privatized prison healthcare companies are keeping older people in prison with poor access to necessary care.
Senate Report Reveals Widespread Sexual Abuse of Women in US Federal Prisons
December 21st ,2022
The Justice Department is reportedly considering expanding compassionate release to include women who have been sexually abused inside federal prisons.
After a scathing report on sexual abuse at FL’s female prison in 2020, has anything changed?
December 21st, 2022
Two years after a Dec. 22, 2020 report revealed “notorious acts of sexual abuse, including rape, against prisoners” at the state’s largest and oldest women’s prison, federal officials made a return visit last week at Florida’s Lowell Correctional Institution to see if conditions have improved.
‘It’s open season’: Florida guards were filmed beating pinned inmate. None will face trial.
November 23rd, 2022
When a cluster of Florida prison guards took turns beating a prisoner at Lake Correctional Institution near Orlando, it was not unprecedented. Prisoners say beatings by Florida prison staff are common, though usually they occur in secret, outside the range of cameras.
Ron DeSantis avoids saying ‘climate change.’ Incarcerated Floridians are living it.
November 4th, 2022
Florida lacks a comprehensive policy to protect people locked in increasingly sweltering prisons without air conditioning.
What It’s Like to Be in Prison During a Hurricane
October 3rd, 2022
Below is a story from FAMM advocate Laurette Philipsen on what she experienced during hurricanes while incarcerated.
FL corrections officials say no injuries to inmates, staff after storm passed; prison reform activists critical
September 29th, 2022
The Florida Department of Corrections reported Thursday that there were no reported injuries to inmates or on-duty staff at various prison facilities throughout the state after Ian made landfall.
But prison reform activists remain critical, saying the department didn’t evacuate inmates at Charlotte Correctional Institut
September 29th, 2022
The Florida Department of Corrections reported Thursday that there were no reported injuries to inmates or on-duty staff at various prison facilities throughout the state after Ian made landfall.
But prison reform activists remain critical, saying the department didn’t evacuate inmates at Charlotte Correctional Institution, at a time when Charlotte County was considered a target as Hurricane Ian battered southwest Florida.
WESH 2 Investigates: The toll the prison phone system takes on Central Florida families The Cost of Connection: Part I
September 23rd, 2022
Many local families who have a loved one incarcerated in a Florida state prison say the cost to keep in touch has gone up significantly because of a new deal signed by the Department of Corrections.
WESH 2 Investigates: How Florida’s prison phone system stacks up against other states The Cost of Connection: Part II
September 23rd, 2022
It's been more than a year since the Florida Department of Corrections switched phone companies in state prisons.
Many families said they've been shouldering the financial burden of that change.
Wait,What? Florida DOC Bans Tee Shirts Promoting Prisoner Visits
September 16th, 2022
On August 5, 2022, the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) warned employees that certain t-shirts worn by visitors to state prisons “are considered inflammatory and a potential threat to security.”
Florida Now Digitizing Incoming Mail for State Prisoners
September 1st, 2022
Starting from a four-prison pilot launched on January 18, 2022, the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) has now banned state prisoners at all 128 of its facilities from receiving any tangible routine mail. Instead they are delivered electronic copies of their mail on tablets.
Wife and husband, an inmate, weigh-in on proposed visitation changes
August 30th, 2022
Families of Florida inmates tell News4JAX they feel like they may be the ones being punished if state officials approve a Department of Corrections proposal. It would limit visitation hours -- among other things.
As Florida considers limiting visitation at prisons, families say it's 'heartbreaking' Proposed rule could cut visits in half at some facilities
August 26th, 2022
Nearly every Saturday and Sunday, Dorothy Bing makes the 140-mile roundtrip drive from her home in Winter Haven to DeSoto Correctional Institution in Arcadia.
Florida’s Largest Women’s Prison May Finally Get Air Conditioning
August 19th, 2022
Laurette Philipsen found herself resorting to desperate measures to escape the sweltering Florida heat while incarcerated at Lowell Correctional Institution. In the middle of the night, she would sometimes jump in the prison's showers, fully clothed, to cool off.
