Speed zone cameras to be installed near Cape Coral schoolsHot Tuesday ahead as temperatures soar into the upper 80s
Everyone in Florida age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday, March 29, according to an announcement by Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all individuals age 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Jada Henry already has her two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. “I’ll be honest with you; I was scared to death,” Henry said. What scares her now is the fact so many people don’t have their vaccinations at all. “If you don’t want to continue to look like this (pointing to her mask) then, get the vaccine. It is not scary,” Henry said. “Yes, certain people may have a reaction, but that’s not everybody, and that’s what people need to understand.” The governor’s decision to lower the age of vaccine eligibility for Floridians to 40 starting Monday and then to 18 on April 5 is a sign of hope to Henry. “Get the vaccine, I’m tired of wearing this,” said Henry referring to her mask. She’s not alone. We sampled people’s thoughts about more people joining the vaccine pool in downtown Fort Myers. “I think the quicker we can get it the better, and I’m one that’s going to get it as soon as I can get it,” said Gerard Gallant, who was visiting from Canada. “I think that’s pretty cool,” Betty Johnson said. “I think everybody should have access to it.” “That’s great for people my age,” Paul Anderson said. “I mean, obviously, I want to make sure everyone else gets it who needs it.” But Kevin Fortuna said he already beat the virus. He told us he’s not interested in getting a shot or two. “I’m in my fifties. I was homeless at 13, ate out of garbage cans,” Fortuna explained. “I survived all that. If it’s my time I’ll go.” Florida residents are encouraged to pre-register at myvaccine.fl.gov. Once pre-registered, you’ll be contacted when the vaccine is available in your area, according to DeSantis. Floridians can also call the vaccine preregistration phone number for their county, listed here. Vaccines are also available at 150 CVS locations, 125 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations, more than 70 Winn-Dixie locations, soon-to-be over 600 Walgreens pharmacies, and every single one of the 730 Publix pharmacies across the state. Vaccine Information and Resources for Southwest Florida Florida Preregistration System Toll-Free Numbers in Southwest Florida: Charlotte: 866-200-9160 or (TTY) 833-990-3549 Collier: 866-201-4885 or (TTY) 833-990-3490 DeSoto: 866-201-7013 or (TTY) 833-476-1026 Glades: 866-201-6695 or (TTY) 833-476-1524 Hendry: 866-201-6745 or (TTY) 833-990-3548 Lee: 866-200-3468 or (TTY) 855-665-6608 More: For all other counties, click here Watch the Governor’s announcement by clicking HERE.