How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Lowell C.I. Annex.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lowell C.I. Annex is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Lowell C.I. Annex.

Frequently asked questions about Lowell C.I. Annex

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Lowell C.I. Annex.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lowell C.I. Annex?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Lowell C.I. Annex?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Lowell C.I. Annex. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Lowell C.I. Annex. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Lowell C.I. Annex?

   Mailing address:

   Lowell C.I. Annex
   11120 NW Gainesville Rd
   Ocala, FL 34482
   Phone: (352) 690-8900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Lowell C.I. Annex?

   Visiting hours at Lowell C.I. Annex vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (352) 690-8900 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Lowell C.I. Annex?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Lowell C.I. Annex for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lowell C.I. Annex?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lowell C.I. Annex through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Lowell C.I. Annex?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lowell C.I. Annex, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Lowell C.I. Annex?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Lowell C.I. Annex for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Lowell C.I. Annex, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Lowell Correctional Facility. The facility typically emphasizes building practical abilities and addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration. Through a comprehensive approach to "service delivery," inmates often have access to various opportunities designed to support their successful reintegration into society.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to complete their high school education or develop new academic skills. These education programs often focus on literacy improvement and basic academic competencies. Furthermore, the facility typically offers vocational training that helps inmates develop marketable job skills for their eventual release. Work-related services may include hands-on experience in areas such as facility maintenance and laundry services, which provide practical skills while supporting daily operations.

Support services often encompass both therapeutic and practical elements of rehabilitation. Substance abuse treatment may be available for inmates struggling with addiction issues, addressing one of the common factors in criminal behavior. Furthermore, work release programs typically allow eligible inmates to gain employment experience in the community while serving their sentences. The facility may also offer agriculture programs that teach valuable skills while providing meaningful work opportunities. Additionally, services focusing on time management often help inmates develop essential life skills needed for successful reentry into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of this Florida women's correctional facility, dormitory-style housing units shape the rhythm of institutional life. Inmates wake today to the same structured schedule that governs every aspect of their daily existence, with consistent meal times, work assignments, and programming activities providing predictability. The facility typically operates on a regimented timeline that begins early in the morning and extends through evening hours, ensuring inmates remain engaged in productive activities throughout the day.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared dormitory spaces where inmates adapt to communal living arrangements with limited personal space and belongings. The housing units provide basic furnishings and storage areas, while inmates may purchase additional comfort items through the commissary system. Although privacy remains minimal in this environment, inmates often develop supportive relationships with their housing unit peers that help them navigate the challenges of institutional life.

Furthermore, the facility provides various programs and work assignments that allow inmates to develop skills while serving their sentences. Recreation opportunities typically include outdoor exercise periods, indoor fitness activities, and organized sports when weather and security conditions permit. Inmates usually maintain contact with family members through scheduled visitation sessions, phone calls, and written correspondence, which serve as vital connections to their support systems outside the facility walls. These communication options help inmates preserve important relationships while working toward their eventual reintegration into the community.