A bright future for Central Florida

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, Team Soto was proud to announce that Florida will receive $29,315,442 to expand access to electric vehicle charging stations across our great state thanks to the Build Back Better Infrastructure Law. We also signed onto a letter to protect access to solar power for all Floridians. The future of Central Florida is bright!

I was proud to support legislation that provides valuable solutions to some of the toughest issues facing our nation. The Postal Service Reform Act ensures that the USPS can provide the high quality that Central Floridians deserve. I also voted to end the shady practice of forced arbitration — a legal loophole that has forced millions of Americans to sign away their rights to a court case through fine print and hushed language. The House also passed the Global Respect Act — a monumental piece of legislation that protects our LGBTQI+ community by denying visas to those who commit human rights abuses.

I also joined my Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Committee on House Administration colleagues in South Florida to discuss Spanish-language misinformation spreading in our airwaves. We are committed to making sure that public media is not used to attack our democracy and public health.

February marks Black History Month: an annual opportunity to honor and celebrate the life, legacy, culture, and contributions of Black Americans in our communities and our country. This month is also a moment to recommit ourselves to the fight for racial equity.

As we continue facing COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, please remember that the best way to keep you and your family safe is to get vaccinated and get tested. Households are now able to order four free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The helpline to assist those unable to navigate the website can be reached at 800-232-0233.

The Biden Administration has also committed to sending N95 masks to local health centers across the country. Click here for more information.

If you haven't already, please get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect yourself, your family, and your community. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all Americans at no cost, regardless of their health insurance or immigration status. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and to find an appointment near you, please visit vaccines.gov.

Working for the District

Combatting Spanish Misinformation

I was proud to join my Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Committee on House Administration colleagues in a roundtable to discuss dangerous and discriminatory lies being spread on Spanish radio. Our public airwaves shouldn’t be used to attack our democracy and public health.

Listen to our round table here

Taking a Step Forward for the Planet

Last year, climate disasters caused over $1 billion in losses for the U.S. I joined my colleagues in a pro-solar letter calling for climate action and lower electric bills. A brighter future is possible, and we will never stop fighting for it.

Defending Our Postal Service

The USPS delivers life-saving medications, urgent packages, and much more to Americans across the country. Central Florida is no different. That’s why I voted "yes" on the Postal Service Reform Act so that the USPS can provide the high quality that Central Floridians deserve.

Supporting the Global Respect Act

In our nation, attacks against the LBGTQI+ community will not be tolerated. I proudly supported the Global Respect Act — a bipartisan bill requiring President Biden to prevent individuals who violate the human rights of LGBTQI+ people from entering the U.S.

Voting to End Forced Arbitration

Millions of Americans sign away their rights to a case in court through forced arbitration clauses buried within the fine print of many contracts. I’m proud to support legislation to end forced arbitration and remove invisible barriers that keep Americans from seeking justice.

Investing in Florida's Green Future

The United States Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy have announced a $5 billion investment over five years in the National EV Charging Network, including $29,315,442 to Florida for expanding access to electric vehicle charging stations. All made possible by the Build Back Better Infrastructure Law.

Meeting with the National Federation of the Blind

I had the pleasure of meeting with the National Federation of the Blind earlier this week to discuss their legislative priorities for 2022 and identify ways that we can further support the blind community in Congress. These conversations are crucial as we fight to increase accessibility.

COVID-19 Testing in the District

With the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, it is incredibly important that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 gets tested. Tests in Osceola, Polk, and Orange county are free of charge.

In Polk County, testing is provided at the following location:

Auburndale Testing Center - 321 Ramsgate Road, Auburndale, FL 33823
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Appointments are REQUIRED. To schedule an appointment please call (863) 519-7911

In Orange County, testing is provided seven days a week at the following locations:

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

In Osceola County, testing is provided by appointment only at these locations.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in the District

All Floridians five 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 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.

In Polk County, The Florida Department of Health is providing COVID-19 vaccines to those wanting one from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Mondays - Lakeland Health Department, 3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland
Wednesdays - Auburndale Testing location, 245 E. Lake Ave. in Auburndale
Fridays - Haines City Health Department, 1700 Baker Ave. E. in Haines City

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

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

Central Florida Health Care

Call 866-234-8534 to be connected to a convenient site

FDOH Orange County - Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care

Located at 1267 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34741
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

Orlando VA Healthcare System at Lake Nona*

Located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
Appointments and walk-ins are available

Orlando VA Healthcare System at Lake Baldwin*

Located at 5201 Raymond Street, Orlando, FL 32803

*To schedule an appointment, call (407)631-0499

Maingate Complex Testing Site in Osceola

Schedule an appointment here

Vaccines in Orange County

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.

**NEW** Orlando COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance

For additional information and to apply, please click here.
Eligible households can receive up to 18 months of unpaid rent.

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 assistance, please click here.

Osceola County COVID-19 Elderly & Disabled Housing/ Utility Assistance Program

Up to six months of assistance available
Must be 62 years of age or older or permanently disabled
Paper applications only. Packets will be available at Osceola County Human Services (1392 E. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744) on:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (8:30 a.m. – noon)
Tuesdays and Thursdays (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Payments will be made directly to the mortgage company/landlord and utility company
If you have any questions regarding the program, please call 407-742-8403

What’s needed?
Driver’s license or state of Florida identification card
Current lease or mortgage statement in applicants/co-applicants name
Utility bill in applicants/co-applicants name
W-9 form from landlord, property manager, or mortgage company
SSDI eligibility documentation

Polk County Eviction Prevention Program

For additional information and to apply, please click here.

The Florida Department of Children and Families has launched the OUR Florida rental assistance program to provide rental and utility assistance to families in need. To verify eligibility and apply, please click here or call (833)493-0594 from 7 a.m. — 6 p.m. EST.

If you need help with utilities, please click here to access information from the United Way.

Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Treasury has collected websites associated with grantees’ Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs to help tenants and landlords find rental assistance programs in their local areas. Click here for more information.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. For more information, visit this website.

Resources for Veterans

Take a moment today to check in with a veteran. You can direct them to mental health resources listed here.

“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.

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,