Investing in Central Florida

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we spent valuable time in the district connecting with the community and sharing the results of our work in Washington, D.C., to get federal dollars down to Central Florida.

We met with the Polk County Board of Commissioners to discuss the use of Build Back Better Infrastructure Law funds for community funding projects. The Infrastructure Law invests in clean water, safer roads, reliable internet, and much more to aid in the development of our community.

At SeaWorld, we announced a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to more than double manatee rescue efforts — creating new habitats, protecting clean water and recreation, and boosting tourism. Manatees are a vital part of our state’s ecosystem and I am proud to play an active part in continued efforts to ensure we keep them safe.

In Washington, D.C., historic hearings began for the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. I have no doubt that the abundantly-qualified Judge Jackson will make an excellent addition to the Supreme Court and work to protect justice for all Americans.

As we continue facing COVID-19, 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.

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.

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Working for FL-09

Investing in our Students

We passed the American Rescue Plan to help Central Florida recover from COVID-19. Our students went through a lot over two years. We thank Osceola County for using funds to allow students to have free Valencia or Osceola Tech tuition. This will boost enrollment, improve the workforce, and grow our economy.

Protecting our Manatee Friends

We announced a major U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant to SeaWorld to more than double manatee rescue efforts. We must continue emergency feedings, create new habitat by removing the Ocklawaha Dam, and clean the Indian River Lagoon. These efforts also protect clean water, recreation, and boost tourism.

Working to Extend Veneuzela TPS

Our work with President Biden to designate Venezuela TPS allowed 200,000 Venezuelans to apply in FY2021. I led a bipartisan Florida Delegation letter asking President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to consider extending Venezuela TPS and adding Venezuelans who arrived by December 31, 2021.

Click here to read the full letter

Building Polk County Back Better

We met with the Polk County Board of Commissioners to discuss opportunities for funding projects using Build Back Better Infrastructure Law funds. Thanks to the law, we will be able to secure clean water, safer roads, reliable internet, and more.

Celebrating Women's History Month

I was proud to honor nine incredible women from the district for Women's History Month. Women are the backbone of this country, and it's our job to build a nation that backs them. It's my privilege to work amongst incredible women that help me learn and grow every day.

Investing in the Future of UCF Restores

Honored to help secure funding for multiple years for UCF Restores. This innovative program uses virtual reality to help U.S. service members and first responders cope with PTSD. We will continue to support our local heroes.

Touring the Arte Mundial Museum

I was excited to tour Arte Mundial, our first permanent Hispanic art museum in Central Florida. This exhibit connects our many Hispanic cultures past, present, and future.

Uplifting our Community Champions

I was honored to participate in the Osceola Council On Aging Community Champions Deliver Meals event this week. We are proud to work with the Council on Aging to increase affordable housing, provide healthy food, and protect Medicare for our seniors.

Visiting the LGBT+ Center

We visited the LGBT+ Center in Orlando to discuss how we can empower and affirm the LGBTQ+ community in our district, especially amid unprecedented attacks against LGBTQ+ youth in Florida. We will continue fighting to safeguard the rights of our LGBTQ+ Floridians as faithful allies.

Visiting the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

We visited the Concorde Career College in Orlando to witness the state-of-the-art facility where they train the next generation of health care professionals. With over 20 programs, they are leading students towards successful careers in our community.

Witnessing Historic Confirmation Hearings

This week, we began historic hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to United States Supreme Court. Judge Jackson grew up in Florida, was a public defender, trial court judge, and is on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. She’ll protect justice for all Americans.

Celebrating National Agriculture Day

Florida is home to over 47,000 farms and ranches — from citrus groves to cattle ranches — spanning 9.7 million acres of land. On National Agriculture Day, we celebrated and uplifted the thriving agricultural community in our very own district as key providers for families and our economy.

NEW: Homeowner Assistance Fund

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has announced the opening of the federally funded Homeowner Assistance Fund to provide assistance to homeowners for mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and displacements, as well as loss of utilities, home energy services, and insurance.

Eligible homeowners must:

Have experienced financial hardship after, or that continued after, January 21, 2020
Meet income qualifications
Be a homeowner and be requesting assistance for your primary residence

Established under Section 3206 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, HAF provides $676,102,379 in financial assistance to the state of Florida through the United States Department of the Treasury. DEO has been designated to manage and operate HAF on behalf of the state of Florida. Financial assistance will be provided based on the needs of homeowners in Florida.

Click here to register

COVID-19 Testing in the District

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 - 245 E Lake Ave, 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 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

Resources for Veterans

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

Summer 2022 Internships

Congressional Art Competition

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.

Special Open Enrollment Period

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.

“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,