Florida executes first person of 2026 after record year

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WWSB) - Ronald Heath has been executed tonight, making him the first person put to death in Florida this year— following a record 19 executions in the state in 2025.

Heath, 64, was executed Feb. 10, for the 1989 murder of Michael Sheridan. According to the Florida Supreme Court, Sheridan was shot, stabbed and robbed in a wooded area south of Gainesville.

Death penalty opponents said the steady pace of executions in Florida is concerning.

Florida executes its 19th inmate of 2025

“We want to speak up for the value of human life,” said one opponent. “Doesn’t mean forgetting about the victim, but also recognizing that God doesn’t forget about anyone, no matter how grave of a crime they committed.”

Two more executions are scheduled for this year.

Melvin Trotter is set to die by lethal injection on Feb. 24. Billy Leon Kearse, 53, will be put to death on March 3.