Central Florida, help is on the way

Dear friends and neighbors,

Our nation is grappling with not one but two major crises: a pandemic and an economic recession. With vaccine distribution continuing, we are turning the corner but we are not out of the woods yet. That’s why last week, House Democrats voted to pass the American Rescue Plan Act to ensure that, as President Biden promised, help is on the way. With decisive action that families and small businesses want, our bold relief package delivers the long-overdue resources needed to meet the needs of Central Florida’s families. The American Rescue Plan puts vaccines in arms, money in pockets, children in schools and people back in work.

Today, I hosted a press conference with one clear message: it’s time for the Senate to pass the American Rescue Plan Act and bring desperately needed relief to Central Florida.

Thank you local officials Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer, Kissimmee City Commissioner Jim Fisher and Bruce Vickers, as well as Delores McMillan of Osceola NAACP, Hilda Rentería Hernandez with UNITE HERE and our friends at SEIU for joining me today!

Watch the Press Conference Here

In the District

Feeding Central Florida's Families

I was honored to volunteer at the Osceola County Council on Aging to help feed 50 families! Food insecurity is at its highest because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we need the Senate to pass the American Rescue Plan Act to provide desperately needed assistance to those in need.

Ensuring Our Community Gets Vaccinated in Polk County

First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church in Lake Wales

Lake Maude in Winter Haven

This week, our office worked with FEMA and the Department of Health to help set up vaccination sites for constituents in Winter Haven and Lake Wales. We will continue to provide federal resources to ensure everyone in Central Florida has access to the COVID vaccine.

Helping Communities of Color Get Vaccinated

The pandemic has hit communities of color the hardest. Team Soto was honored to work with Pastor Jairo García and Iglesia Cristiana Renuevo to help Osceola County’s Hispanic community get vaccinated!

Supporting the Autistic Community

It was great meeting with Ambassadors of the Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy program! We discussed increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder, the need for more research funding and factors that ease the burdens of families and loved ones.

In Washington, D.C.

Protecting Our Elections

House Democrats proudly passed the most transformational and comprehensive democracy reform legislation in more than four decades. H.R. 1, the For the People Act, includes national voter access standards, mandates online registration, voting by mail, at least 15 days of early voting, and paper ballots, restoration of voting rights for returning citizens, independent congressional redistricting Commissions (doesn’t preempt Florida standards), disclosure of “dark money” contributions to political groups, disclosure of tax returns by presidential candidates. Let’s restore the promise of voter equality for all Floridians!

Fighting for Equality and Democracy for Puerto Rico

Last November, Americans in Puerto Rico reached a clear consensus: their destiny lies with statehood. Now, the moment to finally admit Puerto Rico as a state of our Union is upon us. I led a group of 52 Members of Congress in introducing the bipartisan Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act. Our historic legislation will finally end over 120 years of colonialism and provide full rights and representation to more than 3.2 million Americans. Our quest for statehood is about respecting democracy and equality in Puerto Rico. We look forward to working with President Biden and congressional leaders from both parties and chambers to advance and pass the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act. Together we will forge a new chapter in our nation's history when Puerto Rico becomes a full and equal member of the United States.

Full Press Conference Here

Passing the Justice In Policing Act

Our nation witnessed a historic level of despair and outrage in the wake of the brutal and inhumane murder of George Floyd. This week, I was proud to vote to pass H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, comprehensive legislation to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, empower communities and build trust between law enforcement and communities by addressing systemic racism and bias. It’s time for meaningful change.

Finding Climate Solutions for U.S. Territories

Soto Speaks on Insular Area Climate Change Act

U.S. territories, like Puerto Rico, are facing sea-level rises, more frequent and intense tropical storms and extreme temperatures because of the climate crisis. This week, the Natural Resources Committee had a hearing on the Insular Area Climate Change Act, draft legislation to help reduce the impacts of climate change on U.S. territories.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in the District

Floridians who are eligible can pre-register for a vaccine appointment NOW. After registration, individuals will be notified when appointments become available in their area.

The state is frequently updating vaccine eligibility qualifications so it is best to visit this website to monitor changes in criteria. Currently, eligible residents include long-term care facility residents and staff, persons 65 years of age and older, persons under 65 deemed medically vulnerable by a physician, health care personnel with direct patient contact, ALL K-12 educators and child care workers, and sworn law enforcement officers and firefighters 50 years of age and older.

Pre-register here

If you live in Polk and Orange Counties, please continue to use their websites. To register in Polk County, click here. To register in Orange County, click here.

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 to eligible persons. Please be aware that some locations are only serving very specific populations. Appointments may be required and vaccine availability will vary from day to day and week to week, as we work to provide vaccines to the most vulnerable first.

Click here for a full list of vaccine sites

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

Many local pharmacies and community sites are offering the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents. 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.
Scheduling opens on Monday at 7 a.m. ET.
To register, please click here.

CVS

Located at 35799 Highway 27, Haines City, FL 33844.
To register, please click here.

Walmart

To register, please click here.

Sam’s Club

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 - Lake Maude Nature Park

Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. until March 10th.
No appointment necessary.

Orange County Convention Center

Appointments open on Monday at 9 a.m.
Now open to all school staff.
To register, please click 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.
Opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 4 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.

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

*Open to all Veterans who receive care at VA regardless of age.

*Veterans must be enrolled and eligible for VA health care benefits. Veterans must be able to return to the clinic they received their first shot at for a second dose.

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 landlords and tenants.
To apply, please click here.

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 May 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.

Prevent Social Security Scams

Each year, thousands fall victim to scammers claiming to be the Social Security Administration. Don't let that happen to you!

For more information and to report scams, visit this website.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, Central Floridians in our community have shown immense courage. From the heroic efforts of our healthcare workers and first responders to our essential workers and teachers, each of you has helped our community get through the coronavirus crisis. I am proud to be your representative and look forward to our continued efforts to improve our district.

In Community,