Florida Death Row Advocacy Group

 

Working to maintain and improve living conditions for death row in Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION PACKAGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Welcome

 

This packet was designed by the members of FDRAG to assist the families and friends of Death Row inmates with their transition into the rules and regulations of the Florida system.   Our personal experiences of frustration and uncertainty as we were initiated into the system have lead us to hope that the information contained within the packet will save others from the same feelings.

 

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us from the list below.

 

We are here to help you.

 

Take care and stay strong,

 

FDRAG

 

 

 




 Contact List

 

 

 

USA

Hannah Floyd, 137 N Walnut St Apt 14, Starke, FL 32091

Hannahfloyd@yahoo.com

(Can be contacted for info on newsletter, membership, visiting, places to stay, transport etc.)

904-964-4303

USA

Dianne Abshire, 9673 State Rt 65, Ottawa, Ohio 45875

afua@who.rr.com

(Can also be contacted re: legal matters for the attention of Florida Support Group)

419-523-5816

The Netherlands

Jolanda Arends, Treilerstraat 168, NL - 1503 JM Zaandam, jolanda-arends@zonnet.nl

(FDRAG membership and welcome package)

+31-75-616-4862




Visitation Rules

NOTICE: Please read and keep this sheet for future reference and review it often.

Our goal is to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.  However, you must follow these rules or your visiting privileges may be affected.

 

1.  Identification Requirements: Visitors 12 years of age or older must present a valid form of picture identification to enter the visiting area.

2.  Dress Requirements: These requirements are strictly enforced:

2.1 Shirts and shoes are mandatory.

2.2 Halter tops, underwear-type tee shirts, tank tops, fish net shirts, or any clothes made with see-through fabric or skin-tight will not be worn by males or females.

2.3 Dresses, skirts, or Bermuda-length shorts more than three inches (3”) above the knee are not permitted.

2.4 Any article of clothing with a picture or language ruled profane or offensive by an officer will not be allowed.

3.  Searches of Visitors:

3.1 All persons are required to submit to a search of their persons and possessions before being admitted to the institution or to visit.

3.2 Refusal to submit to a search is grounds for denial of the visit.

3.3 Refer to Chapter 33-601.728 and 33-602.204 Florida Administrative Code for specific search guidelines.

4.  Authorized Items Permitted by Visitors (Under no circumstances are department staff allowed to hold/store an item for a visitor):

4.1. Visitors will bring only these items into any department facility.  Any item not in the list below, or any authorized item more than the approved amounts (e.g., cash), is “unauthorized” and item entry will be denied.

(4.1.1) One (1) unopened pack of cigarettes and one (1) lighter (No “Bic” type lighters or matches allowed).  (Note:  Smoking permitted only in designated outside areas.)

(4.1.2) One (1) vehicle key; One (1) photographic identification card; limited feminine hygiene products.

(4.1.3) Up to $25.00 ($1 & $5 bills only) cash per visitor, regardless of age, to purchase snacks and beverages from vending machines located in department visiting areas.  All snacks and beverages must be consumed in the visiting area and must be purchased by visitors.  Under no circumstances will money be given to an inmate.

(4.1.3.1) Send funds to the appropriate Service Center in the form of US Postal money orders, cashiers checks, or certified bank drafts.

(4.1.4) Prescriptive medications: Visitors taking prescription medications are allowed only the dosage necessary for the period of the visit at any institution.

(4.1.4.1) Each prescriptive medication must be in its original prescribed container with a clearly readable label with the information on the type of medication, dosage requirements, and the name of the individual to whom the medication was prescribed.

(4.1.4.2) Under no circumstances will containers with different types of medication be allowed into any department facility.

(4.1.4.3) The department prohibits individuals from entry with any medication posing a threat to inmates or institutional security. Individuals requiring medical injections (needles/syringes) are required to leave the institution for such purposes and then allowed to return.

(4.1.4.3.1) Do not bring needles/syringes into any facility or leave them on the grounds of any facility under any circumstances.

(4.1.5) If applicable, one (1) copy of a notarized authorization to supervise a minor.

(4.1.6) Visitors with authorized infants and small children.

