A reminder that intolerance and injustice will never go unchallenged in Central Florida

Dear friends and neighbors,

Today, President Joe Biden completed the final step needed to recognize the Pulse Nightclub shooting as a true national tragedy. For the past five years, I have been humbled by the support our Orlando community has received from those who connected to our grief and became part of the movement to honor our 49 angels and 53 injured with action.

Though the pain and helplessness tied to the memories of that night and the weeks following will never subside, it is our responsibility to ensure that those we lost are remembered for the fruitful lives they led during their time here on Earth. It is comforting to know that we will now have a national platform to showcase the impacts they had on their loved ones and our community.

I hope the memorial will also serve as a reminder that intolerance and injustice will never go unchallenged in Central Florida. Our Orlando Strong community will forever be defined by the strength we have shown in the face of unspeakable tragedy. The spirits of the 49 angels we lost that night will always live in my heart and serve as a reminder to lead with love and empathy.

In Washington D.C.

Having Our Bill to Designate the National Pulse Memorial Signed by POTUS

President Joe Biden has officially signed our bill to designate the National Pulse Memorial into law. I am humbled by the support that our Orlando Strong community has received over the last five years as we work to honor those that were taken from us on that tragic night.

Passing Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Legislation

6/22/2021 - Soto Speaks on the Blockchain Innovation Act and the Digital Taxonomy Act

Our blockchain and cryptocurrency bills with Representatives Brett Guthrie and Warren Davidson passed the House as part of Representative Jerry McNerney's Consumer Safety Technology Act. The United States must remain on the forefront of emerging technologies by fostering innovation and ensuring consumer protection.

Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination

Age discrimination in any capacity is unacceptable. I voted to pass the bipartisan Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act to protect older workers from suffering unemployment or underemployment as a result of unfair bias.

Restoring Obama-era Methane Pollution Standards

The House voted to restore Obama-era methane pollution standards that were gutted under the previous administration. This is a critical step towards combatting climate change exacerbated by methane pollution from the oil and gas sector and protecting our communities.

In the District

Welcoming Dr. Jill Biden and Dr. Fauci to Kissimmee

It was a tremendous honor to welcome First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and Dr. Anthony Fauci to Kissimmee. We met Central Floridians getting vaccinated at Osceola Community Health Services and discussed the importance of getting vaccinated to end the COVID-19 pandemic and return to prosperity.

Promoting the Child Tax Credit

We held a press conference with Hope Partnership and UNITE HERE! to encourage families to be on the lookout for Child Tax Credit payments of up to $300 per month, per child, starting July 15th.

Click here for more information

Honoring Roberto Clemente in Orlando

Team Soto was present to celebrate the unveiling of Roberto Clemente Road in Orlando. Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and Hall of Fame baseball star better represents our East Orlando community’s values of hard work, charity, diversity, and inclusion.

Celebrating Caribbean American Leaders in FL-09

It was my pleasure to honor Caribbean leaders in Central Florida for Caribbean American Heritage Month. Florida's economy, culture, and livelihood would not be the same without the contributions of our Caribbean brothers and sisters.

Touring Second Harvest Food Bank

I was honored to tour the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and learn about their work to assist food-insecure Central Floridians and hurricane preparedness. By helping those in our community that need help, they are making our district a better place.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in the District

All Floridians 12 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 12-17 are currently only approved to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

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

The Florida Department of Health in Polk will offer the Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. No appointment is necessary, however, if individuals wish to make an appointment, they may contact the DOH Polk Information Center at (863) 519-7911.

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
Offering vaccinations to individuals 12 years and older

FDOH Orange County - Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care

Located at 1267 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Vaccinations are 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

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

For additional information and 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 now open and can be accessed here.

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.

COVID-19 Mortgage Payment Relief

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

Eligible households are 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.

“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.

Passport Services Assistance

As the world opens back up and Americans feel more confident traveling internationally, we’ve seen a large increase in requests from constituents needing help with passport services. Below are some tips and helpful resources.

Check your passport application status online
Schedule an appointment using the Online Passport Appointment System
Keep in mind, processing times begin AFTER the Department of State receives your application and has opened it. This could add anywhere from 5-10 days to the overall time it takes to get your application processed, reviewed and a passport issued. It’s best to give them an additional two weeks on top of their processing times.
Save $60 by applying now for routine service and expect to receive a passport in 10-12 weeks.*
If you need your passport in less than 10-12 weeks due to international travel plans, you can pay an additional $60 fee to expedite your passport. If you plan to expedite your application, send your application using USPS’ Priority Mail Express. Expect to receive a passport in 4-6 weeks when applying for expedited service.
It may take up to 4 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” During these 4 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is scanned and sent. If your passport status update says “Not Available,” your application and supporting documents are safely on their way.

If all else fails, please contact Soto.Casework@mail.house.gov

Please include your passport number and/or passport locator number on your privacy release to help speed things along.

Check Status by Phone

Call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to speak to a customer service representative (Spanish speakers available) Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET (excluding federal holidays).

*If you applied for routine service more than 12 weeks ago and have not received your passport yet, you may have received a letter requesting additional information to continue processing your application. Please respond to this letter.

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,