Visiting our state lawmakers in Tallahassee

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, I visited the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee to catch up on the work legislators have been doing during this crucial session. We had incredibly productive meetings with lawmakers, union representatives, and others to ensure that we are properly serving Floridians at all levels of government.

It was wonderful to receive a warm welcome from members of the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses. We discussed their priorities for the remainder of the session and exchanged words of encouragement. On the House floor, I caught up with Reps. Arrington, Eskamani, Hawkins, Smith, Placensia, Morales, Killebrew, and Bell.

On the Senate side, I had meetings with Senator Vic Torres and Senator Randolph Bracy. We discussed federal funds reaching our state and ways we can work together to improve the quality of life of all Floridians. I also spoke to Senate President Wilton Simpson about the Build Back Better Infrastructure Law and local projects like the Lake Nona Valencia campus expansion, addressing hydrilla in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and a SunRail Polk extension ridership survey.

I also sat down with Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle and expressed the importance of working together to help struggling homeowners with the recently received $676 million in American Rescue Plan mortgage assistance funds.

Additionally, I spoke with representatives from the Florida AFL-CIO and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trade about ways Congress can support working families. Union workers — like the SEIU healthcare professionals I saw at the Capitol — work tirelessly to keep our communities running. It is critical for Washington to work for them. Team Soto is firmly in support of unions and will always look out for our union workers.

This week also unfortunately marked a horrific and vile attack on Ukraine by Vladimir Putin. I would like to be clear in saying that we condemn Russia’s unilateral, unjustifiable, and disgraceful attack on Ukraine. This is the greatest threat to peace in Europe since World War II, and I stand with ⁦President Joe Biden in levying all possible Russian sanctions and defending our NATO allies in the region.

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. Click here for more information.

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.

Missed last week's newsletter? Click here to catch up

SPECIAL EDITION: In Tallahassee

Meeting with the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses

Members of the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses gave me a warm welcome. We discussed their priorities for the remainder of the session and exchanged words of encouragement. On the House floor, I caught up with Reps. Arrington, Eskamani, Hawkins, Smith, Placensia, Morales, Killebrew, and Bell.

Supporting Our Unions

It was great to meet with Florida AFL-CIO and IUPAT representatives to discuss how Congress can support working families and learn about their 2022 goals. I also met with SEIU healthcare professionals participating in a prayer vigil calling on the legislature to ensure that healthcare workers are fairly paid and protected.

Working Together to Help Struggling Homeowners

I sat down with Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle and expressed the importance of working together to help struggling homeowners with the recently received $676 million in American Rescue Plan mortgage assistance funds.

In the District

Visiting Our Medical Students

We had a great tour of the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center. The facility offers comprehensive imaging and laboratory services, incision-less brain surgery, full-service acute care, and more. Proud to see Central Florida's medical students excelling in our community.

Training the Future of Florida

We attended NUC Florida Technical College in Kissimmee. They’re training our next generation of nurses, construction workers, culinary professionals, and other tech jobs. This training is key to ensuring every Central Floridian can seek the skills they need to succeed.

Celebrating Rodeo Day in Osceola County

We joined our Florida Cattlemen in Osceola County for Rodeo Day to honor our county’s long time ranching heritage.

Supporting Latina Entrepreneurs

Team Soto attended the Inspírate Latina Business Training Center grand opening in Orlando. The future is bright for Latina entrepreneurs.

Attending the GrubHub Community Impact Grants Awards

Team Soto and the Pride Chamber were present at the NGLCC GrubHub Community Impact Grants Awards. Congratulations to all who received awards.

In Washington D.C.

Standing Up for Our Students

Governor Ron DeSantis' proposal to defund certain Florida school districts that instituted mask policies at the beginning of last school year would exacerbate an already strained system. I led a letter with my colleagues asking the Department of Education to investigate.

Celebrating Public Schools Week

Education is the key to our future. That's why the American Rescue Plan invested $7 billion to address the unprecedented challenges facing Florida's students, educators, and communities. Our children deserve the best. On Public Schools Week, we strive for nothing less.

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 - 321 Ramsgate Road, 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 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.)

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

Maingate Complex Testing Site in Osceola

Schedule an appointment here

Vaccines in Orange County

Vaccine and Blood Donation Opportunities

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.

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.

Tax Filing Season

Tax filing season is underway! To prevent delays, remember to file early and accurately. As we approach the April 18 filing deadline, the IRS has provided resources to make filing easy. Click here for more information.

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,