Florida revokes Orange County access to the COVID-19 database after publication of vaccine information

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County health officials no longer have access to a critical statewide database that provides information to local decision makers, including on COVID-19 vaccine distribution rates.

The move to revoke Orange County’s access to the Florida Department of Health’s database came after the county submitted three heat maps as part of a public records application.

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The maps show vaccine distribution rates by zip code and do not disclose any exempt or personal information. WFTV was the first to report that the state is gaining access to the database.

News 6 requested similar public records from the Florida Department of Health in January. However, no state records were provided. DOH officials also ignored News 6’s requests for a status update on when reporters can expect recordings.

Under the Florida Sunshine Act, officials are expected to provide public records within a reasonable time. Records may be kept from the public if the information is considered exempt under state law.

News 6 contacted state and county health officials to find out what information could be considered exempt from the heat maps provided, but received no response.

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“The county is not pursuing any legal action,” said Kelly Finkelstein, Orange County’s public information officer, when asked if officials were considering denying revoked access to the database.

The maps are several weeks old and show lower-income neighborhoods, including Pine Hills (32808 and 32804) had fewer vaccines distributed than historically higher-income communities, such as Winter Park (32789 and 32792). .

News 6 contacted Mayor Jerry Demings for comment on discrepancies in vaccine distribution.

Orange County Third District Commissioner Mayra Uribe said Wednesday’s data drop was the first time she saw state postal code data.

“I want to know which communities have not been vaccinated,” Uribe said. “If the state knows who they vaccinated, they should share this with us so that we can focus on the areas we are missing, where we are low.”

Uribe said it’s important to know which zip codes have low vaccination rates, as these areas probably need better vaccination messages because of hesitation.

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“It simply came to our notice then. I went through that growth that is coming. Now we have to go through the weeds to reach individuals and make sure they have this opportunity, “said Uribe.

This is an evolving story and will be updated throughout the day as we learn more. Watch the News 6 Merris Badcock on Twitter for up-to-date information.