Florida Department of Corrections

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day from the Florida Department of Corrections!

Today, we honor the Stars and Stripes—the enduring symbol of our nation’s unity, freedom, and resilience.

06/12/2026

The Circuit 10 (Lakeland) SOTEC Team partnered with the Polk County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit to conduct a joint compliance search of an offender on community control. The search resulted in the recovery of fi****ms, ammunition, ma*****na and drug paraphernalia.

Working together, FDC and local law enforcement continue to hold offenders accountable and enhance public safety throughout our communities.

06/11/2026

Today, the Florida Department of Corrections honors the memory of Correctional Officer Darla Lathrem, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on June 11, 2003, during an inmate escape attempt at Charlotte Correctional Institution.

Officer Lathrem's courage, dedication, and commitment to service reflect the very best of FDC. As we remember her sacrifice, we also honor the lasting impact she made on those who served alongside her.

Her legacy will never be forgotten.

06/10/2026

The Florida Department of Corrections extends its heartfelt condolences to the Polk County Sheriff's Office following the passing of Detention Deputy Jonathan Morales Pabon.

Deputy Morales Pabon served his community with dedication and professionalism, including his time with the Florida Department of Corrections before joining PCSO.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Polk County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time.

It is with a heavy heart that we regretfully announce the untimely passing of Detention Deputy Jonathan Morales Pabon. Jonathan passed away last night as a result of an off-duty motor vehicle accident on I-4 in Haines City. He was 32 years old.

Jonathan was a dedicated member of our agency. He was assigned to the South County Jail Alpha platoon and has been employed with our agency since 2021. Prior to his PCSO career, he was a corrections officer for the Florida Department of Corrections. He was originally from New York City.

Jonathan did not know a stranger. He was outgoing and made friends everywhere he went.

Please keep Jonathan’s family in your prayers during this difficult time.

06/10/2026

FDC's Circuit 6 SOTEC teams, in collaboration with the Sheriff, conducted a joint planned compliance initiative. During the operation, the team searched an offender’s vehicle and residence, uncovering fi****ms, ammunition, knives, ma*****na, prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia.

The offender was taken into custody without incident. FDC is proud to partner with local law enforcement to keep our communities safe!

06/06/2026

Quick thinking and compassion made all the difference when Correctional Probation Office Jazzlynn Joseph in Fort Pierce stopped to help a child experiencing a seizure on the side of the road. CPO Joseph immediately rendered aid, comforted the child’s mother, and assisted alongside the school’s resource officer until EMS arrived.

FDC is proud of CPO Joseph; her heroic actions reflect the professionalism and commitment to service shown by our staff every day.

06/05/2026

FDC partnered with law enforcement and housing authority agencies across Palm Beach County for a countywide Planned Compliance Initiative. The operation resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of fi****ms, ammunition, illegal narcotics, and cash.

This successful effort highlights the power of partnership, accountability, and proactive supervision in keeping our communities safe.

06/04/2026

Hamilton CI’s K9 Team assisted the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, FL after suspects fled a traffic stop and hid in a wooded area near I-75.

K9s Jasper, Maddy, and Poncho were activated immediately and successfully tracked through miles of wooded terrain, helping locate and apprehend the individuals. Strong coordination and joint law enforcement partnerships continue to keep Florida safe.

06/03/2026

Strong collaboration between the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Strategic Gun Intelligence Unit and Circuit 13 SOTEC Search Team led to the recovery of an AK-47-style pistol, extended magazines, and ammunition during a compliance check tied to a shooting investigation.

The offender was taken into custody, highlighting the critical role of coordinated supervision and strong law enforcement partnerships in keeping dangerous weapons off the streets.

05/31/2026

Outstanding work by staff at Suwannee Correctional Institution for uncovering contraband, including weapons, cell phones, drugs, chargers, to***co, and unauthorized electronic devices, during a coordinated mass search operation.

This operation highlights the teamwork, vigilance, and dedication our staff bring every day to keep our institutions safe and secure.