Eight inmates refusing food at Florida State Prison

Associated Press
Feb 2, 2004

STARKE, Fla. - Eight inmates on the disciplinary wing at Florida State Prison, including two charged in the June beating death of a correctional officer, are on a hunger strike over what they claim are basic human needs for recreation, decent food, visitation and access to canteen items.

According to the Florida Department of Corrections, eight of the 24 inmates on Q wing are in the strike, which began Sunday.

A statement released by the inmates through the Florida Death Row Advocacy Group, states: "On Feb. 1, the inmates housed on Q wing will begin a hunger strike in protest of the erroneous and unconstitutional conditions that we are being forced to endure. Those who are not participating are either mentally ill or in fear of retaliation from this administration."

State officials said two of the inmates, Stephen Smith, 43, and Michael Jones, 47, are awaiting first-degree murder trials for the beating death of Correctional Officer Darla Lathrem, 38, during an escape attempt at Charlotte Correctional Institution in June.

Charlotte County prosecutors announced Thursday that they would be seeking the death penalty against Smith and Jones.

Sterling Ivey, said a recent review found that of 47 inmates sent to Q wing, 39 were there less than six months, five from six months to one year, and three for more than a year.

"Of your 79,000 inmates, these are the most dangerous or highest escape risk," Ivey said.

The inmates claim conditions of their confinement are violating their rights.

Seven conditions listed on their letter:

• They want to exercise once a week. They claim they are allowed exercise only once a month.
• They want the right to receive books, magazines and newspapers and are asking that radios be returned.
• The want to have visits and make telephone calls to family and friends.
• The inmates also claim they are not being adequately fed by Aramark, which has the contract for prison meals, and they often go to bed hungry. They would like to be able to buy food from the canteen.
• They claim that basic hygiene is being ignored and want to be able to buy shampoo, mouthwash and body deodorant.
• They want warmer clothing in the winter months.
• They want enforcement of the Florida Administrative Code, which states that maximum management is a temporary status.

Iven said the length of stay depends on the inmate.

"Our policy is to move the inmates off of maximum management as quickly as their behavior will allow," he said.

Q Wing contains 24 cells, on the second and third floor of the prison directly above the execution chamber. It is for inmates who break prison rules.

The wing, on the far north end of the prison, used to be known as X wing. Death row inmate Frank Valdes was on X wing when he was beaten to death on July 17, 1999.

Four guards were acquitted in two trials in the death of Valdes. Prosecutors dropped charges against other guards.

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