Justyna M. – Criminal Justice. Inmates.
When hurricanes are imminent, we see communities swiftly evacuated, families rushing to safety, and efforts to mitigate loss. However, there is one group that is frequently ignored amid these preparations: prisoners. Despite many prisons and jails being situated in vulnerable regions, incarcerated individuals are often left behind even as catastrophic weather bears down.
As another powerful hurricane looms on the horizon, threatening widespread destruction and chaos, a familiar yet unsettling reality resurfaces: inmates in prisons and jails across evacuation zones are being left behind. With mandatory evacuation orders issued for millions of residents, many incarcerated individuals remain in facilities vulnerable to storm surges, flooding, and power outages. The lack of decisive action to relocate them raises an urgent question—have we learned nothing from Hurricane Katrina?
In 2005, the world watched in horror as thousands of inmates in New Orleans were abandoned during Katrina’s devastation, left without food, water, or adequate shelter. Nearly two decades later, it seems history is repeating itself, as prison and jail administrators, along with state officials, once again fail to prioritize the safety of incarcerated people in the face of impending natural disasters. This neglect highlights a disturbing trend where the lives of incarcerated individuals are consistently devalued during times of crisis.
Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when Texas inmates were left in floodwaters for days, sitting in sewage and contaminated water.
Why, despite the lessons of Katrina, are we still leaving inmates in harm’s way?
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has decided against evacuating approximately 1,200 inmates at the county jail, despite widespread evacuation orders for local residents. This decision comes as local and state officials have emphasized the life-threatening potential of the storm, with evacuation orders issued for Zones A, B, and C.
The Situation
Hurricane Milton, expected to make landfall on Wednesday night, is projected to bring storm surges between 10 to 15 feet, threatening to inundate buildings in evacuation Zone A, where the Manatee County Jail is located. While the county’s residents are urged to seek shelter away from the storm’s path, the jail’s management insists that its facility, a hurricane-rated, two-story building, is built to withstand such conditions.
On Tuesday afternoon, a deputy confirmed to Newsweek that there were no plans to evacuate the inmates, and instead, they would be moved to the second floor if flooding occurred. The sheriff’s office reassured the public that they were prepared, citing multiple generators and enough supplies for several days.
Florida Correctional Facilities’ Evacuation Plans Amid Hurricane Milton
Florida Department of Corrections
Evacuation Status: As of October 9, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has relocated over 5,600 inmates, with additional evacuations in progress. The FDC’s online inmate locator is updated approximately 24 hours after an inmate is moved. A comprehensive list of evacuated facilities is available on the FDC website.
Response: When questioned by The Appeal, the FDC directed inquiries to their website and provided the following statement: “Evacuation decisions are made prioritizing the safety of the public, staff, and inmates. Inmate locations are updated on the website about 24 hours post-relocation, following standard procedures. Announcements regarding further evacuations will be made once completed. Various risk factors are assessed during evacuation decisions, including the storm’s projected path, timing, traffic disruptions, evacuation risks, and facility conditions.”
Additional Information for Families: As of October 9, all visitations at state prisons have been canceled until Sunday, October 13. For updates on visitation policies, families can text “FDCVISIT” to 888-777.
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
Evacuation Status: Two facilities housing juveniles, Palmetto Youth Academy and Deep Creek Academy, are located in areas under mandatory evacuation orders.
Evacuation Plans: It remains unclear whether these facilities will be evacuated.
Agency Response: On October 9, the department referred The Appeal to the governor’s website, stating: “The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) has completed storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth in our care. This includes fueling all vehicles, relocating vehicles from low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and securing adequate fuel supplies for generators in case of power outages, and ensuring that food, medicine, and emergency supplies are fully stocked and ready.”
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Evacuation Status: The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) oversees a federal prison complex in Sumter County, which is not under an evacuation order. However, county officials have strongly recommended that residents in mobile homes, RVs, or structures vulnerable to high winds, as well as those in low-lying areas or with special needs, consider evacuating or relocating to shelters.
Evacuation Plans: It is unclear whether the BOP will evacuate inmates from this facility.
