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Complaints Of Unsafe Heat At Century Prison Trigger Surprise Lawmaker Inspection
August 1, 2026
On Friday, State Representative Michelle Salzman conducted an unannounced inspection of Century Correctional Institution following mounting complaints from family members regarding severe heat and poor living conditions inside the prison.
The surprise visit followed a wave of concern reaching both elected officials and local media.
Florida law allows members of the Florida Legislature to make unannounced visits to state prisons “at their pleasure”, meaning at any time.
“My office, along with other elected representatives, have received several reports from family members of incarcerated individuals with concerns related to heat, ventilation, access to water and ice as well as other concerns,” Salzman said.
Upon receiving the complaints, Salzman toured the facility with Warden Robert Flores, specifically targeting the Building H housing area and the solitary confinement wing. During the inspection, she spoke directly with inmates and staff, tested the cell water infrastructure, and evaluated the physical environment.
“I would estimate it to be in the mid-80s,” she said of the temperature inside Building H. “It was obviously not the 70s like your house.” Friday’s high temperature at a nearby calibrated weather station was 97.4 degrees.
“They’ve got fans everywhere. I entered several cells and shook hands with the inmates,” she said. “I literally turned on the water faucets, hot and cold, and flushed toilets. I saw the ice being made.”
“I wasn’t just in and out; I stayed there a long time,” she added. “I intentionally wore jeans, and didn’t dress cool. I didn’t see a reason for alarm, and I talked to guards and a visitor.”
“Based on my observations and conversations, I found that the housing areas were ventilated, running water was available in each cell, and inmates had access to both drinking water and ice,” Salzman reported, adding that she felt confident the warden and prison leadership had implemented appropriate heat-mitigation measures. However, she emphasized that oversight remains an ongoing responsibility. “If conditions change or credible evidence arises that inmates are being denied access to water, ice, ventilation, or necessary medical care, I would expect those concerns to be investigated immediately.”
Identical Complaints Sent to NorthEscambia.com
The lawmaker’s office was not the only entity receiving urgent alerts. NorthEscambia.com received near-identical complaints from a family member of an inmate, identifying herself as Kelli Cooper.
In an initial email sent to NorthEscambia.com two days prior to the representative’s visit, Cooper detailed grueling firsthand accounts allegedly sent by men housed in H Dorm. The messages described “extreme heat, little to no ventilation, no meaningful airflow, and inadequate heat-mitigation measures,” alleging that the exhaust systems were non-functional.
The correspondence claimed inmates were continuously drenched in sweat, causing severe skin irritation, rashes, exhaustion, and an inability to sleep. The email even alleged that an officer told the inmates the ventilation had been intentionally turned off because it was tied to the building’s heating system. Most alarming were reports of serious heat-related medical emergencies, including a claim that a helicopter had previously landed at the facility to transport a distressed inmate.
Cooper provided screenshots of messages she purported to have received from a family member that is an inmate in H Dorm. NorthEscambia.com was unable to independently verify the validity of the messages. It was not known if the inmate used a contraband cell phone, or a tablet to send the messages, but one of the messages did make reference to a tablet. The Florida Department of Corrections allows inmates access to tablets that allow monitored outside communications.
The messages that accompany this story have been redacted to remove vulgarities and specific inmate cell locations. To read all of the messages, click here.
Concerns of Temporary Fixes Raised After Visit
Following Representative Salzman’s unannounced visit and subsequent statement, Cooper responded to a NorthEscambia.com inquiry again on Friday evening, expressing deep skepticism about the state of the facility during the inspection.
While expressing gratitude that the lawmaker took action, Cooper raised concerns that the facility may have anticipated the scrutiny.
“We genuinely believe that because of the amount of attention this situation has received, the facility knew—or strongly suspected—that someone would be showing up soon and took steps to temporarily change or cover up the conditions being reported,” Cooper wrote.
Family members are continuing to call for fully independent, private interviews with the incarcerated individuals without prison staff present, fearing potential retaliation against inmates who speak out about the summer conditions.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, and screenshots for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlage.
Comments
27 Responses to “Complaints Of Unsafe Heat At Century Prison Trigger Surprise Lawmaker Inspection”
I did the prison ministry at Century prison and it is so Hot in that prison. It is inhumane to have prisons in Florida that have no A/C. They committed crimes but they are also human beings. At night the lay in their bunks and sweat themselves to sleep. Also the food there use to be boiled to get all of the taste out. This may not still be the case but that’s the way it used to be. I know because I ate there. They have to sneak in Raman noodle spice packets to try to introduce taste back into their food. Its bad enough to be caged like an animal, but must they be tortured?
Just to clear up the guard issue. Maybe the public doesn’t know this. Correctional Officers are sworn law enforcement officers. They take a sworn oath just as deputies or police officers do. It’s not the same oath and of course the duties are different, but I wanted to clarify that. These are not guys sitting on a stool making sure everybody gets in the right line at the bank. These men and women are in some of the most dangerous places in the United States. The things they deal with everyday are things that most of you wouldn’t comprehend. It doesn’t bother me to be called a guard, but it does bother me when people refer to my fellow officers as guards, because they are far from it. You guys who think officers sit and “guard” inmates, go behind the wall for a couple 16.5 hour shifts and see if you think the men and women who’d put their lives on the line for you are guards or officers. I’m sure you’d change your tune as soon as you got into a bad position inside there. Also, everything RetiredOfficer said is absolutely 100% true. We’ve walked the same cell blocks.
