People drive across state to get vaccinated in DeSoto County

Reporter: Breana Ross Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News.

Tuesday, DeSoto County deputies would not let anyone near Turner Agri-Civic Center where vaccines will start to be administered just outside Arcadia in DeSoto County Wednesday.

Law enforcement wanted to make sure no one was waiting at the site overnight to get the vaccine, even though they are first come, first serve.

There are signs up at Turner Agri-Civic Center telling people gates open at 9 a.m., and there were barricades to keep people from parking on the grass.

We spoke to people who drove from Port Charlotte, Naples and one man who drove from Tampa to wait overnight to get the vaccine.

People told us they will stay at nearby hotels to make sure they are at the vaccine site bright and early to get their shot after failing to secure appointments in their own counties.

“I logged in over 1,000 calls,” said Eric Jackson from Tampa. “Then, I just said, ‘To heck with it. I think I’ll drive down to here.’”

“They didn’t require appointments or anything like that, so we decided to come out here and try,” said Sheryl Staples from Port Charlotte.

The vaccines are for people 65 and older.

The Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County said it will give out the vaccines as long as supplies last. We don’t know exactly how many vaccines will be administered.

You need to bring a valid ID and your completed vaccine screening and consent form.


RESOURCE: WINK News is working by the minute on a daily basis to bring our coverage areas in Southwest Florida the latest COVID-19 vaccine information from the counties you live in.

Visit our COVID-19 vaccine schedules and information for SWFL story for rolling vaccine updates.

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