Loved ones of prisoners banned from wearing #visitsmatter T-shirts
August 13th, 2022
"An Aug. 5 email obtained by the Orlando Sentinel from FDC’s assistant deputy secretary of institutions, Hope Gartman, alerted employees that messages like the one on Salamone’s T-shirt are “a potential threat to security.”
With #visitsmatter, Florida families oppose new rules that would reduce prison visitations
August 1st, 2022
A group that advocates for prisoners and their families has begun a social media campaign to draw attention to the importance of weekly visitation.
Florida prisons consider cutting visitation hours for inmates
July 11th, 2022
The Florida Dept. of Corrections (FDC) has proposed a rule change that would cut in half the time that a family member could visit an inmate in state prisons.
Florida considers restricting prisoners’ visitation hours
July 11th, 2022
The Florida Department of Corrections is examining and developing new rules around visitation. Facilities that are short-staffed could see their schedules reduced.
FDC wants to severely restrict prisoners’ visitation hours
July 8th, 2022
Visiting hours to prisoners in Florida are a crucial way they connect with loved ones, but a new rule being proposed by the Florida Department of Corrections could cut those hours in half.
‘Conditions Were Brutal’: The Toll of Two Years of COVID-19 on Women Behind Bars
March 10th, 2022
Two years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic first swept across the United States, correctional facilities largely ignored public health guidance to decarcerate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
Florida's prisons ineffective and outdated
February 20th, 2022
A moment with... is an opinion feature in which The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board asks community leaders for their take on issues affecting our community and the state. Denise Rock, executive director & founding member of Florida Cares Charity Corp., a nonprofit based in West Palm Beach that works with the incarcerate
February 20th, 2022
A moment with... is an opinion feature in which The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board asks community leaders for their take on issues affecting our community and the state. Denise Rock, executive director & founding member of Florida Cares Charity Corp., a nonprofit based in West Palm Beach that works with the incarcerated and their families, discusses the state of Florida prisons.
Proposal to ban free prison labor introduced for 2022 Florida legislative session
January 5th, 2022
The state of Florida allows for unpaid prison labor, but that could change if a Tampa-based Democratic lawmaker’s joint resolution makes it through the Legislature in the upcoming session, which begins next week.
Backlash for Florida Rule Change on Receiving Mail in Prison
December 29th, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections now bans people in prison from receiving traditional mail, such as greeting cards and handwritten letters, requiring that it be scanned and sent electronically, with few exceptions. The department says the change was made to reduce contraband from entering facilities, but Denise Roc
December 29th, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections now bans people in prison from receiving traditional mail, such as greeting cards and handwritten letters, requiring that it be scanned and sent electronically, with few exceptions. The department says the change was made to reduce contraband from entering facilities, but Denise Rock, executive director of Florida Cares Charity Corp., sees it as choosing to punish the estimated 80,000 people in prison for an offense that affects less than 1% of the prison population.
Backlash For Florida Rule Change On Receiving Mail In Prison
December 28th, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections now bans people in prison from receiving traditional mail, such as greeting cards and handwritten letters, requiring that it be scanned and sent electronically, with few exceptions. The department says the change was made to reduce contraband from entering facilities, but Denise Ro
December 28th, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections now bans people in prison from receiving traditional mail, such as greeting cards and handwritten letters, requiring that it be scanned and sent electronically, with few exceptions. The department says the change was made to reduce contraband from entering facilities, but Denise Rock, executive director of Florida Cares Charity Corp., sees it as choosing to punish the estimated 80,000 people in prison for an offense that affects less than 1% of the prison population.
Florida Cares - Building a Better Future
NEW MAIL POLICY FOR PRISON INMATES RAISING CONCERNS
December 14th, 2021
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida's state prison system will soon start a new policy involving mail that inmates receive.
They will no longer get their physical pieces of mail and all incoming mail will be digitally scanned and they will be able to look at an electronic copy of their mail using a tablet.
New mail policy for prison inmates raising concerns
December 14th, 2021
Florida's state prison system will soon start a new policy involving mail that inmates receive.
Despite widespread objections, Florida prisons to start digitizing incoming mail
December 3rd, 2021
After months of contention and some compromise, Florida’s prison system this week quietly adopted a new policy to eliminate incoming physical mail to its facilities, with a plan to instead provide digital scans of mail to incarcerated people.
