100 days later, America is back on track!

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, I had the opportunity to attend President Joe Biden's Address to the Joint Session of Congress in Washington, D.C. As I was sitting in the gallery listening to the president address our nation, it became clear that after 100 days of the Biden-Harris Administration, America is back on track.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan and the dedication of our healthcare workers on the frontlines, Central Floridians are getting vaccinated, returning to school safely, reopening their small businesses, and proving that we can overcome anything.

My virtual guest was Osceola Community Health Services CEO Belinda Johnson-Cornett. Earlier this month, I was proud to announce that Osceola Community Health Services received $6.8 million in funding as part of the American Rescue Plan to increase COVID-19 vaccinations and treatment, and provide critical services to Central Floridians. Although we were not able to attend in person together, I appreciate Ms. Johnson-Cornett's commitment to the betterment of our community and am grateful for her leadership.

Looking ahead, we must pass the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan to boost our infrastructure, increase access to broadband, expand Brightline trains and the Sunrail, invest in clean energy, create good paying jobs, and more. I am more than prepared to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done for Central Floridians.

In Washington, D.C.

Attending President Biden's Address

It was an honor to attend President Joe Biden's Address to the Joint Session of Congress in Washington, D.C. After 100 days of the Biden Administration, America is on the move again. We are getting shots in arms, checks in pockets, and investing in our future.

Speaking up for Consumer Protections

4/27/2021 - Soto Speaks Against Scams that Target Vulnerable Populations

At an Energy & Commerce subcommittee hearing, I spoke about the dangers of scams that target vulnerable populations in our district. We cannot allow this to continue happening.

Meeting with Jamaican Consulate Officials

My staff and I met with officials from the Jamaican Consulate to discuss assisting Jamaica with COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

In the District

Encouraging Central Floridians to #GetVaccinated

As part of our efforts to encourage Central Floridians to #GetVaccinated, I joined football legend Derrick Brooks and Sunshine Health at Osceola Community Health Services in Poinciana.

Visiting Winn-Dixie to Learn About Vaccination Efforts

Winn-Dixie is vaccinating our community against COVID-19. I visited a location in Osceola to speak about their efforts in our district and the importance of communicating vaccine safety in Spanish.

Meeting with University of Central Florida Students

I visited a UCF virtual classroom to discuss issues affecting young Americans during COVID-19, my experiences as a member of Congress, and the impact young people have on our future. It is great to hear the perspective of young people.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in the District

All Floridians 16 years of age and older are eligible to pre-register for a vaccine appointment NOW. After registration, individuals will be notified when appointments become available in their area. Please note, those aged 16-17 are currently only approved to receive the Pfizer vaccine. All individuals under the age of 18 must complete this form and be accompanied by a guardian at the time of vaccination.

Please visit this website to monitor updates provided by the state and do your part to end this pandemic and return to prosperity!

Pre-register here

If you live in Orange County, please continue to use their website.

COVID-19 Vaccines by County

As COVID-19 infections rise in Central Florida, we are working with local officials to provide up-to-date information on vaccinations. For more information on your county's distribution plans, please visit the websites linked below.

Orange County

Osceola County

Polk County

COVID-19 Vaccine Hotlines

Orange County

Scheduling: 866-201-3604

TTY: 833-476-1024

Osceola County

Scheduling: 866-201-6507

TTY: 833-476-1516

Polk County

Scheduling: 866-201-7132

TTY: 833-476-1033

Florida has many sites that are providing COVID-19 vaccines. Appointments may be required and vaccine availability will vary from day to day and week to week.

