Florida Jails Won’t Evacuate Inmates Before Hurricane Milton

Several jails and prisons in Florida, including Manatee County Jail, which houses 1,200 inmates, are refusing to evacuate despite being in Hurricane Milton’s evacuation zone.

The facility, located on the southeast side of Tampa Bay, confirmed it will remain open, even as Zone A faces potential storm surges of up to 11 feet.

Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske emphasized that evacuation orders are not made lightly, noting that Milton could produce more storm surge than Hurricane Helene, which struck less than two weeks ago.

A deputy from Manatee County Jail stated the facility would use sandbags and relocate inmates to higher floors if flooding occurs. Attempts to contact jail representatives for further comment were unsuccessful.

Family members are concerned for their loved ones’ safety. Julie Reimer, with relatives in the Charlotte and Hardee correctional institutions, reported being told that the facilities would not evacuate because they believe they can withstand the storm.

“When my son was sentenced, he was not given a death sentence,” she added, expressing her fears.