How the Florida Prison System Stole Kids' Christmas Cards
December 1st, 2021
Christmas came early in the Florida prison system this year.
Though it was only August 26, Matthew Johnson penned a holiday greeting card on lined paper to his 7-year-old daughter, who lives about 500 miles away. He dotted the "i" in her name with a small heart, called her his "lighthouse," and wished her and her mother "Happy Holidays!"
Florida prisons are changing inmates' snail mail to a digital format
November 30th, 2021
Florida prisons are in the process of converting incoming snail mail to a digital-only format. The Department of Corrections says the change will reduce the amount of contraband coming into prisons.
Florida prisoners 'inches away' from emergency release
November 11th, 2021
A critical staffing shortage within Florida’s state prisons threatens the safety of officers, inmates, and the public.
Florida's legacy of slow-rolling parole keeps thousands of people behind bars—some, for decades past their eligibility date
October 28th, 2021
As most states eased prison release rules during the pandemic, Florida granted parole for just one percent of nearly 4,000 eligible people. The state’s for-profit prisons reaped the benefit.
Drugs, cell phones kept flowing into Florida prisons even amid strict COVID-19 lockdowns
October 1st, 2021
Even during the most strict lockdown of Florida prisons in recent history — when visitors, volunteers and new intakes were halted for almost six months at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic — drugs, cell phones and weapons continued to flow steadily through the state facilities, agency data shows.
Facility closures continue as Florida prisons face ‘unprecedented’ staff shortage
September 13th, 2021
With almost 30% of security staff positions vacant across Florida prisons, the corrections department continues to close sections of its facilities to mitigate its now past-critical staff shortage, officials recently said.
Slammed by staff shortages and ‘desperation,’ some North Florida prisons to shutter
August 26th, 2021
The Florida Department of Corrections will soon close multiple prisons in North Florida, a last-ditch effort to grapple with severe staff shortages, according to a union representative who talked to Corrections Secretary Mark Inch about the move on Thursday.
Lee County Jail, inmate at odds over Covid numbers
August 24th, 2021
Covid-19 concerns, while incarcerated.
That's a reality many people are facing. And Michael Shawn Brown is in one of them.
Families, advocates worry as COVID-19 spreads in Florida prisons without response
August 20th, 2021
Lisa Dion said her daughter was sick for more than a week in Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, losing her ability to smell or taste, but she was never allowed to take a COVID-19 test, was not given time or space to quarantine and staff threw out her only face mask
Oversight board questions purpose of plan to digitize mail to Florida prisons
August 11th, 2021
A state oversight board has questions about the corrections department’s proposal to digitize incoming mail to all state prisons, including how the change would improve safety and still provide the humane and rehabilitative environment state law requires for those in prison.
Handwritten letters are all Florida prisoners have left. Now FDC wants to take that away
Handwritten letters are all Florida prisoners have left. Now FDC wants to take that away
Handwritten letters are all Florida prisoners have left. Now FDC wants to take that away
August 1st, 2021
Looking to curb contraband coming into prisons, the Florida Department of Corrections has proposed a new rule that would digitize all incoming "routine mail" for inmates, affecting things like personal letters, celebratory cards and photos.
Prisoner rights advocates unveil mock jail cell to show lack of A/C in most Florida prisons
July 13th, 2021
Activists for prisoner rights in Florida think it’s inhumane that a majority of the state's prisons lack air conditioning and air ventilation, which is why they’re encouraging people to sit inside a mock jail cell currently set up in the parking lot of the Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg for three minutes this week.
Agency helps bridge the gap between kids and incarcerated parents
July 1st, 2021
For children with one or both parents incarcerated, trying to find a sense of normalcy within the family can be extremely difficult. Milestones like holidays, birthdays, the first day of school are all moments of love and support that are missed. The organization Florida Cares is working to bridge the communication gap between children and their parents.
$1.4 billion per year prison call industry driving women and people of color into debt
$1.4 billion per year prison call industry driving women and people of color into debt
$1.4 billion per year prison call industry driving women and people of color into debt
June 30th, 2021
For three years, Myishea White and her 10-year-old daughter spoke on the phone with her husband, who is incarcerated, three to four times a day.
