How to send messages, photos, and packages
Sarasota County Jail uses Global Tel*Link (GTL) for phone calls, tablets, and video visits. Here's the catch: pricing and refund policies don't match across published materials. A facility announcement lists video visits at $0.18 per minute, while a GTL brochure shows $12.00 for up to 25 minutes. Refund rules conflict too—the jail's webpage says no refunds for internet visits, but GTL materials describe a tiered cancellation schedule. For phone calls, set up a pre-paid collect account through ConnectNetwork online or by phone. Tablet deposits go through GettingOut (website or app) using the inmate's name and Resident ID. Bottom line: verify pricing and refund terms directly before you pay.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
All inmate mail goes to an offsite PO Box—not directly to the jail. Address your envelope or postcard like this: Sarasota County Corrections Facility INMATE NAME, ID NUMBER PO Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131
Your Sarasota County Jail mail really does go to Maryland—it's not a mistake. The jail uses off-site mail scanning, which changes where you send letters and what your loved one actually receives.
Two different prices are published. The facility announced online video visits at $0.18 per minute, while a GTL brochure lists $12.00 for up to a 25-minute visit.
The sources conflict. Sarasota County Jail's webpage says no refunds for internet visits. GTL's brochure describes a tiered policy: full refund at 48+ hours, 50% at 24–48 hours, no refund under 24 hours.
Phone service is through GTL; you can set up a pre-paid collect account by calling 800-483-8314 or using ConnectNetwork online. Tablet deposits go through GettingOut (website or app) using the inmate’s name and Resident ID.
Send all inmate postal mail to Sarasota County Jail’s designated off-site processing address in Phoenix, MD. Include the inmate’s full name and booking/ID number on the outside of every envelope.
The jail scans routine postal mail into an electronic system and then destroys the original after scanning. Inmates view the scanned copy on kiosks or tablets, not the paper letter.
Yes. After release, inmates can download photos, messages, and postal mail for free for up to 30 days through the public TextBehind website. TextBehind is the third-party service that handles scanning and delivery for the jail.
GettingOut lets you send two-way electronic messages with someone at Sarasota County Jail—faster than waiting on the mail.
Trying to budget for a video visit at Sarasota County Jail? You'll hit a snag: two different prices are published online. Here are the exact rates advertised, what they mean in real dollars, and how to protect yourself before paying—especially since refunds for internet visits aren't issued.
You can add money to an inmate's account at Sarasota County Jail four ways: the automated lobby kiosk, online through smartdeposit (Access Secure Deposits), by phone, or by mailing a money order. The kiosk sits in the jail lobby at 2020 Main St and runs 24/7—same with the online option. Prefer to mail funds? Money orders go through Access Corrections, but they need to be filled out a specific way to credit the right account.
