Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarship Announcement
The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and others in the Riverview community are making the Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarships available again this year! Dr. Lennard was a longtime educator who served as Hillsborough County’s Superintendent of Schools and as its Supervisor of Elections (and as a Sunday school teacher for RUMC’s Gleaners Class). He said that his goal as a public servant was to leave things in better shape that when he arrived. As Dr. Lennard remarked “I just hope they remember that I worked hard to make a change and make a difference.”
If you have a desire to make a change; if you know a high school senior in Riverview or have a child that is a high school senior; if you have fond memories of Dr. Lennard; or, if you have a passion for helping young people succeed:
THEN PLEASE CLICK HERE for more details on how to contribute or apply for these scholarships. Or you can contact the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce office (813)234-5944
or email Debbie at debbie@riverviewchamber.com for more information.
8002 U. S. Highway 301 South, Riverview, FL 33578 813-677-5995
Additional COVID-19 Vaccination Sites at Walmart, Publix, and Winn-Dixie
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program sites will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines starting on Friday, February 12, at 490 pharmacy locations across 52 counties. The State of Florida secured these retail partnerships and collaborated to identify strategic locations for each store to ensure maximum reach.
“Florida is proud to partner with Walmart and other retailers, including Publix, to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor DeSantis. “Through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, we look forward to reaching more Floridians and ensuring that all eligible residents who want a vaccine are able to receive one. We will continue to utilize strategic partnerships and identify innovative ways to get more shots in arms and put Florida’s Seniors First.’
For the first week of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, the state is expecting to receive 65,300 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Future allocations through this program will be announced as they become available.
In Florida, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Publix Super Markets and Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket and Fresco y Más) pharmacies were selected to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The sites were selected based on a number of factors including the number of stores and the ability to reach prioritized populations.
Select Publix locations previously receiving allocations from the state will now receive their allocations directly through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Most Publix Supermarkets in Riverview, Brandon, Temple Terrace, Valrico, and Fishhawk Ranch will soon be vaccination sites in this program. These sites will offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as frontline health care workers. These allocations are added doses to the state’s weekly allocations supplement existing COVID-19 vaccination efforts. All participating commercial pharmacies will receive their vaccine doses directly from the federal government, on a predetermined federal allocation plan.
Appointments are required at each location. Appointments can be made on the pharmacy’s website.
- For Publix pharmacies the website is found here.
- For Walmart’s and Sam’s Club the websites are found here and here.
- For Winn-Dixie, the website is found here.
Appointments Are Still Available Through Hillsborough County
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments are still available directly from Hillsborough County. You can make an appointment by calling 866-200-3896 or by visiting the website myvaccine.fl.gov. Once an individual provides their contact information and date of birth, they are placed in a queue for call backs. An individual will not directly speak with an operator until they receive a call back. Once the individual receives a call back, they will work with the operator to find an open appointment that works best with their schedule. Every eligible individual will receive a call back when appointments become available. NOTE: It may take several weeks before someone calls to schedule an appointment.
For those who have already made an appointment but need to change that appointment or have questions answered, there is a COVID-19 Help Line at 833-540-2028. The Help Line is not able to schedule appointments, or to provide medical assistance.
Individuals who are currently eligible for vaccination include: long-term care facility residents and staff; persons 65 years of age and older; and, health care professionals with direct patient contact. Those who do meet one of these eligibility requirements will not be able to pre-register at this time. Those who have an appointment must be prepared to bring proof of residency to the appointment. You must be a U.S. Citizen residing in Hillsborough County to receive a vaccine. Those Florida residents who live outside of Hillsborough County must schedule their appointments in the counties where they reside.
The Procedure for Second Doses
We are in the process of completing second doses for those who received first COVID-19 vaccine at Vance Vogel Sports Complex, Strawberry Festival Grounds, Ed Radice Sports Complex, and University Mall parking garage. The vaccine appointment team is contacting residents to confirm the second shot.
- Origination of call center numbers may not be recognized by local carriers, or flagged as spam. While awaiting an appointment callback, we encourage you to answer all calls. Be aware that you will never be asked for your social security number when scheduling a vaccination appointment.
- Residents must return to the site where they got their first dose of the vaccine to get their second shot at the time and date of their appointment.
Even if a resident does not get a call, text, or email confirming the second shot, they still should return to their vaccine site 21 days from the date of their initial shot to get their second dose. Residents should bring their COVID-19 Vaccine Record Card with them.
ECHO Asks:
“How Can We Help You?"
At their South Hillsborough County Campus, ECHO is introducing programs in free job coaching, resume review and creation, job interview skills, and job placement assistance to anyone who is looking for work or want a better job. This new program is called Back To Work, and it is available at ECHO’s Offices at 7807 Capitano Street, Riverview, FL 33578.
You can sign up for one-on-one job coaching, or you can complete your education by participating in a GED class. For more information you can call (813)-685-0385 ext. 8007, or email ECHO job counsellors at opportunity@echofl.org.
ECHO is known for its ability to provide emergency food and clothing—which they have in abundance. They are open at their South Hillsborough County Campus Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. You don’t need an appointment, either. Just bring a valid Photo ID, and an additional proof of address, like a utility bill, that shows your name and address. You must live in a South Hillsborough County ZIP Code to be eligible. You can get more information from their website www.echofl.org/riverview.
