leanna Richardson

[Cherie M Smith @CherieMSmith1]

Honorable Legislators,

I write to you today with a heart burdened by a relentless struggle against a system that appears immune to the cries for justice—a system where the balance of truth is perilously skewed. At the heart of this plea is the @FL_Corrections , an institution where the scales of justice are seemingly unbalanced, favoring the voices of authority over the muted whispers of the incarcerated.

Our visits to these facilities are not mere routine encounters; they are the fragile threads that connect us to our loved ones shackled behind bars. These threads, which maintain the bonds of family and friendship, are essential not just for emotional support but for the very humanity of those serving their time. However, when accusations arise—where a prisoner's word stands alone against an officer's—the ensuing judgments are swift and often unjust, severing these vital connections without a fair and thorough investigation.

The absence of a genuine review process, the refusal to examine camera footage, and the dismissal of our appeals for fairness do not merely deny justice; they tear at the fabric of our relationships. Each canceled visit based on unverified claims is a lost opportunity to reaffirm love, support, and mutual growth. These moments, once taken, cannot be returned or remade.

How can it be that in our quest for correction and rehabilitation, we undermine the very elements that foster rehabilitation? How can we speak of reform when we allow baseless decisions to stand unchallenged, breaking bonds that might be the only link to a better path for many?

It is time for the Florida Department of Corrections to embody the principles of justice it is sworn to uphold. We seek not leniency, but fairness—a fair chance for claims and accusations to be thoroughly vetted, for both sides to be considered, and for justice to be served in its truest form.

I urge you, our elected representatives, to advocate for policy changes that require rigorous verification of all claims leading to the suspension of visitation rights. It is imperative that our correctional system not only punishes but also protects the rights and maintains the dignity of all involved.

Let us not allow our voices to echo in vain. Stand with us to ensure that our cries for justice reverberate through the halls of power and bring about the change that is desperately needed. Help us restore these lifelines, these vital visits, so that we may continue to support our loved ones in their most challenging times.

With respect and urgency,
The Families of the Incarcerated

[Florida Cares @florida_cares]

In the Tampa or surrounding area? Come join us tomorrow for our Prison Cell Immersive Experience at USF Campus from 12PM - 3PM Parking Lot E Space 37. This is a great opportunity to share what loved ones experience every day & help raise awareness to the need for change.

[Paige ✨ @paigexnicole_]

Dehumanizing the incarcerated is not a reflection of their character, it’s a reflection of your character.

[Karen L Stuckey @ucf87cpa]

All of you should look at the Keefe contact and see the “Value Added Services” those high prices are paying for.

https://t.co/dCLdruSGf5

[here4reform @Here4Reform]

FDC remember that those impacted by these fees are families, many with children that have an incarcerated parent and are already struggling to keep their heads above water. #fooddesert

[leanna Richardson @rich39525]

#Fooddesert
@FL_Corrections @orlandosentinel @washingtonpost @FOX13News @TB_Times @CNN @GovRonDeSantis @FLSenateGOP @FLHouseDems @jaxdotcom @FLGOPMajority @myflhouse @FLSenate @MiamiHerald

[iiFuSiqAmY (she/her) @Asteroid_77]

Hi @FL_Corrections what's your aim? Each new contract further harms families. We have to choose whether to feed, visit, email, OR speak to our loved ones. The prices you "negotiate" won't allow us to do all 4. You expect them to come home healed? #FoodDesert @AngieNixon @npratc

[Florida Cares @florida_cares]

#FDCFOODDESERT

[Florida Cares @florida_cares]

https://t.co/JI0TOOxhtZ

[Florida Cares @florida_cares]

Why are Florida families constantly experiencing such drastic increases to their pockets while the services and products offered stay the same or decrease in quality? Other states do better with the same vendor! #FOODDESERT

[Free incarcerated that are not a threat to society @OneHealThyself]

Follow the money…the Prison Industrial Complex is one more American gimmick…way too many incarcerated for far too harsh sentences…approx 50% in with addictions/opioid crisis statistics-where is the help Sachler family? @GovRonDeSantis @AGAshleyMoody https://t.co/HLK7fRglBU

[Danielle Wa @flprisonreform]

Lack of Air Conditioning in Florida Dept of Corrections is equivalent to inhumane practices. Stop #cookingthemtodeath @florida_cares @FAMMFoundation '@ACLUFL @voicesofpunish1

[Karen L Stuckey @ucf87cpa]

The @Aramark contract and the Keefe contact are perfect examples of why. #FoodDesert

[Karen L Stuckey @ucf87cpa]

What if you went to the store and 64% of the items increased 40%. Wouldn’t you be outraged? #FoodDesert

[Karen L Stuckey @ucf87cpa]

Not only is it a #FoodDesert

Water in the hot states; Texas is 26 cents, 52 cents in GA but in FL it’s $1.15.

Cold Water provided to the incarcerated by @FL_Corrections is 6 - 18oz a day and no A/C.

[leanna Richardson @rich39525]

#FOODDESERT
@FL_Corrections @florida_cares @craigtimes @FLGOPMajority @GovRonDeSantis @NBCNews @orlandosentinel @ABCPolitics @foxnewspolitics @FOX13News @TB_Times @MiamiHerald

[leanna Richardson @rich39525]

@CNN @foxnewspolitics @FL_Corrections @florida_cares @orlandosentinel @TB_Times @SunSentinel @washingtonpost @FLSenateDems @FLGOPMajority @jaxdotcom @FLSenateGOP @GovRonDeSantis @nypost
#FOODDESERT

[leanna Richardson @rich39525]

https://t.co/hPcwucsuAS

[Florida Voter @Davefromthe863]

@GovRonDeSantis, why are you running a for profit prison system? That's what it feels like with these prices. Or, do your procurement folks just not know how to negotiate? @FL_Corrections @jhcanady @vote4melonybell @WFLA @CNN @foxnewspolitics @abcactionnews
#fooddesert

[Florida Voter @Davefromthe863]

@GovRonDeSantis, why are you running a for profit prison system? That's what it feels like with these prices. Or, do your procurement folks just not know how to negotiate? @FL_Corrections @jhcanady @vote4melonybell @WFLA @CNN @foxnewspolitics @abcactionnews
#fooddesert

[Cat @MzKitty_10]

Help our loved ones! Excessive heat warning!! Threat to life! #CookingThemToDeath @FL_Corrections you need to do better FDOC! @flprisonreform @florida_cares @WESH @orlandosentinel @FOX13News @fox35orlando @dbnewsjournal @MiamiHerald