“I realize that I cannot standby silently as my government executes its citizens. If I do not speak out and resist, I AM AN ACCOMPLICE.” — Sr. Helen Prejean
Ronald Palmer Heath is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. for the 1989 murder of Michael Sheridan.
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and our allies call for simultaneous execution vigils across the state at the time of executions. Each vigil group in Florida is independent and establishes its activities according to the needs, strategies, and resources of its members. ALL are welcome to participate in ANY vigil. If you do not see your area listed or want to organize a local action, please get in touch with FADP at [email protected]. This page lists some Florida events beginning with the event at Florida State Prison. Updated January 15, 2026.
Florida State Prison
Tuesday, February 10, 5:00 pm
Join Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) and allies from across the state at 5:00 p.m. on February 10 for a vigil ahead of the scheduled execution of Ronald Heath. Gather in the designated area across the highway from the Death Chamber at Florida State Prison, 23916 NW 83rd Ave, Raiford, FL 32026. The execution is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Signs are encouraged.
23916 NW 83rd Ave, Raiford, FL 32026
Contact: [email protected]
Notes from FADP
- Local speed limits are strictly enforced. Florida State Prison is on the West side of SR-16 (Raiford Road). The protest area and entry road are opposite the main entrance to the Florida State Prison on the East side of SR-16, and is designated “New River Correctional Institution.” Corrections staff will be available to guide you.
- There is a bathroom located at the SE corner of the red brick building. Check with DOC staff for availability.
- We are unaware of any restrictions on the nature of signs. FADP recommends clear and concise messages, printed boldly, with high contrast between the text and the background. FADP will have some signs available.
- Wear closed shoes and socks to protect yourself from the occasional presence of fire ants. Hats may be helpful.
- Be aware of what you bring and carry, and of your demeanor, and stay within the designated protest area or between that area and the adjacent parking area. You may wish to bring umbrellas (for sun or rain) and bottled water.
Virtual Vigil
Tuesday, February 10, 5:00 pm
Registration link forthcoming
Join Death Penalty Action and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty for a live, informative, and prayerful online vigil beginning at 5 pm ET. We’ll check in with live on-the-ground vigils at the prison, and we’ll continue until the execution is either stayed or completed. Register to be a part of the live audience, or watch on the Death Penalty Action Facebook Page.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach Bus to Prison Vigil, Diocese of Orlando
Tuesday, February 10, 1:30 pm
- 1:30 pm, Bus to FSP leaves Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 201 University Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
- 2:00 pm, Bus pick up at Destination Daytona, 1637 US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL
- 2:30 pm, Bus pick up at Winn Dixie, SR 100 and Old Kings Rd, Palm Coast, FL
Contact: Our Lady of Lourdes, 386-255-0433
Gainesville
Carpool to Prison Vigil, Tuesday, February 10, 4:30 pm
We will leave Gainesville at 4:30 pm from the parking lot of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St, Gainesville.
Ronald Heath is scheduled to be executed at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 10, at Florida State Prison. Please join Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GCADP) and others in witnessing our opposition to state-sanctioned murder. The vigil includes a short prayer service & the tolling of a bell to mark the execution hour, a bell that is heard on Death Row so the other inmates know we are there to say, “Not in Our Name.”
Contact: Miriam Welly Elliott, 352-278-4342.
Return time is uncertain as executions are sometimes delayed. If it goes on schedule, the carpool can leave around 6:30 pm & be back in Gainesville by 7:15. Otherwise, the riders will stay at the prison until there is news of the execution or a stay OR the riders can decide to return prior to the conclusion of events. The organized vigil activity concludes around 6:30 pm.
Fort Lauderdale
Tuesday, February 10, 5:00 pm
US Federal Building Courthouse: 299 E Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Diocese of Venice
Tuesday, February 10, 5:30 pm
Chapel at San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail North Port, FL 34287
On the day of execution, we meet at San Pedro at 5:30 pm. The vigil usually lasts about 45 minutes. We begin with a reminder of why we are there and pray together until 6:00 pm (that’s when the execution is usually scheduled). There is a pause for a minute of silent prayer for the condemned and then finish the prayers left in the program (usually by 6:15 pm).
Pinellas
Tuesday, February 10, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Northwest corner of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street North in mid-Pinellas County
Join Tampa Bay area death penalty abolitionists for a vigil opposing the execution of Ronald Heath from 5:00-6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10 on the northwest corner of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street North in mid-Pinellas County. The execution is scheduled for 6:00 PM. This is where death penalty opponents have gathered during executions for many years. It is at the intersection of two main roads in Pinellas County, and it is near the court and jail complex. Park in the vacant lot behind Checkers. We will provide signs, or you can bring your own. If the execution is stayed, the vigil will be cancelled.
Contact: John and Sheila at [email protected] or (727) 492-1590.
Tallahassee
Tuesday, February 10, 9:45 am
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32309
Good Shepherd Catholic Church will hold a prayer vigil for Ronald Heath at approximately 9:45 am on February 10 in the church.
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 pm
Governor’s Mansion, 700 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32303
TCADP Facebook Group
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) will host a candlelight Vigil in front of the Governor’s mansion on the 10th at the time of the execution. Fencing and metal barricades have been placed around the outside perimeter of the mansion. The Vigil will take place outside the perimeter in the small parking area that faces the mansion. You can access it from N. Monroe by turning on E. 1st Street towards the mansion.
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty
Wednesday, February 11, 12:00 pm
Capitol Rotunda, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399
TCADP Facebook Group
If the execution takes place, Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) will hold a Service of Remembrance.