(4.1.6.1) No more than five (5) diapers, three (3) clear baby bottles, two (2) toddler sipper cups, and three (3) clear jars of sealed (unopened) baby food.

(4.1.6.2) Baby wipes/towelettes allowed if they are in a clear bag.

(4.1.6.3) Infant/baby carriers are subject to search before entry into the institution.  Visitors are required to remove the infant from the carrier during the search.

4.2.  Visitors who bring any items not listed above or more than the permissible amounts will be required to find a secure location for the item(s) for the duration of their visit, if the item(s) is not considered contraband/illegal.

4.3.  DO NOT leave unattended children or animals on department property during visitation.

5.  Contraband(s. 944.47 F.S.)/Illegal Items Prohibited on Department Property: (Notice: Violation is a felony and will be aggressively prosecuted.)

5.1 Any visitor found to be in violation of these restrictions is subject to having their visitation privileges suspended.

5.2 DO NOT possess, introduce, or attempt to introduce any of the items in 5.4.1 to 5.4.8 into any department facility.

5.3 DO NOT attempt to pass or pass any of these items to any inmate, staff member, or other individual.

5.4 Contraband items found in an unsecured area by a department staff may be seized and will not be returned without the approval of the Director of Institutions.

(5.4.1) Any intoxicating beverages;

(5.4.2) Any controlled substances (to include, but not be limited to, any narcotic, hallucinogens, marijuana, stimulant, or any drug affecting the central nervous system).  The only exception is prescription medications (see 4.1.4);

(5.4.3) Any cash over $25.00 per visitor, regardless of age;

(5.4.4) Any firearm, weapon, or instrument that customarily is used, can be used, or designed as a dangerous weapon.

(5.4.5) Visitors carrying Mace canisters or on key chains, or similar products, will not be allowed to enter any department facility and will be instructed to find a secure location to place the item for the duration of their visit;

(5.4.5) Any explosive devices or instruments;

(5.4.6) Any article(s) or instrument(s) that may be used to aid in or attempting to effect an escape;

(5.4.7) Any cellular telephones and/or recording devices;

(5.4.8) Any beeper/pager unless required for medical/professional reasons.  All approved beepers/pagers will be thoroughly inspected prior to entering the institution.

6.  Visitor Conduct:

6.1. Inmates/visitors are allowed one embrace and one kiss at the beginning and end of a visit. Such activity is not permitted during the visit.

(6.1.1) Lap sitting is not allowed or any open or gross lewdness as defined by Chapter 800, Florida Statutes is also prohibited.

6.2. Visitors will not give anything to an inmate nor will they take anything from an inmate without prior authorization from the Warden or designee.

(6.2.1) The only items authorized to be passed is food and beverage items purchased from vending machines by visitors.

6.3 Do not walk or drive along the secure perimeter fence road;

6.4 Photographing buildings, fences, grounds, staff members, inmates, or any area of state property that incorporates correctional facilities is prohibited;

6.5 No loud playing of vehicle radios while on department property;

6.6 No yelling at inmates or loud, boisterous behavior while on department property;

6.7 Visitors are required to keep children as orderly as possible during their visit so as not to disturbed other inmates and visitors.

(6.7.1) Visitors unable to control their children are subject to have their visit terminated;

6.8 Visitors are not allowed to switch tables or visit with any other inmate(s).

6.9 No loitering on department property.

7.  Denial of Visitation: The Warden/Assistant and Duty Wardens may deny a visitor entry, terminate the visit, or temporarily suspend visitation privileges for reasons to include, but not be limited to:

7.1 Visitor is, or appears to be, under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

7.2 Visitors 16 years and older who do not complete a “Request for Visiting Privileges” form and/or refuses to produce proper photo identification or falsifies information;

7.3 Visitors exceed the five approved visitor limitation or visitation space is limited;

7.4 Inmate has already had his/her scheduled visit for the day or the allowed visits for the month;

7.5 Visitor is disruptive before their visit or the children accompanying are disruptive/unruly;

7.6 Visitor is not on the inmate’s approved visiting list or it is not the inmate’s scheduled visiting day;

7.7 Inmate refuses to visit with the visitor;

7.8 Visitor does not meet the department dress requirements;

7.9 Emergency situations;

7.10 A decision that the visit may jeopardize the security and/or safety of staff, inmates, others, or the institution;

7.11 Visitor attempts to visit with more than one inmate at the same table and they are not immediate family members;

7.12 Visitors completing a visit with one inmate may not leave the institution and re-enter to visit with a different inmate;

