Prisoners plead for air conditioning in lawsuit against Florida corrections department

A class-action lawsuit filed by the Florida Justice Institute on behalf of inmates at the Dade Correctional Institution is drawing attention to the dire need for air conditioning in the facility, where extreme heat has reportedly led to several deaths. The lawsuit recounts the tragic story of an 81-year-old inmate who, unable to breathe in the stifling conditions, begged for help before dying in a non-ventilated dorm. On the day of his death, the heat index reached a staggering 104 degrees, and the dormitory's exhaust fans were not functioning. This case highlights not only the suffering of individual inmates but also systemic failures in addressing the health risks associated with high temperatures in prisons. According to the lawsuit, four inmates have died due to heat-related issues, raising serious concerns about the conditions faced by vulnerable populations within the prison system.

The Florida Justice Institute asserts that prison officials have neglected their duty to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates, particularly those with health issues. This lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for inmate rights and prison reform in Florida. As temperatures continue to rise, the issue of humane treatment in correctional facilities remains at the forefront of public discourse.