For those of you stuck on the word “guard”. Correctional Officers are sworn law enforcement officers. They are not guards. They take an oath and are sworn in as true law enforcement officers. They aren’t guarding anything. #1 rule of working in a prison, keep those deemed not acceptable for society behind walls and razor wire. The only thing a correctional officer guards is your wellbeing as a law abiding citizen. Justsayin, if you worked behind the gates you’d never refer to yourself or your fellow officers as guards. Retired Officer, you are absolutely right, and more than likely we walked the same cell blocks at Century in the past. Your assessment of century is correct, right down to the T. It’s hot, it smells, inmates tear up things, fights happen, but it is prison. Rehabilitation is only a small part of a prison sentence, the larger part is the punishment for committing your crimes. You’re not getting a personal tv, you’re not getting air conditioning, you’re going to eat food designed to keep you healthy and out of the medical department, not food that you enjoy. As far as people claiming they don’t have the things they need, that’s false. Even indigent inmates are provided all the necessities they need on a regular basis, free of cost. Prison is not fun, it’s not comfortable, and it’s not meant to be. It’s meant to be a bad experience. Why would we take members of society who cannot conform to our laws and reward them with a stay at the Hilton? That would be insane. If you don’t like the conditions, act like you’ve got some sense on the outside, otherwise you can come sweat your tail off all day long just like I do walking those tiers.
I worked at Century CI for over 20 years. It’s always HOT in the summers. We experienced more fights & problems as everyone was miserable. Yes, the officers have a/c in the officer’s stations, but we couldn’t just sit up in the a/c. We had to be out in the heat, also. Many of us, depending on our assignment, worked outside all day with no a/c.
The inmates have more rights than they EVER had in the past. They have ALWAYS complained & accused the staff of wrongdoing. They are not in there for being model citizens. They lie, they steal from each other, & they assault each other, yet, as officers, we are sworn to do our best to oversee & often protect them. They will tell their people ANYTHING. They tell their families that they don’t have toiletries, aren’t, fed, aren’t clothed, etc. Just to have money sent in from canteen items. I’ve seen the letters & heard the phone calls to family members. Most of their claims were total LIES.
It’s pretty bad when you hear a man telling is grandmother on disability that he’s hungry & doesn’t have clothing, etc. Those inmates receive EVERYTHING they NEED!!!!
ALL these people sympathizing with these criminals need to realize they are the bad guys….they are there for a reason!!! I don’t care that they are sons, father’s, brothers, etc. They made concious decisions to break the law…..CHOICES!!!! I told my children growing up…you don’t want to live where I work!!! Raise your children up right, teach them to respect the law, it’s there for a reason!
I’m appreciative the Rep. Salman visited Century & so proud that she didn’t blindly believe all the lies. She has some backbone….well done!
Suck it up Buttercups….if you want to sit in the a/c when it’s hot & be warm in the winter, have all the amenities you wish…..DO NOT BREAK THE LAW!!!
RANT OVER.
Now I can’t say anything about this specific prison, but I wholeheartedly believe the accusations. And I’m sure it’s easy worse than alleged if anything. Y’all are so righteous up on your high horse saying if they didn’t commit a crime they wouldn’t have this problem. If it was your son, daughter, husband, being beat, mistreated, not fed, you would be shouting into the wind yourself. Prisoners have basic human rights. Go educate yourselves on what’s really going on. Easy assignment, HBO documentary, Alabama Solution. Were y’all aware that Alabama has one of the highest mortality rates in the U.S.. prison system. I know this is a Florida story before everyone chimes in. I’m just saying,, this is a widespread issue. I think it’s great that this person needed the call and went out to check! I wish the ppl in Alabama was dedicated in this way. Our ppl know what’s going on and just don’t care.
REGARDING:
“The men and women who work in the prisons are not guards, they’re officers. Guards are responsible for safeguarding important things.”
Somebody does something bad and rather than correct the behavior, they decide to change the name. Or maybe they aren’t thought of badly enough so they use worse names like monsters or animals. (Our president will pardon any of them if given enough money.) Some convicts have and will do very bad things if able
To see to it they don’t get the chance, we imprison some. This protects and guards those outside of the prison.
Regardless, one of the official definitions is:
“one assigned to watch someone or something to provide security or prevent escape,
a prison guard” It’s nothing to be ashamed of (unlike being an officer… that’s a joke, son).
I figure prison wouldn’t be so bad except for some bad neighbors.
@WestRobertsResident,
They are indeed guards. They are responsible for safeguarding prisoners’ safety and health while they are being rehabilitated…or at least that’s what the job is actually SUPPOSED to be. If you think they aren’t important, you’re in the wrong profession.
