Publix not offering COVID-19 vaccine to children under 5 ‘at this time’
As Pfizer’s and Moderna’s lower-dose COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 are rolled out across the U.S., Lakeland-based supermarket chain Publix confirmed this week that it is not administering the shots to that age group “at this time,” offering little explanation.
🔓Ginger Gadsden shares chili recipe for National Chili Day
Thursday, Feb. 24 is National Chili Day, and to celebrate, Insiders who share their favorite chili recipe will be entered to win a $100 Publix gift card and a copy of Rachel Ray’s cookbook called “This Must Be The Place.” In the cookbook, there is a recipe from Rachel for Everything Chili.
Grandmother tried to fight off Florida Publix shooter in seemingly random attack, deputies say
Detectives believe the Publix murder-suicide was a random act by a mentally ill man who had made online threats, and that a grandmother fighting back may have saved other lives, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.
Publix will not offer vaccinations during Easter weekend
More vaccines arriving in South Florida in underserved communities and at Publix pharmaciesPublix will not be offering any vaccine appointments during Easter weekend. The grocery store chain made the announcement in a news release on Tuesday. Publix is closing all its stores on Easter Sunday but will be open on the preceding days. Appointments must be made online by visiting publix.com/covidvaccine. Scheduling opportunity Appointment days Vaccine provided Monday Wednesday - Friday Moderna Wednesday (Except March 31) Saturday - Sunday Johnson & Johnson Friday Monday - Tuesday ModernaTo keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
‘Where’s my baby?’ Drunk Titusville woman sped toward Publix thinking she forgot her child, police say
Jessica Lawton is accused of driving under the influence while speeding toward a Publix grocery store. An officer in an unmarked SUV followed Lawton into a Publix parking lot along Cheney Highway. The officer then activated his emergency lights and noted Lawton speeding up, according to an arrest affidavit. Lawton eventually swerved over two parking spots, changing her direction, and pulled into a parking spot, records show. Officers noted she did poorly, walking unsteadily and unable to properly hold her balance, according to an arrest report.
Publix, CVS accepting vaccine appointments for 50 and older in Florida
Ahead of Florida’s planned expansion of vaccine eligibility, Publix has already started accepting appointments for anyone who is 50 or older. Ron DeSantis announced he would sign an executive order making anyone 50 and older eligible for the vaccine during a news briefing in Tallahassee. As of 2:40 p.m. on Friday, most appointments throughout the state were fully booked, including locations in every Central Florida county. All 730 Publix pharmacy locations in Florida offer the vaccine by appointment only. AdCVS will accept appointments for any Floridian over the age of 50 on Monday.
Publix says leftover COVID-19 vaccine doses are going to employees
ORLANDO, Fla. – When and if there are leftover COVID-19 vaccine shots at Publix stores come the end of the day, those doses are given to employees rather than being thrown out. He called and asked to be added to the waitlist and was invited to come back that same day. Select Publix pharmacy locations first began offering the vaccine in January, providing more access to seniors who may not be able to travel to mass vaccination sites. The program has since expanded and all 730 Publix pharmacy stores are providing hundreds of shots per day. “I’m extremely proud of our pharmacy, store and support teams for their hard work over the past 10 weeks.
President orders all adults eligible for vaccine by May 1 as Florida reports 5,144 new COVID-19 cases
ORLANDO, Fla. – All 50 states now have until May 1 to make all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Publix already accepting vaccine appointments for people 60 and olderWhen Publix opened its portal on Friday for COVID-19 vaccine appointments, more Florida residents were eligible. The vaccines will be available from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday:Colonial High School on Oleander Drive in OrlandoEast River High School on East River Falcons Way in OrlandoFreedom High School on W. Taft-Vineland Road in OrlandoOak Ridge High School in OrlandoOcoee High School on Ocoee Crown Point Parkway in OcoeeEmployees must bring their OCPS ID and state ID. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: One year since pandemic declaration, Florida reports 96 deaths, 5,065 new cases]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 12. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,144 new cases on Friday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,967,865 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020.
