For Public Defenders who serve in coastal areas, the story on toady’s show will be all too familiar. As Hurricane Ian barrelled toward the Florida coast, a state of emergency was declared and evacuation plans started to come together, but as is almost always the case, no one thought of those incarcerated.

 

Today, Hunter spoke with Kathy Smith, Chief Public Defender in the 20th Judicial District of Florida, to discuss the impacts of the storm on those left in jail. Dating as far back as memory allows, state’s failed their obligations to protect the lives of people both in and out of jail when natural disasters strike, and Hurricane Ian was no exception. For days, people, many of whom were in jail simply because they could not afford to pay bail, lived with raw sewage and without clean drinking water.

 

Luckily, no one died from the state’s neglect, but this episode serves as a powerful warning and reminder for those with a duty to protect people’s lives: when a natural disaster strikes, remember the people who cannot evacuate and think of a way to keep them alive.  

 

Guest:

Kathy Smith, Chief Public Defender, 20th Judicial District, Florida

Key Takeaways:

• How Kathy got into this work [6:50]
• Historical response to natural disasters in the 20th District [10:50]
• The response to Hurricane Ian in the 20th District [12:34]
• Who was in the Ft Meyer’s jail and what conditions did they face [18:27]
• Why pre-trial release is so important [24:42]
• Impacts and the way forward after Ian [26:41]
• Does Florida care about the Constitution or just the part it likes? [31:00]
• Changes for the Future [34:43]
• People arrested during the storm [38:00]
• Advice to other Public Defenders [41:20]

Resources:

USA Today Coverage of those left behind after Ian

More Coverage on Ian

Miami New Times Coverage  

People left in prison during:

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Ike, Maria, Matthew, Irene etc.

 

Contact Hunter Parnell:

 

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www.publicdefenseless.com