Agency Response: On October 8, a BOP spokesperson informed The Appeal via email that the agency would not discuss specific inmate movements or transfers. They stated that each BOP facility has contingency plans for hurricanes and other natural disasters. “As a temporary measure, movement for certain incarcerated individuals has been suspended, and accountability procedures are in place. Evacuation plans will be implemented if necessary. Where warranted, hurricane supplies are on-site, and employees are available to ensure coverage throughout the hurricane,” the spokesperson added.
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The county jail is situated in an area under a mandatory evacuation order.
Population: Approximately 600 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: It is unclear whether the facility will be evacuated.
Agency Response: The Sheriff’s Office did not respond to The Appeal’s inquiries regarding evacuation and general preparedness plans.
Citrus County Detention Center
Evacuation Status: Citrus County is under a mandatory evacuation order.
Population: About 700 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: It remains unclear whether the facility will be evacuated.
Agency Response: Managed by the for-profit company CoreCivic, the detention center’s spokesperson told The Appeal on October 7 via email: “CoreCivic’s Emergency Operations Center is following the same protocols as with previous hurricanes, such as Hurricane Helene. We continuously monitor the storm’s strength and direction using updates from the National Hurricane Center and local weather authorities. Our preparations include ensuring each facility has sufficient food and water supplies for inmates and staff, generators and fuel for potential power outages, and shelter accommodations to maintain staffing levels. We remain in contact with local, state, and federal partners regarding each facility’s status, and an evacuation plan is in place if necessary.”
Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The Naples jail is under a “voluntary precautionary evacuation” order, while the Immokalee Jail is not subject to any evacuation orders.
Population: Approximately 700 inmates across both facilities.
Evacuation Plans: It is unclear whether these facilities will be evacuated.
Agency Response: The Sheriff’s Office did not respond to The Appeal’s questions about evacuation and general preparedness plans.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The jail itself is not located in an evacuation zone, although other areas of the county are under evacuation orders.
Population: About 260 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Wednesday, October 9, the facility is not evacuating.
Agency Response: A spokesperson informed The Appeal via email that no evacuations have been initiated. “An evacuation plan has been developed in collaboration with Flagler County Emergency Management,” the spokesperson stated. “If an evacuation becomes necessary, we coordinate with the Florida Department of Corrections to relocate inmates to designated facilities.” The facility is equipped with a full-scale generator, a 30-day supply of prescription medications, additional medical supplies, and sufficient food and water to last several days. Measures are in place to maintain operations even if power is lost, including water storage and contingency plans for toilet functionality.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The county operates two jails in Tampa, one of which—Orient Road Jail—is in an area under a mandatory evacuation order.
Population: Nearly 3,500 inmates across both facilities.
Evacuation Plans: Yes, the facilities are being evacuated.
Agency Response: On October 7, a spokesperson told The Appeal via email: “While we do not disclose specific inmate movements, we have emergency plans in place for any facility that may be compromised by hurricanes or other emergencies.” Additionally, a spokesperson informed Florida Politics that detainees from Orient Road Jail are being moved to Falkenburg Road Jail, which is not under a mandatory evacuation order.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The Lee County Jail is in a mandatory evacuation zone, whereas the Core/CPU Facility is not.
Population: Approximately 1,600 inmates across both facilities.
Evacuation Plans: It is unclear whether evacuations are occurring.
Agency Response: The Sheriff’s Office did not respond to The Appeal’s inquiries regarding evacuation and general preparedness plans.
Levy County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The county jail is not within a mandatory evacuation zone, although other parts of the county are under evacuation orders.
Population: About 170 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Wednesday, October 9, the facility is not evacuating.
Agency Response: Lieutenant Scott Tummond informed The Appeal on October 9 that, “We’re not evacuating our detention facility as there is no immediate need. Our area does not appear to be significantly impacted by the storm to warrant an evacuation.” He added, “Our emergency operations center is adjacent, allowing us to resupply the facility promptly if necessary.”
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The Central Jail is located in an area under a mandatory evacuation order.
Population: Approximately 1,100 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Wednesday, October 9, the facility is not evacuating.