Publix expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to those 60 and older
ORLANDO, Fla. – When Publix opened its portal on Friday for COVID-19 vaccine appointments, more Florida residents were eligible. Those 60 and older are now able to vie for a chance to get one of the shots, but the retailer noted that school employees and child care workers will still be prioritized. AdAll 730 Publix pharmacy locations in Florida offer the vaccine by appointment only. Publix’s eligibility expansion come as the state prepares to begin vaccinating people who are 60 and older on Monday. The governor said during a news conference on Thursday he hopes to offer the vaccine to all Floridians sometime next month.
WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeSantis holds news conference in Lake City
ORLANDO, Fla. – As President Joe Biden is poised to approve the next coronavirus relief bill, Florida continues to increase access to vaccines. Florida is getting more vaccine dosesThe state is once again seeing an increase in supply when it comes to Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. HospitalizationsAs of Wednesday afternoon, there were currently 3,213 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state. As of Wednesday afternoon, 3,784,870 people have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
Publix now prioritizing school and child care workers, offering Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Changes are now in effect with Publix’s online COVID-19 vaccine appointment portal. Starting Wednesday, the grocery chain started giving priority to K-12 school and child care workers looking to make an appointment, according to a news release. This priority extends to teachers, school staff, bus drivers and those working for licensed child care providers of any age. AdAt the same time, Publix said it has received its first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Appointments made on Mondays and Fridays will be the Moderna vaccine.
Florida will lower vaccine age requirement -- likely to 60 -- this month, governor says
Ron DeSantis has said he will lower the age requirement for residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine sometime this month, but is now giving a better idea of who will be eligible next. During a news conference in Marion County on Friday, the governor said the age requirement, which currently stands at 65, will likely be dropped to 60 next, and the change is expected in the near future. Most likely we’ll do 60, and then we’ll do the next week 55 so stay tuned, that announcement will be coming relatively soon,” DeSantis said. And so if you’re 60, you’re going to be able to go and it doesn’t matter what your vocation is or doesn’t matter if you’re retired, you’re going to be able to go,” he said. “If you look at COVID and the statistics nationally, 95.7% of all COVID-related mortality is age 50 or above.
Winn-Dixie expands coronavirus vaccine eligibility at its pharmacies
ORLANDO, Fla. – Winn-Dixie has expanded its vaccine eligibility requirements to include educators and child care workers of all ages and medically vulnerable individuals. AdAppointments and proof of eligibility are required for anyone hoping to get vaccinated, according to the company. “While making their appointment, educators will need to follow the prompts in the online scheduler to attest to their eligibility. Medically vulnerable individuals under the age of 65 will need to present the FDOH form for physicians to certify that they are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and eligible to receive the vaccine. Those planning to get the shot under the “extremely vulnerable” criteria should have this form filled out by their doctor.
UPDATE: All Florida teachers, child care workers can now get COVID-19 vaccine at these pharmacies
According to CVS’ website, 24 pharmacies in Florida can provide shots. Previously, only those 65 and older were eligible, along with health care workers. The website now lists openings for K-12 teachers and staff, day care workers and preschool workers. On Thursday, Walmart also amended its website to include K-12 teachers and staff, day care workers and preschool workers with no age restrictions. https://t.co/8w5lTrLQLd — Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) March 4, 2021Publix soon followed suit, also expanding its eligibility requirements on Thursday to Florida teachers and child care workers of all ages.
Publix offering coronavirus vaccine to Florida teachers, child care workers of all ages
ORLANDO, Fla. – Publix is the latest coronavirus vaccine provider to expand its eligibility requirements to include Florida teachers, school employees and other child care workers of all ages. [TRENDING: Video shows SpaceX Starship exploding after landing | All Fla. teachers can get vaccine at CVS | Man gets 20 years for cutting off wife’s lover’s penis]AdPublix said the change goes into effect for appointments starting Friday. The move applies to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, school staff and child care personnel, regardless of their age. Ron DeSantis first expanded eligibility for teachers, only those 50 and older were allowed to get the shot. Publix recently expanded its vaccination program to include all 730 of its in-store pharmacies across the state.