Click here for a full list of vaccine sites in Florida

Click here for a vaccine finder

Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccinations and Community Vaccination Sites

Many local pharmacies and community sites are offering the COVID-19 vaccine. As we receive more information, we will update our list to ensure that everyone has access to these vaccination opportunities. At the moment, vaccinations are available at:

Publix

ALL Publix locations will be offering the COVID-19 vaccine
To register, please click here

CVS

To register, please click here

Walmart

Supercenter 1086, located at 4400 13th Street, Saint Cloud, FL 34769
Supercenter 817, located at 4444 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Supercenter 725, located at 36205 US Highway 27, Haines City, FL 33844
Supercenter 859, located at 2000 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33898
Supercenter 3347, located at 7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Supercenter 5420, located at 3250 Vineland Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Neighborhood Market 5846, located at 3183 West Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Neighborhood Market 5265, located at 2125 Nolte Road, Saint Cloud, FL 34772
Neighborhood Market 4159, located at 2850 E Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34743
To register, please click here

Sam’s Club

Sam's 4782, located at 4763 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
To determine eligibility and register, please click here

Winn-Dixie

To register, please click here

FEMA Site - Valencia Community College in Orlando

Open 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
No appointment necessary

FEMA Site - Orange County Library South Trail Branch

Located at 4600 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32839
Walk-up only
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (or until supply allotments are reached), seven days a week

Orange County Convention Center

To register, please click here
The site will offer its last first doses of the Pfizer vaccine on May 5th and will close on May 26th

FDOH Orange County - Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care

Located at 1267 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Vaccinations be offered by appointment only Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Individuals can schedule an appointment here or by calling 407-569-0220

Centro Cristiano Dios De Pactos Church

Located at 1130 Simmons Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Vaccinations provided by appointment only
Individuals can pre-register here

Chambers Park Community Center in Osceola County

Located at 2380 Smith Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Vaccines offered on a first-come, first-served basis
Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. or when vaccines run out

65^th Infantry Veterans Park

Site will run seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. – or until the day’s doses are depleted
The site is expected to remain open through the end of May

Orlando VA Healthcare System at Lake Nona*

Located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
Appointments and walk-ins available
Monday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Tuesday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Orlando VA Healthcare System at Lake Baldwin*

Located at 5201 Raymond Street, Orlando, FL 32803
Appointments offered from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and walk-ins until 1 p.m.

Over 100,000 Veterans have been vaccinated so far! The below individuals can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the VA now:

Enrolled Veterans
Non enrolled veterans
Veterans who are normally unable to receive services at the VA
Spouses/Surviving Spouses
Caregivers
Active-Duty Service Members
Reservists
National Guard
CHAMP VA Beneficiaries
Department of Homeland Security employees
Food and Drug Administration employees

*To schedule an appointment, call (407)631-0499, Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Rental Assistance for Central Floridians

The programs below have been established to help residents in Polk, Orange and Osceola Counties with rental and housing costs.

Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

For additional information and to apply, please click here.

Osceola County Emergency Rental Assistance/Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention

To access the screening form, please click here.

Polk County Eviction Prevention Program

To apply, please click here.

The City of Orlando has also announced that they will distribute over $7.8 million in emergency rental assistance to households affected by COVID-19. An online portal is expected to open in mid-May and can be accessed here.

Mobile Vaccinations in Orlando

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

Starting May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting this website.

Poinciana Community Resource Fair

“We’ve Opened Safely” Program

Osceola County is working to promote safety and consumer confidence as businesses start to re-open in our district. The county is also allocating funding towards an emergency grant program for locally owned and independently operated small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. Click here for more information.

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Cost Reimbursement

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. For further information, please click here.

Fraud Alert: FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and will not contact people prior to them registering for assistance.

Special Open Enrollment

On January 28, in light of the twin health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden issued an executive order creating a Special Enrollment Period from February 15 until August 15. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their job-based health coverage due to the pandemic. During these challenging times, having health coverage is more important than ever. Thanks to President Biden, there is now a Special Enrollment Period to give you the opportunity to enroll in coverage for the remainder of 2021. Learn more at HealthCare.gov.

Tax Day Extension

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that Tax Day will be moved to May 17, 2021. For more information, please click here.

Click here for information on the third Economic Impact Payment.

Click here for information on the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

I am proud to be your representative and look forward to our continued efforts to improve our district! Please do not hesitate to call my office with any questions or concerns.

In Community,