DeSantis Opens Regeneron Treatment Plant in Immokalee, a Disadvantaged, Minority Community

August 26, 2021 Updated 4:01 P.M. ET

FORT MYERS, FL – Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County announced the opening of a new Regeneron Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Site in Immokalee. 

Immokalee is a disadvantaged community with a low median income. It is home to a massive Hispanic and black population. Being a majority-minority and poorer community, its inhabitants are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection and death.

Regeneron COVID-19 treatment has seen major success in scientific literature and in Florida since DeSantis began opening treatment plants.

Brendon Leslie, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Florida’s Conservative Voice, explained that the treatment sites are “much needed in this area.”

DeSantis’ commitment to all levels of communities in Florida runs contrary to false narratives pushed by Democrats and left-wing media outlets, like the one from 60 Minutes who falsely claimed that DeSantis prioritized Publix for vaccine distribution rollout in a “pay-for-play” scheme. 

Many on the Left claimed that by giving Publix vaccine rollout deals earlier on, he was neglecting poor and minority communities who might be less likely to host Publix stores.

Publix is the largest grocery store in Florida and hosts a pharmacy in its stores. No evidence was produced that a pay-for-play scheme occurred.