7.13 Visitors over the age of 18 whom refuse to be questioned or refuse to consent to be pat or strip searched;

7.14 A minor refuses to be questioned or refuses to consent to be pat or strip searched even if the parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult consents to the search;

7.15 Refusal to submit to an exit search is grounds for denial of future visits.

8.  Visiting Hours:

8.1 Normally visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST).

8.2 Visitation registration begins at 8:15 AM (7:15 CST).  No visitors are processed after 2:00 PM (1:00 PM CST).





Unwritten Rules for Visiting Union Correctional Institution:

 

The parking lot at the prison is not opened till 7:00 am.  Visitors are no longer allowed to line up at the gate. Saturday and holiday visitors to UCI line up at the Handy Way located about a mile east of the UCI main gate. The death row visiting park is limited to 26 tables, and we suggest that you arrive early to secure a place in line. At approximately 6:55 am, the procession begins to move toward the prison.  Visitors line up under the canopy at the main building, in the order in which they arrive at the Handy Way.  At approximately 7:00, they are allowed in groups of five, to sign in.  Please be sure, that you have a valid photo ID, and the tag number of your vehicle with you. If you have not registered as a visitor, you will be required to have your photo taken for the DOC records, your hand scanned and issued a visitor pin number.  This number will be required at every visit.  At approximately 8:30, the guards will begin calling names for passes and searches. 

 

Sunday visitors need not line up at the Handy Way.

 

Visiting List Approval: Request a visitation form from your friend or loved one. After returning the completed form to the Institution you wish to visit, it takes approximately 6 weeks for approval. You will be notified by mail. Normally, a person is allowed to be on only one inmate’s visitation list. 

 

NOTE: If you are applying from outside the continental U.S or its territories, you must attach a complete criminal history check from your local law enforcement agency to the application.

 

Special visits: Visitors travelling over 200 miles may request a special visit, allowing them two 6 hour visits instead of one. If your visit includes two weekends, then you may apply for two special visits. If the regular visiting day is Saturday, your special visit will be on Friday. If the regular visiting day is Sunday, your extra day will be on Monday. You can request a special visit by emailing; Christie.lynne@mail.dc.state.fl.us 

 

Please read the visitation rules carefully. They are specific and are strictly enforced.

 




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Directions to UCI

 Picture of Union Correctinal InstitutionDirections: From East: SR-16, 11 miles west of Starke on left. From North (MacClenny): SR-121 south approximately 17 miles to SR-16 (before town of Raiford). Turn left onto SR-16. Go approximately 2 miles. The Institution is on the right. From West (Lake City): SR-100 approximately 23 miles to SR-121 (Lake Butler), turn left. Go approximately 6 miles. Just outside town of Raiford turn right (east) onto SR-16. Go approximately 2 miles. The Institution is on the right.




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Directions to FSP

 


Entrance to FSPDirections: From East: SR-16, 11 miles west of Starke on left. Go through archway, circle to left, Administration Building (Red Brick) behind parking lot. From North: (MacClenny) SR-121 south approximately 17 miles to SR-16 (before town of Raiford). Turn left onto SR-16. Go approximately 3 miles, cross New River Bridge. The   Institution is on the right. From South: US-301 north approximately 35 miles north of Gainesville to Starke. Turn left onto SR-16 (Raiford Road) (West), go approximately 11 miles. The Institution is on the left. From West (Lake City): SR-100 approximately 23 miles to SR-121 (Lake Butler), turn left, go approximately 6 miles, just outside town of Raiford turn right (east) onto SR-16. Go approximately 3 miles, cross New River Bridge. The Institution is on the right.