But in March, costs suddenly skyrocketed, making that routine untenable: White went from paying 4 cents per minute to call her husband to 13.5 cents per minute, with an added 99-cent fee every time she needed to add money to her call account.
Actions Taken Against Those Abusing Women in Prison
$1.4 billion per year prison call industry driving women and people of color into debt
$1.4 billion per year prison call industry driving women and people of color into debt
June 16th, 2021
It has been 18 years since Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which officially called for a zero-tolerance policy while aiming to curb the sexual violence plaguing correctional institutions across the country.
No More Birthday Cards — Florida Prisons Propose Scanning All Inmate Mail
June 16th, 2021
Family members and prison-reform advocates say that physical mail acts as a tether to the outside world for incarcerated people. Handwritten notes connect them to loved ones. But, as first reported by the Orlando Sentinel , the Florida Department of Corrections plans to digitize incoming mail — with the exception of legal mail — and only allow inmates to access scanned versions of their correspondence via a personal tablet or shared electronic kiosk.
Florida prisons’ plan to digitize incoming mail faces criticism
May 28th, 2021
Officials with the Florida Department of Corrections plan to almost completely digitize mail sent to state prisons by photocopying every card, letter or picture and providing it instead electronically to incarcerated people — a change that families and prison reform advocates argue could create more hurdles for maintaining connections with people in prison, as well as add additional burdens and costs to them and their loved ones.
With FL prisons under pressure and understaffed, lawmakers reject alternatives to incarceration
May 4th, 2021
Florida’s burgeoning prison population — outstripping current staffing — could be reduced by sending more inmates to home-based corrections programs widely considered safe for the public and effective in rehabilitating offenders.
But that won’t happen any time soon, because for the third year in a row, at least, bipartisan efforts to reform Florida’s sentencing laws failed in the 2021 Florida Legislature.
Misinformation About COVID-19 Shot Spreads Inside FL Prisons
April 23rd, 2021
After months of keeping Floridians in prisons and jails off the priority list for a COVID vaccine, the state is finally distributing the shots. But despite their vulnerability, many inside are skeptical.
Florida prisoners, staffers - hard hit by COVID - getting vaccines
April 13th, 2021
In a move that is being cheered by those who have loved ones behind bars, the state has started giving coronavirus vaccines to inmates at the Palm Beach County jail and those held in Florida prisons.
Florida prison staff, inmates wait on word for vaccine eligibility
March 15th, 2021
For at least 210 Florida inmates, a prison sentence turned into a death sentence due to COVID-19.
The second-highest death toll in the country for prison inmates continues to tick up. The death rate is 1.5 times the rate in Florida overall.
Half-cent rate cuts, 99-cent fees: Families bristle at new prices to call Florida prisoners
March 6th, 2021
For the last few years, Amy McCourt and her partner have spoken on the phone about three times a day. It’s a lifeline for their long-distance relationship, with about seven hours between her south Florida home and the Panhandle prison where he’s incarcerated.
DeSantis rejects inmates getting vaccines ahead of seniors, despite rising prison deaths
February 1st, 2021
Denise Rock, the executive director of the prisoner advocacy group Florida Cares, said she was shocked by the insensitivity of DeSantis’ comments Monday.
Florida begins asking prisoners about COVID-19 vaccine. But education plan is lacking, experts say
Florida begins asking prisoners about COVID-19 vaccine. But education plan is lacking, experts say
January 26th, 2021
Staff at Florida prisons have started asking inmates to decide if they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine, but are providing little or no information to help prisoners make that potentially life-saving decision, advocates say.
Is there a COVID vaccination plan for Florida's prisons? Guards, inmates are waiting
Florida begins asking prisoners about COVID-19 vaccine. But education plan is lacking, experts say
January 8th, 2021
Florida Corrections Secretary Mark Inch has submitted a request that could clear the way for thousands of state prisoners who are 65 and older to get a coronavirus vaccine, but it has yet to be approved by state health officials.
Florida Cares helps incarcerated parents give Christmas presents to their children
December 25th, 2020
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS 12) — In the Florida Cares office in West Palm Beach, workers and volunteers spent their Christmas Eve afternoon working tirelessly over tables filled with wrapping paper, tape, ribbons and bows.