The Latest: SKorean economy shrinks for 1st time in 22 years
It marked the first annual contraction for the country’s economy since 1998, when it was in the midst of a crippling financial crisis. In comparison, the federal government previously said 38% of people would receive two doses by the end of June. Still, that’s 700,000 doses on hand, when the state is getting 200,000 doses this week, rising to 223,000 next week. AdBharat Biotech has already signed an agreement with Brazil to supply 20 million doses of the vaccine by September. ___COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s mask mandate will continue until a “critical mass” has been reached of people who have received the coronavirus vaccine, a spokesperson for Ohio Gov.
Orange County Public Schools announces graduation dates for class of 2021
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Public Schools officials have announced graduation dates for the class of 2021. Timber Creek High School, May 26 at 2 p.m.University High School, May 26 at 7:30 p.m.Evans High School, May 27 at 8:30 a.m.Jones High School, May 27 at 2 p.m.Ocoee High School, May 27 at 7:30 p.m.Orange Technical College, June 2 at 8:30 a.m.District officials said the schedule is based on the availability of the arena during NBA playoffs or Solar Bears hockey games. In the event the Amway Center is unable to host any of the ceremonies on the above dates, alternative locations will be determined, the county said. Superintendent Barbara Jenkins spoke about these preliminary plans during her Community Update video, which was released Friday. All guidelines and protocols are being made in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and the Amway Center.
Vaccine access expands as Florida reports 5,941 new COVID-19 cases
This July 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine in Belgium. (Johnson & Johnson via AP)ORLANDO, Fla. – Access to the COVID-19 vaccine is expanding in Central Florida and across the state. Ad[READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Florida reports 6,500 new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations drop below 4,000 statewide]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on Feb. 26. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,941 new cases on Friday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,898,223 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
All Florida Publix locations will offer COVID-19 vaccine
All Florida Publix locations will soon be offering COVID-19 vaccines to those who are eligible to get them. Vaccinations are provided by appointment only, while supplies last, through the online reservation system at publix.com/covidvaccine. Appointments cannot be made by calling Publix or the Publix Pharmacy. According to Publix officials, the reservation system typically opens every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. To view a full list of Florida pharmacies offering appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine, click or tap here.
Publix reopens appointment system after receiving more COVID-19 vaccine doses
Publix reopened its online reservation portal on Wednesday after receiving additional doses of coronavirus vaccine. All appointments were booked in less than two hours, according to Publix. The company originally held off scheduling new appointments due to a deadly winter storm that impacted most of the country, delaying planned shipments. AdThe number of appointments available at each store will vary, according to Publix. In Central Florida, vaccine appointments will be available in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter counties.
COVID-related hate crime claim against Florida doctor ‘not true,’ lawyer says
[TRENDING: HOA charges family $927 for trash on curb | Doctor faces hate crime charge in social distancing attack | Mandatory vaccines for first responders?] Wright then walked up to him in the parking lot and he asked her to back up. Officials said the attack took place the day President Joe Biden took office. The legal team for Wright, an anesthesiologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, released a statement Monday. The hospital’s statement said details of the arrest “are unacceptable and counter to the culture we foster and the mission that guides us.
Florida reports 4,000 new COVID-19 cases as delayed vaccine shipments arrive
Florida health departments are beginning to receive coronavirus vaccine doses delayed by the winter storm that swept through most of the country last week, waylaying millions of shots. Last week vaccine efforts in Florida were momentarily impacted by some of the delays. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Florida reports nearly 5,000 new COVID-19 cases as Biden pushes for more vaccines]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Overall weekly coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are done across Florida. Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on Feb. 22. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 4,113 new cases on Monday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,872,923 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1.
