SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday released information about the jury sequestration for the George Zimmerman trial, including where they were staying, their activities and the cost of their sequestration.
The jury began staying at the Marriott on International Parkway at Lake Mary on June 21 and each had their individual rooms. They convened in a suite to eat and socialize.
Recommended Videos
In the 22 days of sequestration, the jury watched television, exercised at the hotel fitness center, and spent weekends being visited by family and friends. They also went on trips to the Volusia Mall, to St. Augustine, and to the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum; got manicures and pedicures; went bowling; and, went out to eat several times at local restaurants.
Deputies said most breakfasts and dinners were provided through the hotel but the jurors ate out at Outback Steakhouse in Sanford and at Amigo's in Altamonte Springs. The group went out for lunch twice, both times to Senior Tequila's in Winter Springs.
Jurors also went to the movies to see "World War Z" and "The Lone Ranger" and were allowed to use their cell phones once a day in the presence of deputies.
The release stated: "In accordance with Florida Statutes, the Clerk of the Court is responsible for juror expenses for meals and lodging. Jurors paid for their own personal purchases and appointment costs. The Sheriff's Office paid for the movie and bowling excursions and the Ripley's admission. Although exact costs are not yet available, the hotel cost was approximately $1,000 daily, and meals were approximately $375 per day. The excursion expenses were approximately $350. In total, sequestrations costs were approximately $33,000.
SCSO said preliminary figures show about $320,000 was spent on deputy overtime, equipment, other trial-related expenses. The jurors had security at all times.
Jurors deliberated for more than 15 hours over two days before finding Zimmerman not guilty of either second-degree murder or manslaughter last Saturday.
The verdict has inspired protests nationwide, including episodes of violence in California.