Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to people from all around the state when they traveled to Tallahassee for the Florida Council of Churches’ annual Advocacy Days event. This event centered on “Sowing the Harvest” by connecting community ministries with public policy. It included issue training sessions, an interfaith vigil, and legislative visits during the first week of the legislative session. It made me realize that there are lots of people out there who oppose the death penalty in principle, but don’t necessarily realize that it’s something that is happening in real time.
Despite the 19 executions that took place last year, the death penalty remains on the edges of public consciousness. That’s why we’re asking you to help us push it into the light. As you read our emails and support our work, please consider sharing with a friend or loved one. The death penalty doesn’t persist because people support it – it persists because people don’t have to stare it in the face everyday.
Ronald Heath’s Scheduled Execution
In three weeks, on Tuesday, February 10, at 6 p.m. Florida plans to execute Ronald “Ronnie” Heath for the 1989 murder of Michael Sheridan. Ronnie and his brother Kenneth were both convicted for their roles in the same crime. Both participated in the robbery that led to Mr. Sheridan’s death.
Kenneth accepted a plea deal, testified against his brother, and received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years. He is now parole-eligible. Ronnie, who refused to testify against his brother, was sentenced to death following a 10-2 jury recommendation. He now faces execution.
On Sunday, Ronnie’s state court counsel filed their initial brief in his case. In it, they discuss the disparity in sentencing between Ronnie and Kenny, Ronnie’s non-unanimous jury verdict, and the still unresolved concerns regarding Florida’s lethal injection drugs. You can read more about their filing in our narrative about the case here. After that, take action to spare Ronnie’s life:
The State of the Death Penalty in 2026
Please join us tomorrow, Wednesday, January 21 from 2–3 p.m. ET for a webinar hosted by our partners at Catholic Mobilizing Network. The conversation will feature voices from across the movement, including FADP’s Legal and Policy Director Maria DeLiberato, alongside national Catholic leaders engaged in justice, healing, and human dignity. Click here to register for the event!
Hurst v. Florida Turns 10
Our friends Leah Roemer of the Death Penalty Information Center and Melanie Kalmanson of Tracking Florida’s Death Penalty published a report on the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision in Hurst v. Florida 10 years ago. This was the case that overturned nearly half of the death sentences in Florida. It’s an interesting read, especially if you (like me!) weren’t involved in the movement a decade ago.
We, The People: FADP’s Year in Review and the Road Ahead
Last week, FADP hosted a webinar recapping our 2025 annual report titled We, The People. In it, we reviewed the 19 executions that took place last year, the legislative changes that occurred, and the work we did (with your help!) to push back on it all. We also discussed the ways that Florida’s capital punishment system is unique in comparison to other states and how that makes the work of abolition more difficult. Thank you to everyone who attended and if you missed it, click here to watch the recorded webinar!
Thanks for sticking with us.
Onward,
Grace Hanna
FADP Executive Director