These companies are offering incentives for workers who get the COVID-19 vaccine
(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, FILE)ORLANDO, Fla. – As the U.S. grapples with the coronavirus, its latest obstacle is working to get doses of a coronavirus vaccine out to the public. Below are companies offering incentives to their workers who opt to get vaccinated. AldiThe discount grocery store says hourly workers will get up to four hours of pay if they choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Darden RestaurantsThe Orlando-based company is offering its workers paid time off for the coronavirus vaccine. Per the CDC’s vaccination plans, grocery store workers are recommended to be included in the next phase of vaccinations.
Publix not scheduling vaccine appointments in Florida due to weather delays
COVID-19 vaccine shipments remain on hold as winter weather grips much of the U.S. forcing Publix to suspend scheduling new appointments for first dose vaccinations. The company plans to resume scheduling appointments at publix.com/covidvaccine when it receives its allotment of vaccines. Publix was opening its online appointment portal at 7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Ron DeSantis announced Florida was still waiting to receive more than 200,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Florida Division of Emergency Management originally said those doses of Moderna vaccine were expected to arrive Thursday.
Winter storm delays vaccine shipment to Brevard but appointments remain on track
A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County said two recent shipments of the vaccine were delayed due to weather. The good news is that for people with vaccine appointments, officials with the DOH in Brevard do not believe they will need to reschedule. Other surrounding Central Florida counties have also seen their vaccine shipments delayed, including Flagler and Polk counties. Publix did not reopen its vaccine portal for Florida counties Wednesday due to supply delays. The grocery store chain said appointments that were already scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will not be impacted.
Central Florida vaccinations delayed, state reports 7,000 new COVID-19 cases
ORLANDO, Fla. – Due to the winter storms across the country, some COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Central Florida communities have been pushed back. The Florida Division of Emergency Management said 200,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine did not make it to the state on Tuesday. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 7,253 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,844,627 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1. HospitalizationsAs of Wednesday afternoon, there were currently 4,460 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health recently began releasing a daily report on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
Flagler County the latest to possibly delay vaccine appointments due to supply issues
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County are ready to potentially delay some coronavirus vaccine appointments scheduled for this week if the Moderna shipment doesn’t come through on Wednesday. Across the state, vaccine shipments have been delayed as other parts of the country deal with a severe winter storm that’s made it unsafe to travel. Ron DeSantis said the state should receive its shipment with more than 200,000 doses at some point this week. AdFlagler County health officials still plan to provide 500 first doses during an event on Wednesday but first doses scheduled for Thursday could be postponed if the Moderna shipment doesn’t arrive before then. So far, vaccine events in Orange, Osceola, Marion and Brevard counties have not been affected.
Winter storm delays Florida’s shipment of 200,000 doses of Moderna vaccine
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)ORLANDO, Fla. – As the nation endures what’s quickly becoming a historic and deadly winter storm, 200,000 doses of a coronavirus vaccine did not make it to Florida as planned on Tuesday. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management said weather conditions across the U.S. are impacting COVID-19 vaccine shipments. Florida was expecting a shipment of 200,000 Moderna vaccines Tuesday but the delivery was delayed because of weather. AdHowever, Publix announced it will not reopen its vaccine appointment portal Wednesday due to a delay in vaccine shipments. Publix offers shots of the Moderna vaccine.
Publix delays vaccine appointment portal reopening as snowstorm affects supply
ORLANDO, Fla. – Publix will not be opening its portal on Wednesday for residents to schedule a coronavirus vaccine appointment as a massive snowstorm in other parts of the country has caused a delay in shipments of the shots. The portal was supposed to open at 7 a.m. and include openings at stores across Florida. “We know how important administering this vaccine is, so we deeply regret the need to cancel Wednesday’s scheduling event. Once additional vaccine is received, we will announce the next opportunity for vaccine appointment scheduling,” Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous said in a news release. Ron DeSantis said weather conditions are impacting vaccine shipments across the state.