Florida charity helps connect incarcerated parents with their kids through holiday gifts
December 23rd, 2020
For the second year in a row, Helton’s three children will get a wrapped gift from their father, accompanied by a handwritten note from him, made possible by the Florida Cares holiday gift program.
'A small second chance': Florida Cares helps incarcerated parents send gifts home for holidays
'A small second chance': Florida Cares helps incarcerated parents send gifts home for holidays
'A small second chance': Florida Cares helps incarcerated parents send gifts home for holidays
December 23rd, 2020
The nonprofit, which works with the incarcerated and their families, wrapped Christmas gifts for their fourth year to send home to kids.
Floridians are showing out for prison reform
'A small second chance': Florida Cares helps incarcerated parents send gifts home for holidays
'A small second chance': Florida Cares helps incarcerated parents send gifts home for holidays
December 20th, 2020
The Sarasota County Legislative Delegation Friday met with civic organizations and county residents to discuss priorities for Florida’s 2021 legislative session. Among many areas of concern discussed, none was talked about more than prison reform.
Prison officer charged with murder in inmate death at Lake Correctional
'A small second chance': Florida Cares helps incarcerated parents send gifts home for holidays
Prison officer charged with murder in inmate death at Lake Correctional
November 10th, 2020
A Florida prison officer was arrested Monday on second-degree murder in the June death of a 51-year old inmate at Lake Correctional Institution. , according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Florida Prisons have reopened for visitation
Bells ring at Seminole courthouse for Florida, nationwide inmates
Prison officer charged with murder in inmate death at Lake Correctional
October 9th, 2020
The Florida Department of Corrections reopened its doors for visitation a week ago, a six-month closure that, even after it ended, highlighted the need for further communication between the FDC and the families of those who are incarcerated.
Bells ring at Seminole courthouse for Florida, nationwide inmates
Bells ring at Seminole courthouse for Florida, nationwide inmates
Bells ring at Seminole courthouse for Florida, nationwide inmates
August 22nd, 2020
Kita Dixon arrived with her nephew Isaiah at the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center on Saturday afternoon with two boards telling the story of Marcello Jackson, Dixon’s husband who has been in jail since 2002 on armed robbery charges among other related crimes.
FL lawmakers intensify calls for low security inmate release
Bells ring at Seminole courthouse for Florida, nationwide inmates
Bells ring at Seminole courthouse for Florida, nationwide inmates
August 13th, 2020
As COVID-19 spreads through Florida’s state prisons, a group of lawmakers who have visited the prisons said it is increasingly urgent that state leaders release non-violent inmates at elevated risk of being sickened or dying from COVID-19.
Almost 12,500 COVID-19 cases added in Florida
July 19th, 2020
Sunday, Florida’s daily COVID-19 case count remained high and death toll remained raised, but the positive test rate did fall over the last week.
Florida justice center joins community organizations demanding free phone calls
April 24th, 2020
As a result of the COVID-19 crisis it is now more important than ever that families be able to communicate.
Amid COVID-19 Florida confronts age-old question; do the old and the sick need to be locked up?
April 22nd, 2020
Florida’s prison population and staff are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus. But the Legislature did nothing to make it easier to free sick and elderly inmates.
Video visitation in jail systems see glitches during COVID-19
Florida campaign for criminal justice reform calls for release of Florida prisoners with COVID
April 20th,2020
Many people are relying on video call sessions to keep in touch with loved ones during the pandemic.
Florida campaign for criminal justice reform calls for release of Florida prisoners with COVID
Florida campaign for criminal justice reform calls for release of Florida prisoners with COVID
Florida campaign for criminal justice reform calls for release of Florida prisoners with COVID
April 8th, 2020
In the last week incarcerated people have begun to test positive for COVID-19 in Florida’s jails and prisons.
At Florida prisons without A/C, masks add discomfort to 'unbearably hot summer'
At Florida prisons without A/C, masks add discomfort to 'unbearably hot summer'
July 22nd, 2020
When Laurette Philipsen was imprisoned at Lowell Correctional Institution years ago, she said the heat was so unbearable she would wake in the middle of the night and stand in the shower, fully clothed, then lay back in bed in her drenched uniform, “just to get some type of relief.”
