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 Manatee County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Manatee County Jail 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 Manatee County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Manatee County Jail

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 Manatee County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Manatee County Jail?

   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 Manatee County Jail?

   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 Manatee County Jail. 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 Manatee County Jail. 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 Manatee County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Manatee County Jail
   14470 Harlee Road
   Palmetto, FL 34221
   Phone: (941) 747-3011

   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 Manatee County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Manatee County Jail 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 (941) 747-3011 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 Manatee County Jail?

   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 Manatee County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Manatee County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Manatee County Jail 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 Manatee County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Manatee County Jail, 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 Manatee County Jail?

   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 Manatee County Jail 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 Manatee County Jail, 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

Within the structured environment of Martin County Jail, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive array of opportunities designed to foster personal development and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The facility’s approach emphasizes that meaningful growth often emerges from adversity, transforming periods of incarceration into catalysts for positive change. Through carefully structured offerings that address educational deficits, vocational skills, and personal challenges, individuals may discover pathways to rehabilitation that extend far beyond their time within the facility’s secure walls.

Educational advancement serves as a cornerstone of the facility’s developmental framework, with education programs typically addressing fundamental literacy needs while also providing opportunities for academic progression. Those incarcerated may access coursework designed to help them earn their high school equivalency credentials, establishing essential foundations for future employment and personal growth. The structured learning environment often includes basic computer literacy training and life skills instruction, equipping participants with practical knowledge necessary for navigating contemporary society upon release.

Support services and therapeutic interventions complement the educational framework through targeted programming that addresses underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. Substance abuse treatment offerings may furnish evidence-based approaches to addiction recovery, while grief counseling provides essential emotional support for those processing significant losses. Also available are practical reentry preparations, including work release opportunities that allow qualified individuals to maintain employment connections and janitorial services that develop marketable skills. Transitional planning services typically coordinate these various elements, ensuring that those incarcerated receive comprehensive support as they prepare to rejoin their communities with enhanced capabilities and renewed purpose.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Martin County Jail, where maintaining relationships with loved ones often provides crucial emotional support during a challenging time. At present, the facility actively structures daily routines around scheduled activities that encourage positive interactions among residents while providing opportunities for personal growth and skill development. The day typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by structured programming that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training sessions that furnish both personal development opportunities and chances for residents to connect with peers facing similar challenges.

Housing arrangements generally consist of dormitory-style units or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and individual circumstances, where those incarcerated share common areas that naturally foster social interaction and mutual support. Also, the dining experience typically occurs in designated meal areas where residents gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, creating informal opportunities for conversation and community building among those serving time together. However, these social interactions remain supervised and structured according to facility security protocols, with staff monitoring to ensure safety while allowing for meaningful connections to develop.

Recreation periods often include access to outdoor areas, television viewing in common spaces, and organized activities that help residents maintain physical fitness and mental well-being while building positive relationships with others. The facility typically provides various communication options for maintaining outside connections, including scheduled visitation periods where families can meet face-to-face, telephone access during designated hours, and mail services that allow for written correspondence with loved ones. Also, work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that not dedicated provide structure but also create opportunities for residents to contribute to their community while developing job skills and work relationships that can prove valuable upon release.