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Sarasota County Jail

2020 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237-6022
(941) 861-4165

Interview with Gordy, Jeff and Philip

JM: How long was your sentencing for?
Gordy: I spend a couple of days in jail since I did not even know that I was in there nor did my wife at the time.But I was sentence to a year probation since it was my first offense, fines, court cost, and community service.
Jeff: Approximately 5 months in Sarasota County
Philip: 90 days in county jail

JM: Did you spend time in a holding cell after your sentencing? If so, what was that like? If you didn't where did they they take you instead?
Gordy: I did not
Jeff: I spent three days in a holding cell when I arrived from Los Angeles County to Sarasota Florida. It was quite calm compared to LA County. Mostly new inmates being booked in trying to make calls to bail bondsmans trying to get released
Philip: I spent 4 to 5 days sitting in a holding cell with no access to fresh toiletries or phones. I was denied aaccess to aedical screening denied access to speak to a supervisor and generally treated terribly

If you or someone you know is headed to Sarasota County Jail, you may be wondering what life is like for those behind those locked doors. We have interviewed former inmates of Sarasota County who have shared their experiences and inside knowledge, from how to stay out of trouble with other inmates to what the food is like.

Going to jail can be a scary experience, especially if this is your first time. The more you know, the better you can prepare. Take time to read the stories of others so you can learn what life is really like in Sarasota County Jail.

Getting Out Early
Due to problems of overcrowding, many jails allow inmates to serve less time than they are sentenced to. Sarasota County allows inmates to get out up to 2/3 early for good behavior. This means that if you have a 90 day sentence, you can get out in one month.

To get this time off, you need to avoid contraband, fights, disobeying orders, sexual activities and stealing. In general you need to follow the rules and treat others with respect.

Telephones and Visits
Keeping in touch with family and friends on the outside is a high priority for most inmates. Sarasota County does have phones for inmates to use, but the calls are expensive. They are also monitored. Visitors can come to the jail on weekends. Visits are held in a booth with glass dividing the visitor and the inmate.

Meals
Sarasota County serves three meals per day to inmates. Unfortunately, the food does not rate very highly. Inmates can buy snacks from the jail store if they have money on their jail account. Having money on your books is highly recommended if you want to have choices other than what the jail serves to you.

Continue to the interview