Surge in inmate COVID-19 cases spurs call for help
At Florida prisons without A/C, masks add discomfort to 'unbearably hot summer'
July 22nd, 2020
Inside a sweltering prison in rural North Florida, the mass testing of hundreds of inmates began nearly two weeks ago on a Saturday, as corrections workers tried to sort and quarantine prisoners with symptoms of COVID-19.
Another viewpoint: Florida's prisons are neglected COVID-19 hotspots
Coronavirus Florida: If any place needs help with COVID-19 - it's our jails and prisons
June 26th, 2020
If there were ever a metaphor for a neglected petri dish for the novel coronavirus, it’s Florida’s jails and prisons.
Coronavirus Florida: If any place needs help with COVID-19 - it's our jails and prisons
Coronavirus Florida: If any place needs help with COVID-19 - it's our jails and prisons
Coronavirus Florida: If any place needs help with COVID-19 - it's our jails and prisons
June 24th, 2020
Florida Cares, an advocacy group for prisoners in Florida, held a parade from the State Attorney’s Office to the Palm Beach County jail on April 3, 2020, urging county leaders be more proactive in releasing inmates from the jail to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Reducing prison population would save lives in pandemic
Coronavirus Florida: If any place needs help with COVID-19 - it's our jails and prisons
As COVID-19 threatens Florida prisons, reform coalition wants more inmates released
April 29th, 2020
Coronavirus is infecting us at unprecedented rates. It is the biggest public health crisis of our lifetimes, and we are failing to keep Floridians healthy and protected from the virus.
As COVID-19 threatens Florida prisons, reform coalition wants more inmates released
Coronavirus Florida: If any place needs help with COVID-19 - it's our jails and prisons
As COVID-19 threatens Florida prisons, reform coalition wants more inmates released
April 8th, 2020
Social distancing can’t take place in crowded prisons, advocates say.
Coronavirus Florida: Lower bonds coming for some lower-level, nonviolent arrests in PBC
April 7th, 2020
Bonds will be reduced temporarily in an effort to lessen the chances of an outbreak of coronavirus at the Palm Beach County Jail, according to an administrative order released this week.
State attorney working to release low-level offenders
April 3rd, 2020
While protesters drove cars decked with slogans and honking their horns past the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office Friday demanding low-level inmates be released from jail, a plan was already in place to do just that.
PBSO targets of protests advocating for jail inmates
April 3rd, 2020
More than a dozen people got together Friday afternoon, in separate cars, socially distancing from one another, to demand that those with lower-level, nonviolent offenses be released to stop the potential spread of coronavirus within in the jails.
Transparency urged as more FL prison workers test positive for COVID-19
Transparency urged as more FL prison workers test positive for COVID-19
April 1st, 2020
Florida's prison system has confirmed 12 workers testing positive for COVID-19, and some prison-rights groups say that alone should prompt testing of the prison population.
Success on the inside: Michael Monsivais
In prison, Michael Angel Monsivais saw a huge need. And instead of waiting for someone else to fill that need—the warden, the BOP, the government—he took matters into his own hands.
Families of Florida inmates join with lobbyists in calling for prison reform
A sprawling network of people with husbands, sons, daughters and wives in Florida prisons have linked up in the last two years through a nonprofit inmate advocacy group, Florida Cares. Very few of them chose to get involved with prison reform. Instead, they were thrust into that role instead when their loved ones were sentenced to one of the largest and most violent prison systems in the country.
Florida First Step Act promises moderate reforms to prison system
Florida First Step Act promises moderate reforms to prison system
A St. Petersburg senator filed a bill Thursday that would take a small step toward reforming Florida's prison system, following the model of federal legislation signed by President Donald Trump last year.
Critics say lawmakers are thwarting voters again
Florida First Step Act promises moderate reforms to prison system
Families of inmates and advocacy groups were elated last fall when voters approved a Florida Constitutional Amendment that could soon allow some prisoners to be released early.
Florida legislature must stop letting prosecutors charge children as adults
I sit at my desk wondering why they don’t get it. Why do our legislators continue to do nothing to help hurting children and hurting families?
