Locals say the Marion County Jail is a deterrent to bad behavior, not a “resort”

Brenda Hale, Ocala: “I'll start by saying that everyone knows how bad the Marion County Jail is. I myself have spent time there. But here's the thing: it's not a resort, you're not there to enjoy your stay, you're put there because you committed a crime. Their health care is poor, the food is poor, and women shower in front of a half-height wall that has windows at the entrance to the block. So when the male correctional officers come in, they can see you in the showers too. My understanding of this is that they should make an announcement when men enter the section. In my experience, that rarely happens. There are enough reports about this facility that the majority of people know this or should know this. Maybe people who aren't familiar with prisons don't know or care. Regardless, the bottom line is that people should be able to get their basic needs met. Health care should be screened, as should mental health issues, and those should be treated in a timely manner. That being said, if you want to feel comfortable, don't break the law. Period. Thank you for this opportunity.“

Jim Root, Belleview: “I think they are treated too well. Stop committing such crimes and you won't have to go to prison.”

Shari Sexton, Silver sources: “My response to a letter from an inmate who wrote about the 'terrible' conditions in the Marion County Jail is: Don't break the law in Marion County because our great sheriffs and city police will arrest you. Stop whining. At least you got something to eat, clothes and a bed at my taxpayers' expense. Get your life in order. Jails are not meant to be fun. Don't commit a crime if you can't do the time. Kudos to the Marion County Sheriff's Office! Keep up the good work!”

Jeff Adams, Ocala: “It's a prison, not a spa. If you don't like the consequences of being in prison, and you don't like the food and being treated like a criminal, then don't commit a crime.”

Kristy Leven, Ocala: “With all the complaints about how bad the county jail is, I didn't know it was supposed to be run as a 5-star resort. Try to do the right thing and you won't be treated 'so badly.'”

Jo Cummings, Marion County: “To the person who thinks prison needs to change the way it treats inmates, how about inmates changing their behavior? Or better yet, how about they break the rules and don't go to prison? Prison is meant to deter bad behavior, it's not a vacation or a retreat. Your behavior determines how you are treated. If prison is that bad, stay out. It's your choice..“

Rene Thornton, Ocala: “It's like prison. Better solutions? How about not giving them food? No healthcare. No air conditioning. The poor criminals don't like the food we pay for, yes, we, the people you robbed in one way or another. What a pity.”