Agency Response: A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office told The Appeal via email: “We are confident in the structural integrity of our correctional facilities, which are designed to remain above flood levels. Inmates have not been evacuated. The Manatee County Jail is a hurricane-rated, two-story building constructed on elevated ground.” For those requiring medical care or with physical disabilities, inmates are being moved to the secure second level. The facility is equipped with multiple generators, additional staff, and on-site EMS to handle any issues. Supplies are fully stocked, including sufficient food and water for several days. Should flooding threaten the ground floor, all inmates and staff will relocate upstairs. Deputies are closely monitoring the situation.
Historical Context: In 2021, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office faced criticism for not evacuating the jail during a toxic wastewater reservoir leak that threatened to flood the facility with up to 10 feet of water. While deputies were supposed to move inmates from the first to the second floor, most remained on the ground level, leading to public backlash.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The Marion County Jail is not under an evacuation order, but residents in mobile homes must evacuate.
Population: Approximately 1,800 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Wednesday, October 9, the facility is not evacuating.
Agency Response: The Sheriff’s Office did not respond to The Appeal’s questions regarding evacuation and general preparedness plans.
Pasco County Detention Center
Evacuation Status: The county jail is not in a mandatory evacuation zone, though other areas of the county are.
Population: About 1,500 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Tuesday, October 8, the facility is not evacuating.
Agency Response: The Pasco County chief correctional officer told The Appeal via email: “We have adjusted staffing to ensure proper coverage and relief, anticipating that roads may become impassable. Operations will continue normally unless severe weather necessitates reduced movement within the facility. We have coordinated with service providers to maintain continuity of operations. Inmates scheduled for release on Thursday, October 10, 2024, will be released one day early to avoid storm conditions. Transportation to county shelters is being arranged.” Additionally, the facility will provide bottled water for drinking and implement water pass systems every one to two hours during lockdowns. Fresh water stocks will be used for flushing toilets, with inmates instructed to limit flushing similarly to community guidelines.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The county jail is within a mandatory evacuation zone.
Population: Approximately 3,100 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Tuesday, October 8, the facility is not evacuating.
Agency Response: The Sheriff’s Office did not respond to The Appeal’s inquiries regarding evacuation and general preparedness plans. During a Tuesday press conference, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated, “With the number of inmates we have, evacuating is neither feasible nor necessary, as our facilities are equipped to remain safe during the storm. Everyone will be secure upstairs.”
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The county jail is located in a mandatory evacuation zone.
Population: About 420 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Wednesday, October 9, the facility is reportedly not evacuating.
Agency Response: The Sheriff’s Office did not respond to The Appeal’s questions about evacuation and general preparedness plans. The office informed WUSF, West Central Florida’s NPR affiliate, that there are no plans to evacuate.
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
Evacuation Status: The county jail is not in a mandatory evacuation zone, though other parts of the county are under evacuation orders.
Population: Approximately 1,000 inmates.
Evacuation Plans: As of Monday, October 7, the facility is not evacuating.
Agency Response: When asked about storm preparations, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office stated that there are no plans to evacuate detainees. Regarding contingency plans for potential loss of running water, the spokesperson mentioned that the facility maintains a 30-day supply of bottled water, providing each inmate with at least 64 ounces per day.
A Divided Response
In stark contrast to Manatee County’s approach, the Florida Department of Corrections reported evacuating over 4,600 inmates from various facilities, highlighting a statewide effort to protect incarcerated individuals during the hurricane. However, multiple sheriff’s offices, including those in Pinellas and Lee counties, have also opted not to evacuate their local jails, believing the facilities can withstand the storm.
A spokesperson for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office noted that the jail is a “secure building,” and a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office representative stated that they would be relocating inmates from the Orient Road Jail, which lies within a mandatory evacuation zone, to a safer facility.
Public Concerns
The decision not to evacuate the inmates has raised concerns among families of incarcerated individuals. Julie Reimer, a Florida resident with family members in correctional facilities, expressed her fears about the lack of action taken to protect her son, who is currently an inmate. “When my son was sentenced, he was not given a death sentence,” she said, reflecting the anxiety many families feel as the storm approaches.
Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Ethan Corey, and Meg O’Connor from The Appeal highlight the gravity of the situation, noting that over 28,000 people are incarcerated in areas under mandatory evacuation orders, with many facilities not planning to evacuate. The risks associated with flooding and storm surges in correctional facilities cannot be overlooked, especially when the storm poses such significant threats.
Preparing for the Storm
As the storm nears, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has issued warnings for local residents to evacuate to shelters or safer locations. In their social media posts, officials stressed the importance of heeding evacuation orders, emphasizing that “NOW is the time to evacuate.” They also warned that once wind speeds reach 45 mph, deputies would be pulled from the roads to shelter in place until the storm passes.
While the jail maintains that it is prepared for the storm, the realities of emergency management during such a crisis remain uncertain. In the past, similar situations have drawn criticism, such as in 2021 when the sheriff’s office faced backlash for its handling of a toxic wastewater reservoir leak threatening the jail.
Homeless
However, one vulnerable group is at risk of being overlooked: the homeless population, who were already struggling before these storms hit.
Disaster relief for those who were homeless before a hurricane has historically been lacking. FEMA, the federal agency responsible for providing aid, has policies that exclude unhoused individuals from most forms of assistance, including housing. Although HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development) has attempted to fill these gaps, a new bill moving through Congress could jeopardize these efforts.
This issue is more urgent now as major hurricanes become more frequent and the number of unsheltered Americans continues to rise. In a landmark decision in June, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld local governments’ authority to clear homeless encampments, even when there are no shelter options available. Following this, Florida enacted a law banning sleeping on public property. While there are exceptions during emergencies like hurricanes, once the emergency order is lifted, the 31,000 people in Florida who were homeless before the storms may face criminal penalties.
Homeless advocates express concerns about how this law will be enforced, especially after disasters. Many homeless individuals are already relocating to avoid legal trouble, making it even more challenging to provide them with assistance during storms. In addition to the difficulties in reaching unhoused people during evacuations, anti-camping laws increase distrust between homeless individuals and local authorities, further complicating aid efforts.
FEMA’s current policies exacerbate these challenges. The agency’s disaster relief largely excludes those who were homeless prior to the storm, even though their vulnerabilities are magnified by climate disasters. While HUD has stepped in with programs like the Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program, providing rental assistance for pre-disaster homeless individuals, these efforts may be in jeopardy if the new bill redirects this responsibility back to FEMA
Legal and Moral Failures
From a legal standpoint, the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, and leaving people to suffer or die in the wake of a hurricane certainly qualifies. Failing to evacuate inmates is not only a moral failure but a violation of their constitutional rights. Lawsuits following natural disasters have been filed time and again by inmates and their families, alleging negligence and inhumane treatment, but these legal battles often take years, with justice delayed or denied.
Beyond the legal implications, there’s a moral duty we as a society must acknowledge. Incarcerated individuals are human beings who deserve the same respect, care, and protection as anyone else. The fact that someone is behind bars does not negate their humanity or their right to safety. Hurricanes do not discriminate based on criminal records, and neither should we.
Conclusion
As Hurricane Milton makes its way towards Florida, the decision to keep inmates at the Manatee County Jail has sparked controversy and concern among families and advocates alike. With the storm’s potentially catastrophic effects looming, the challenge of ensuring the safety of both residents and those incarcerated remains critical. As the storm approaches, all eyes are on Manatee County, where the true test of preparedness will soon unfold.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, the state’s correctional facilities are grappling with evacuation decisions amidst mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders. While the Florida Department of Corrections has proactively relocated thousands of inmates, numerous county jails across the state have opted against evacuation, citing structural confidence and contingency plans. This has raised concerns among families and advocates about the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals during the storm. With storm surges projected to reach up to 15 feet in some areas, the effectiveness of these preparedness measures remains under scrutiny as Hurricane Milton makes landfall.
Inmates are humans, too. They are not disposable. And it is our responsibility, as a society, to ensure they are protected during times of disaster, just like everyone else. We must do better.
Resource material for the article:
10 Tampa Bay
Appeal
Vox
Justice Unlocked. 
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