Florida campaign for criminal justice reform supports legislation allowing for good behavior
Florida Senator Randolph Bracy has introduced legislation that would incentivize good behavior and rehabilitation in Florida’s prisons by adjusting the “gain time” for first time nonviolent offenders, allowing some people to earn more than 15 percent off of their prison sentence.
Retroactive gain-time would reform Florida's harsh prison sentencing laws
Florida bill would eliminate solitary confinement for juveniles in prison system
Florida bill would eliminate solitary confinement for juveniles in prison system
Two "gain-time" bills making their way through the Florida Legislature would reform the state's harsh minimum sentencing laws — a move experts say would promote good behavior and public safety while saving the state hundreds of millions of dollars.
Florida bill would eliminate solitary confinement for juveniles in prison system
Florida bill would eliminate solitary confinement for juveniles in prison system
Florida bill would eliminate solitary confinement for juveniles in prison system
Florida is an “outlier” in prison systems across the nation when it comes to the use of solitary confinement, according to a 90-page federal lawsuit filed Wednesday that alleges the state Department of Corrections is violating the constitutional rights of inmates.
Florida Cares lobby day was a success
Florida bill would eliminate solitary confinement for juveniles in prison system
Florida slashed drug programs will result in hundreds of layoffs
FAC wants to recognize the efforts of Florida Cares Charity, and their organizer Denise Rock. After months of preparation, buses carrying FL Cares supporters rolled into Tallahassee last week for Justice Reform Lobby Day.
Florida slashed drug programs will result in hundreds of layoffs
Florida slashed drug programs will result in hundreds of layoffs
Florida slashed drug programs will result in hundreds of layoffs
"There's so much contraband brought in by the prison staff, it's a full-time job to stay clean,'' she said. After her husband had been attending drug treatment meetings with a facilitator in the last year, he was sober for six months. Then the facilitator had a medical emergency and rather than replace him, the warden stopped the program.
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Florida slashed drug programs will result in hundreds of layoffs
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Florida kicks off 2025 legislative session. Here's what Floridians hope to see lawmakers accomplish
WFSU | By Adrian Andrews
Published March 4, 2025 at 5:47 PM EST
For Justice and Decarceration, Enact Second-Look Sentencing
Regardless of what one thinks of presidential pardons, we should reflect upon a simple truth – convictions and sentences meted out at one point might not be appropriate decades later. That is especially true for many people currently serving life or massive prison sentences.
New Florida prison policy to stop contraband
There’s no denying it — there is a major contraband problem inside Florida prisons. Weapons, drugs, cellphones.
The Department of Corrections says sometimes it’s friends and gang members sneaking the contraband in.
Other times, it’s the corrections officers.
Republican led senate advances sweeping criminal justice reform package
Republican led senate advances sweeping criminal justice reform package
The Republican-led Florida Senate advanced sweeping reforms to Florida's criminal justice system Tuesday, as former inmates and their families pled for the state to back off on the hardline punishments of the past and move towards more common-sense sentencing that could ease crowded jails and offer offenders more hope for rehabilitation.
Federal suit filed to end solitary confinement in Florida
Republican led senate advances sweeping criminal justice reform package
One out of seven prisoners in solitary confinement throughout the nation are housed in Florida prisons, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
"Institutional racism" fewer black inmates graduate from prison education programs
"Institutional racism" fewer black inmates graduate from prison education programs
Racial bias poisons every step of Florida's criminal justice system.
Florida inmates evacuate to already overcrowded prison facilities
"Institutional racism" fewer black inmates graduate from prison education programs
As of this afternoon, the Florida Department of Corrections has evacuated or relocated 2,195 inmates in preparation for Hurricane Dorian.
Dozens gather in Ocala to press for prison charges
Three state representatives listened to horrifying stories of abuse, neglect and pain witnessed by former inmates and their family members at the hands of corrections officers at Lowell Correctional Institution at a forum held at an Ocala church on Saturday.
Wasted Minds: Prisoners languish in Florida prisons with little access to education
Dade Correctional Institution employs one teacher for a population of 1,500 men – and just 16 prisoners have earned GED diplomas there over the past four years.