As for abuse by guards not being common, if you believe that, you are DEFINITELY in the wrong profession because you fail to observe what’s happening every single day. I DID work in the prison system, but I couldn’t ignore what was happening in front of me on a daily basis. Whistleblowers aren’t looked upon favorably.
No, prison shouldn’t be a walk in the park, but prisoners should not be treated inhumanely or physically and mentally abused by those who are supposed to be protecting them either.
As the saying goes: don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time. Someone wants the law abiding public to feel sorry for those who prey upon them??
Kudos for Rep Salzman for being a pro-active Politician and listening to the concerns of her constituents and actually doing ’something’ v. most other politicians who worry more about taking their vacation.
The men and women who work in the prisons are not guards, they’re officers. Guards are responsible for safeguarding important things. As far as officers abusing inmates, it’s not common. I’ve seen it once in all my years behind the wall, and that officer was removed from duty immediately.
Funny , the great correction officers were not mentioned by anybody . They played the role of police officer , firemen, emt and at times consulors in an environment few would dare to . Yet the only word mentioned GUARDS. I for one respect their hard profession and thank them for what they have to do daily protecting our communities from the population at these facilities . Would like to see some elected officials, liberals and regular people work a shift along one of them they probably will not last one day . Considered what some fellow citizens do and respect and be thankful for their service .
I’m for bringing back the chain gang. I see hardworking guys working along the road. Yes , they are getting a wage , but they still get hot.
Put these inmates working on the road and see if they’re not grateful for being locked up.
Source: Those honest and trustworthy convicted felons.
I wonder if all the ones complaining thought about how the victims of their crime felt when they were commiting themt. I think not. Why should anyone care that your hot, sweating, or whatever. You have food and medical care in there at the expense of tax payers that obey the law and do as their obligated. Yes the place needs to be human but personal opinion you should be sitting there staring out a window not playing games, watching tv and being comfortable. You do the crime you do the time. I’m sure the same empathy would not be felt by each inmate when their victims complain about what happened to them.
Yes it’s prison period and not supposed to be fun, but at the same time all you people hiding behind a keyboard DON’T know is guards do mistreat inmates all the time. Someone tipped the prison off cause yes when Mrs Michelle left I bet them fans went missing ventilators turned off again and god knows what else. If you have NEVER been or even visited one don’t even try to make an excuse. No its not gonna be as cold as they would like it but them guards MOST all them treat inmates like crap and if they tell another guard or the warden then they get beat less food sometimes no food or anything. So how about all you wanna be people that just cause you have made mistakes but haven’t been caught GO I mean GO visit the prison or better yet write inmates and see first hand. I could keep going but people make mistakes and bad choices period. GOD is the only judge so answer to GOD when you pray about why you judging someone
They’re in prison, it’s not the Hilton. The prisoners should have decent facilities for water, shower, temperatures comfortable for heat & cold. If they have temps inside at 75 they’re doing better than a lot of people. Why not have them do more county work, ie, more road work, clean up medians, like trash, plantings such as trees in medians to make the county look more presentable, trim branches near road signs so you can actually see them, just to name a few. Yes, this heat would be hard, but get them out early to start & bring them back in earlier than normal. I’m sure some of them in their have an occupation/talent to put their skills to work while there. Their “outside” time could be put to use in like planting a garden & use that food for their meals.
Be happy with what you have now. I personally like the idea that the warden in Maricopa(?) county in Arizona does things. Pink jumpsuits,underwear and socks, live in tents, no TV’s or luxury items. 3 meals/day, showers, just the basics. These inmates are treated better than our veterans. Or just enlist them all into the military and send them into the fighting since they like to fight so much. If they survive their time then let them go.
Scott, yes it’s a prison, but they have they are human and have the right to not overheat, have basic necessities, running water, electricity…too many guards think they are above the law and mistreat inmates…pure abuse of power.. what if it was your son, brother dad there???
Forgot to say thank you to Michelle. She’s the best!!!
Maybe don’t do bad things that put you in prison
Easy except for the people how have impulse control issues
Jail is not a Hilton. Inmates should’ve thought about that before they committed crime(s). They have what they need to do their time. This guy writing these grievances sounds like he’s not too bright. If he’d stop SMH(shaking my head), his brains wouldn’t rattle.
Prison isn’t heaven. It should be HELL. NO TV,NO HOT WATER IN THE SUMMER TIME,NO COMPUTERS. JUST TIME SERVED!!! then, maybe next crime you will think like a man before commiting…….
I’ve been in many buildings this week and none of them were at 75 degrees. Tell those people it’s called summer and we are all dealing with discomfort.
OUR electricity went out a couple of times on Pine Forest rd, an my a/c has a hard time keeping up with this heat.
I sweat all day and get raw from it also. It’s called life in this heat and humidity.
Maybe they will make better choices if they ever get out.
If it is so bad, why do they serve time, get out commit another crime and serve time again?
It’s not a country club. It’s designed to make criminals not want to go back.
Re Scott: That’s what I was thinking! Not supposed to be fun in there. Put ‘em on the road to do some county work then they’ll appreciate the mid 80s temps inside. Don’t do the crime and you get to stay home in your own A/C!
Isn’t it prison? Not supposed to be comfortable.