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Florida's First Execution of 2026 Set for Ronald Heath

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ronald Palmer Heath, 64, is scheduled for execution in Florida on February 10, 2026, marking the state's first execution of that year.
Heath was convicted of murdering traveling salesman Michael Sheridan during a robbery in 1989, after which he and his brother used Sheridan's credit cards.
Heath's attorneys plan to appeal to both the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 2025, Florida executed a record 19 inmates under Governor Ron DeSantis, with the last execution occurring on December 18, 2025.

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Story summary

Ronald Palmer Heath, 64, is scheduled for execution in Florida on February 10, 2026, marking the state's first execution of that year.
Heath was convicted of murdering traveling salesman Michael Sheridan during a robbery in 1989, after which he and his brother used Sheridan's credit cards.
Heath's attorneys plan to appeal to both the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 2025, Florida executed a record 19 inmates under Governor Ron DeSantis, with the last execution occurring on December 18, 2025.