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The gov has announced he’s holding a press conference in Lakewood Ranch Weds morning after a program to vaccinate 3,000 people turned into a firestorm with allegations of racism and classism at county commission
Commissioners said the plan, steered through Lakewood Ranch developer Rex Jensen and commission chair Vanessa Baugh, is going to an area of the county that needs it the least
The zip codes 34202 and 34211 have had a combined 2,548 cases
The first set of zip codes are in an area that’s over 90% white with median incomes of over $100k
But zip codes 34208 and 34211 have had 8,250 cases and are at least 15% black w incomes under $60k
The first set of zip codes are in an area that’s over 90% white with median incomes of over $100k
But zip codes 34208 and 34211 have had 8,250 cases and are at least 15% black w incomes under $60k
The developer said he was called personally by the Governor to ask where vaccine was needed, and that the gov said it was a way to chip away at Manatee County’s long waitlist
But several commissioners are furious
"This is bad for all of us, regardles of what district or population we represent because it makes our system look bad." - Commissioner Reggie Bellamy
"This is bad for all of us, regardles of what district or population we represent because it makes our system look bad." - Commissioner Reggie Bellamy
"We ask why we think there is a racism problem perceived in Manatee County? This adds to that argument. You’re taking the whitest and richest demographic in manatee county and putting them ahead of everyone else.” - Commissioner Misty Servia
But chair Vanessa Baugh, whose district encompasses the area targeted by DeSantis’ special state vaccine program, said “It never occurred to me it was the wrong thing to do.”
And:
And:
"I realize ya'll don't like the way it happened. I am sorry. But it is 3-thousand people who will be taken off the list in Manatee County that get the vaccine. If there is a problem with that, I am sorry. But I jumped on it and I'd do it again."
