Florida revokes Orange County’s access to the COVID-19 database after releasing vaccine information

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County health officials no longer have access to a critical, nationwide database that provides information to local decision-makers, including on the spread rates of COVID-19 vaccines.

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

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

News 6 has been requesting similar public records from the Florida Department of Health since January. However, no data has been provided by the state. DOH officials have also ignored News 6’s requests for a status update about when reporters can expect the records.

Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, officials are expected to provide public records within a reasonable timeframe. Records can 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 in the heat maps that were provided, but no response was received.

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“The County is not taking legal action,” said Kelly Finkelstein, Orange County Public Information Officer, when asked if officials were considering reducing their revoked access to the database.

The maps are several weeks old and show lower-income neighborhoods including Pine Hills (32808 and 32804) where fewer vaccines have been 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 differences in vaccine distribution.

Mayra Uribe, commissioner of the Orange County District, said Wednesday’s data drop marked the first time she has seen the state’s zip code data.

“I want to know which communities have not been vaccinated,” said Uribe. “If the state knows who vaccinated them, they should share that 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 coverage, as those areas are likely to need better vaccine messages due to hesitation.

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‘I think it’s time. We are past that wave coming through. Now we have to get through the weeds to get to individuals and make sure they have this opportunity, ”said Uribe.

This is a story in development and will be updated throughout the day as we learn more. Follow News 6′s Merris Badcock on Twitter for current information.