Honoring Our Veterans

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we celebrated Veterans Day by honoring the service of Central Floridians. We are incredibly grateful for their courage and sacrifice, and I remain committed to advocating for progress for our veterans and military families. We will be hosting a special Afghan and Iraq Veterans (GWOT) Recognition Ceremony next Friday, November 19th at 10 am at 65th Infantry Park in Buenaventura Lakes.

We are so thrilled to be back in the district after passing the Build Back Better Plan (Part 1), the largest infrastructure package in US history. This will be critical to upgrading roads and bridges, ports and airports, clean energy and water, and rural broadband for fast-growing Central Florida.

We passed our Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Bill out of the Natural Resources Committee this week to protect our drinking water, recreation, habitat, and local ranches. We must safeguard our environment for now and future generations.

We also had a fantastic town hall on the Open Enrollment Period and how the FL-9 community can find affordable health insurance coverage. We discussed how the Affordable Care Act is helping Florida families, the American Rescue Plan has made health care more affordable during the pandemic, and how the Build Back Better Act will cut costs even further.

In Central Florida, getting our community vaccinated continues to be our main priority. Below you will find information on vaccination sites throughout our district.

The CDC has endorsed booster shots for the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The CDC now also recommends COVID-19 vaccines for children ages five through 11. Currently, the CDC recommends the following regarding booster shots:

In the District

Honoring Our Veterans

I was honored to thank all of our veterans this week for their service and sacrifices to protect our nation and defend our freedom in Poinciana, Haines City, Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Nona, and Lake Alfred.

Expanding Career Skills

So proud to attend Valencia College's Accelerated Skills Program Grand Opening. Congress just passed a $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan. With these funds, this program helps create our future workforce for Central Florida by providing hands-on opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary for high-demand, high-wage careers.

Visiting Full Sail University

This week, I enjoyed a fantastic tour of Full Sail University! Their students are learning innovative skills in movies, music, and TV production, as well as virtual reality simulation and cybersecurity. This helps keep Central Florida’s entertainment and tech sectors moving forward!

La Casa de Puerto Rico

La Casa de Puerto Rico celebrated their 30th anniversary as a social, educational, and cultural hub that serves our Hispanic Community in Central Florida.

Mercy Foundation's Broadband Benefit Program

I had the opportunity to sit with local elected officials and community leaders at the Mercy Foundation to discuss the Broadband Benefit Program. This program aims to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the Florida Cattlemen Association

I was honored to address our Florida Cattlemen Association at their legislative luncheon with the Florida Farm Bureau and Future Farmers of America in Kissimmee. Thank you for helping feed America!

Open Enrollment Town Hall

On Tuesday, we had a great discussion on navigating the marketplace and ensuring all Central Floridians are able to find health insurance coverage during the 2022 Open Enrollment period.

Health care open enrollment began on November first and will remain open until January 1st. As we continue facing the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season, it is more important than ever to get covered. FL-9 residents can visit HealthCare.gov to compare plans and find the best fit.

Click here to be added to the call list for our next event.

Watch the town hall here

Celebrating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

I was honored to be welcomed home by Florida Rising on Monday after passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is now on its way to President Biden's desk. Democrats are committed to advancing the rest of our agenda and passing the Build Back Better Act!

Visiting the Orlando Japan Festival

We had a great time welcoming the Orlando Japan Festival to Kissimmee last weekend! It was another beautiful day in Central Florida where we celebrated arts, culture, and community.

In Washington, D.C.

Protecting the Kissimmee River

Our bipartisan Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act will help protect our water supply, habitat recreation and local ranching. I was thrilled to participate in a Natural Resources Committee hearing on the bill as we work to ensure that restored segments are preserved.

Watch my speech here

Families of over 60 million children are already receiving the Child Tax Credit - $3,600 annually for children under 6 and $3,000 for kids between 6 and 17 – but families who haven’t signed up and earn too little to have to file taxes are missing out. These families must sign up by November 15 to get payments this year.

Between now and November 15, families can go to GetCTC.org, an easy-to-use tool to sign-up for the Child Tax Credit for families who aren’t required to file taxes. This tool is available in English and Spanish and is mobile-friendly, and can be completed within about 15 minutes.

COVID-19 Testing in the District

With the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the highly contagious Delta 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 Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the following location:

Lake Ariana Clubhouse, 321 Ramsgate Road, Auburndale, FL 33823

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.)
Econ Soccer Complex, 8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

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

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in the District

All Floridians 5 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

Central Florida Health Care will be offering COVID-19 vaccines to those wanting one at the following locations:

Frostproof Clinic (1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

109 W Wall St, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Moderna), Friday (Pfizer)

Haines City Clinic (1 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.)

705 Ingraham Ave, Monday (J & J), Thursday (Moderna), Friday (Pfizer)

Lake Wales Clinic (3 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

305 W Central Ave, Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Friday (Moderna), Thursday (Pfizer)

Lakeland Pediatrics (4 p.m. - 6 p.m.)

601 South Florida Ave, Wednesday, Thursday (Moderna), Tuesday (Pfizer)

Winter Haven Women and Children (1 p.m. - 4 p.m.)

201 Magnolia Ave SW, Tuesday, Wednesday (Pfizer), Thursday, Friday (Moderna)

Call (866) 234-8534 if you have any questions.

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 are 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 are 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.

Open Enrollment Period

CFHC Mobile COVID-19 Testing

Spring 2022 Internships in our Office

Click here to apply

Drive-Thru Vaccinations in Orlando

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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,