Florida revokes Orange County access to COVID-19 database after publishing vaccine information

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

The move to revoke Orange County’s access to the Florida Department of Health 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 reveal any personal or exempt information. WFTV was the first to report on the status it gained access to the database.

News 6 has been requesting similar public records from the Florida Department of Health since January. However, no state registration has been provided. DOH officials have also ignored requests for News 6 status updates when reporters can wait for records.

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

News 6 reached out to state and county health officials to find out what information could be considered exempt on the heat maps that were provided, but have not received a response.

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“The county is not pursuing any legal action,” said Kelly Finkelstein, head of public information for Orange County, when asked if officials were considering withdrawing revoked access to the database.

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

News 6 reached out to Mayor Jerry Demings to comment on the discrepancies in vaccine distribution.

Commissioner Mayra Uribe, of Orange County’s District Three, said Wednesday’s data download was the first time she had seen state zip code data.

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

Uribe said it’s important to know which zip codes have low vaccination rates, as these areas are likely to need better vaccine messaging because of the hesitation.

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“It simply came to our notice then. We have gone through this passing wave. Now we have to overcome the weeds to reach people and make sure they have that opportunity, ”Uribe said.

This is a story in development and will be updated throughout the day as we learn more. Follow News 6 Merris Badcock on Twitter for up-to-date information.