Florida prison officers could soon be armed with 'Dart'Fired' tasers, advocates, families concerened
Florida prison officers could soon be armed with 'Dart'Fired' tasers, advocates, families concerened
Some state prison officers soon could be allowed to use stun guns when dealing with disturbances among inmates, which has drawn concern from prison reform advocates as well as families with incarcerated loved ones.
Pawsitive direction program
Florida prison officers could soon be armed with 'Dart'Fired' tasers, advocates, families concerened
The Pawsitive Direction program pairs prisoners with rescue dogs for them to train. Denise Rock and a rescue organization known as the Loxahatchee Animal Rescue Community (LARC) developed the program to serve both at-risk prisoners and at-risk dogs.
Saying solitary confinement is cruel, groups file suit against state
Prisoner's mom, Florida lawmaker target law that lets accomplices be charged with murder
Laurette Philipsen speaks to reporters at a Tallahassee press event where a lawsuit against the state Dept. of Corrections for placing people on solitary confinement was announced.
Prisoner's mom, Florida lawmaker target law that lets accomplices be charged with murder
Prisoner's mom, Florida lawmaker target law that lets accomplices be charged with murder
Amid nationwide calls for criminal justice reform, Antonini said she’s hopeful her cause can find traction. Last week, she held a Facebook Live event with State Sen. Randolph Bracy, who filed a bill in this year’s legislative session that would limit the felony murder rule to accomplices who helped commit or plan the slaying.
Florida prisoners advocacy group seeks relief for heat-stricken inmates
Florida prisoners advocacy group seeks relief for heat-stricken inmates
For decades, it's been the same story every summer in Florida prisons. Despite being one of the hottest states in the country, the vast majority of dorms in public correctional facilities have no air conditioning and offer little relief from the heat.
Prison inmates endure summer heat without air conditioning
Florida prisoners advocacy group seeks relief for heat-stricken inmates
Laurette Philipsen says conditions were rough throughout her eight and a half years at Lowell Correctional Institute in Marion County, but summers were by far the most dreaded time of year.
'We wouldn't treat our animals this way': Lack of AC in record heat puts Florida prisons to the test
The Florida Department of Corrections operates 50 “major facilities” across the state. Only 18 of them have air conditioning in “most of their housing,” according to the department.
Location changed: Experience the soaring temperatures of Florida's prisons firsthand
FAMM, Florida Cares to launch an interactive exhibit featuring mock prison cell as part of Beat the Heat event
Exhibit will make you feel like you're locked up inside a Florida prison cell
Jail-Cell simulator highlights extreme heat in Florida's un-air-conditioned prisons
As part of an interactive exhibit called “Beat The Heat,” people can spend three minutes inside a mock prison cell to experience what more than 60,000 Florida inmates go through during the summer.
Jail-Cell simulator highlights extreme heat in Florida's un-air-conditioned prisons
Jail-Cell simulator highlights extreme heat in Florida's un-air-conditioned prisons
A majority of state correctional institutions still lack air-conditioning in housing areas.
We showed up and showed out in unanimous opposition
Prison inmate visitation cuts worry Pensacola families, advocates
Prison inmate visitation cuts worry Pensacola families, advocates
FDOC reported that over 150 people replied by filing out the Public Hearing Appearance Request Record form. A reporter in the room counted well over a hundred attendees and there were people standing in the back because we ran out of seats!
Prison inmate visitation cuts worry Pensacola families, advocates
Prison inmate visitation cuts worry Pensacola families, advocates
Prison inmate visitation cuts worry Pensacola families, advocates
Rita Mattson's son, Chad, has four years left to serve in a prison sentence for a 2010 DUI manslaughter conviction.
Florida groups oppose cuts to inmate visitation
Prison inmate visitation cuts worry Pensacola families, advocates
Latest proposed changes to Florida's prison visitation rules receiving pushback
There is wide-spread unrest regarding proposed changes to inmate visitation at Florida prisons and Thursday, several groups voiced their concerns by protest.
Latest proposed changes to Florida's prison visitation rules receiving pushback
Latest proposed changes to Florida's prison visitation rules receiving pushback
Latest proposed changes to Florida's prison visitation rules receiving pushback
The Florida Department of Corrections is looking into changing the rules for prison visitations. But, prison officials are getting pushback from different families and friends of inmates currently behind bars.