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Local Cab: Veterans cab: 904 964 9117

 

Motels in Starke  visitor friendly:

 

Sleepy Hollow Motel

317 N. Temple Ave.

HWY 301

Starke, Fl. 32091

904-964-5006

Deluxe Inn

1900 N temple Avenue

Starke, Fl. 32091

904-964-5477

 

Budget Inn

739 N Temple Avenue

Starke, Fl  32091

904-964-7143

Days Inn

1101 N. Temple Avenue

Starke, Florida 32021

940-964-7600

 




Affordable Lodging in Keystone

 

If you prefer alternative accomodations, the town of Keystone, just 10-15 minutes from Starke, offers rooms in a private home. Within walking distance of the local shopping center and restaurants, the home is situated near Keystone "beach", a large lake with sandy shores and bathing bridges, where you may swim and top off your tan during the day. You may choose  sitting on the screened porch and overlooking the palm trees and oaks.   One side of the house boasts a beautiful flower garden where you may want to enjoy the fresh air while writing letters, listening to the birds or simply relaxing. There is also a huge lawn with swing sets for your child’s enjoyment

 

All rooms have new beds.  Clean linen and towels are provided, and there’s access to the kitchen and bathroom. Each room has it’s own TV.  Besides the comfortable accommodation, other services are offered. If you are bringing children with you, babysitting will be provided  for a small fee. If you need transportation, arrangements for airport pickups and drop offs in Jacksonville and trips to and from the prison are available.  Rates are:

 

$195 per week – including pick up and drop of at Jax airport, 2 trips to the prison and back.

 

$135 per week – includes two trips to and from the prison.  (If you have your own hire car breakfast will be included, which you can prepare at any times during the day).

 

$85 for a long weekend (including transportation as listed above)

 

The hostess speaks English, French and German.  Please call Hannah for further information   904-964-7303.

 

PS: Prices may be changing but can be discussed with hostess so there will be no surprises.

 




FLIGHTS TO FLORIDA

 

We often hear from folks who are on the lookout for places that offer good deals on flights to visit loved ones in Florida.  Here are a few websites suggested by some of our members that you might like to check out for low price quotes.

 

Germany

USA

UK

NETHERLANDS

www.ebookers.com

 

 www.opodo.de

 

 www.travel-overland.de

 

 www.getmeaway.de

 

 www.lastminute.com

 

www.travelocity.com

 

www.expedia.com

 

www.orbitz.com

 

www.hotwire.com

www.cheapflights.co.uk

 

www.travelcity.co.uk                  

 

www.travelocity.co.uk

 

www.majortravel.co.uk

 

 

www.worldticketcenter.nl

 

www.easytravel.nl

 

www.vliegmetmemee.nl

 

www.lastminute.nl

 

www.exit-reizen.nl

 

 

 




How to send money

 

Email to central.accounting@mail.dc.state.fl.us  to request deposit forms or call the toll free number 1-866-209-7250, or by send a written request to:

 

                        Department Of Corrections

                        Financial Service Center

                        Centerville Station

                        P.O. Box 13600

                        Tallahassee, FL. 32317-3600

 

Instructions are on the back of the form.  Please read and send your form and money order, cashiers check or bank draft to the following address.  The funds will be credited to your inmate’s account and he will be notified.

 

                        Florida Department of Corrections

                        Inmate Bank

                        Centerville Station

                        PO Box 12100

                        Tallahassee, FL. 32317-2100

 

Inmate Bank in Tallahassee

central.accounting@mail.dc.state.fl.us - General Mail Address

straley.jeff@mail.dc.state.fl.us - Employee at Inmate Bank

 

You may also send funds by wire transfer using Western Union's Quick Collect Service. To locate a Western Union Agent Location in your area, call 1-800-325-6000. When you complete the Blue Quick Collect Payment Form (at the Agent Location) you must include the following information:

Pay To:

FL Dept. of Corrections

Code City:

FLDOC

State:

FL

Account Number:

123456DOE
(DC Number and Last Name, no periods or commas)

Attention:

DOE, JOHN
(Inmate Last Name, First Name)

 

 

The cost is $11.95. If sent before 8:00 PM, Monday - Friday, the funds will be posted to inmate's account the next day.You may also send funds using a credit card by calling Quick Collect by Phone at 1-800-634-3422. (Press 2 to send Q/C payment) or visit the web site at: www.westernunion.com.The fee for calling is determined by the amount you would like to send. (Additional bank charges may apply.) Quick Collect by Phone is not offered if the call originates from one of the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, & Oklahoma. Quick Collect via web site www.westernunion.com is available to all 50 states (some restrictions apply).

