Passing landmark pieces of legislation

Dear friends and neighbors,

As another eventful week in Washington, D.C., comes to an end, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your representative and advocate for the most pressing issues faced by Central Floridians. We've experienced some incredibly difficult and challenging times, but have never allowed them to divide us.

I felt especially honored while speaking in support of my bill with Reps. Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings to honor the 49 angels we lost nearly five years ago and designate the Pulse nightclub as a National Memorial. Although we continue to mourn them, it is important for us to keep their spirits, stories, and memories in our hearts as we work towards changes that will prevent these hateful acts from taking place in our country. This memorial will help us open minds and hearts, and serve as a national symbol of hope, love, and change.

I am thankful that my colleagues in the House of Representatives voted to pass this important piece of legislation, and hope members of the Senate recognize the impact this memorial will have on our Central Florida community.

In the coming weeks, we will be seeing more landmark pieces of legislation passed out of the House — like the American Jobs Plan for infrastructure. There is a clear outline of what we have to accomplish this Congress in order to Build Back Better and consider the needs of future generations. We have the opportunity of a lifetime to deliver on our promise to work for the people, and I look forward to another week of results.

In Washington, D.C.

Passing Our Bill For a Pulse National Memorial

Rep. Soto Speaks on Legislation to Designate Pulse as a National Memorial

Nearly 5 years after the Pulse nightclub shooting, our Central Florida community is one step closer to honoring our 49 angels with the Pulse National Memorial. I am thankful for my colleagues Reps. Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings, and hope my colleagues in the Senate act quickly.

Addressing the Negative Effects of Mining and Pollution

5/13/2021 - Soto Speaks About the Impact of Mining and Pollution on Indigenous Communities

Native American tribes are a part of both domestic energy and the climate change response. At a Natural Resources subcommittee hearing, I spoke about the negative effects mining and pollution have had on the Everglades in Florida, where the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes reside.

Working to Ensure Climate Justice in the 21st Century

5/13/2021 - Soto Speaks on Superfund Sites and Efforts to Advance Cleanups

At an Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, I spoke about the need for all Members of Congress to address dangerous Superfund sites in or near our districts. It is up to us to come together and ensure that the pollution of the 20th century doesn’t persist into the 21st.

Passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

In the 21st century, pregnant workers are still treated like their pregnancy is a problem — by being denied basic accommodations that will keep them safe. I joined my colleagues in the House to protect pregnant workers & pass the long overdue Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

In the District

Meeting to Discuss Community Project Funding Requests

I had a very informative meeting with Hwy 27 Mayors in our district to discuss their recent East Polk Community Project Funding requests to fix traffic, create jobs, and improve emergency response services.

Meeting with SEIU Members in Central Florida

It was great to meet with the 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East to discuss how the American Jobs Plan will benefit seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

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

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. 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

FEMA Site - Valencia Community College in Orlando

Open 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
No appointment necessary

FEMA Site - Orange County Library South Trail Branch

Located at 4600 Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32839
Walk-up only
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (or until supply allotments are reached), seven days a week

Orange County Convention Center

To register, please click here
The will close on May 26th

FDOH Orange County - Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care

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

65^th Infantry Veterans Park

Site will run seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. – or until the day’s doses are depleted
The site is expected to remain open through the end of May

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

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 expected to open in mid-May and can be accessed here.

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.

VA COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Poinciana Community Resource Fair

“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.

Tax Day Extension

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that Tax Day will be moved to May 17, 2021. For more information, please click here.

Click here for information on the third Economic Impact Payment.

Click here for information on the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

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,