To check on a deposit, call the Western Union Customer Service at 1-800-238-5772.

Flyers with this information are also available in the visiting park at each Institution.

 




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DOC employees at UCI

DOC employees at FSP

decker.paul@mail.dc.state.fl.us - Warden

howard.bonita@mail.dc.state.fl.us - Secretary to Warden

barry.ronald@mail.dc.state.fl.us - Assistant Warden

bassett.sam@mail.dc.state.fl.us - Assistant Warden

thompson.joseph@mail.dc.state.fl.us  -  Warden

 

 

 

***************************************************************************************************************

 




Florida Department of Corrections Web Site:

 

  http://www.dc.state.fl.us/

 

Death row information

 

http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/deathrow/index.html

 

 




Office of Family Services:                         

The Office of Family Services is responsible for improving the communication between families, their incarcerated loved ones, and the department. Accordingly, the Family Ombudsman acts as a liaison between families and the department, ensuring that complaints related to transfers, medical conditions, physical abuse and other general concerns are analyzed, evaluated, and handled according to department procedures and applicable rules and statutes. The Family Ombudsman supervises the Correspondence Control Unit, coordinates with the Bureau of Legislative Affairs and Bureau of Public Affairs regarding family issues, makes recommendations to executive staff regarding family issues, and monitors institutional visitation.

 

Sylvia Williams, Family Ombudsman(850) 410-4243, SunCom 210-4243

Office of Family Ombudsman Poster

 

 




Rules Governing Books, Periodicals and Personal Communications 


Complete regulations regarding the sending of publications to inmates and mail rules may be found in Index to Rules, Title 33, Department of Corrections.

http://www.dc.state.fl.us/secretary/legal/ch33/rulindex.html.  We advise that you print the information and read it carefully.  Violation of the rules may cause loss of writing and visitation privileges.  Neither letters nor publications will be accepted if they contain subject matter that:

 Depicts/describes construction or use of weapons, ammunition, bomb, chemical agents, incendiary devices.

Depicts/encourages/describes methods of escape or contains blueprints, drawings, descriptions of facilities or maps that facilitate escape.

 Depicts/describes procedures for brewing alcoholic beverages or manufacture of drugs or other intoxicants. Is written in code.

Depicts/encourages/describes activities leading to use of physical violence or group disruption.

 Encourages/instructs in the commission of criminal activity. Is dangerously inflammatory in that it advocates or encourages riot, insurrection, institutional disruption, or violation of department rules. Threatens physical harm, blackmail or extortion.

 Depicts sexual conduct as follows: actual or simulated sexual intercourse; sexual bestiality; masturbation; actual contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, female breast; any act or conduct which constitutes sexual battery or simulates that sexual battery is being or will be committed.

Depicts nudity or a lewd exhibition of genitals in such a way as to create the appearance of sexual conduct is imminent Display of contact or intended contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breasts orally, digitally or by foreign object.

Display of sexual organs in an aroused state. Contains criminal history, offender registration, or other personal information about another inmate or offender, which , in the hands of an inmate, presents a threat to the security, order or rehabilitative objectives of the correctional system or to the safety of any person; Contains or appears to contain unknown or unidentifiable substances; or Otherwise presents a threat to the security, order or rehabilitative objectives of the correctional system or the safety of any person. Finally, ensure you are familiar and comply with the requirements of 33-501.401 (10) through (13). Briefly they are: Inmates, except for those in Close Management, may subscribe to no more than one daily or weekly newspaper and four other periodicals. Inmates in Close Management are limited to one (1) newspaper and one (1) periodical subscription. An inmate is not allowed to keep more than one copy of any volume, issue or edition of any book, periodical or other publication. (For example: may keep January and February 2003 issues, but not two copies of the January 2003 issue.) Inmate must be able to store the materials in his/her personal living area. Unless otherwise provided in