Tampa and Sarasota Prepare for Cold Weather Shelters
TAMPA, Fla. — As temperatures forecasted to drop into the 40s this Saturday night, officials in both Hillsborough and Sarasota counties are mobilizing to provide warm accommodation for those in need. The initiative comes in response to warnings from the National Weather Service, predicting local temperatures to dip to or below 40 degrees with additional wind chill affecting anyone exposed.
Cold Weather Shelters Activate in Hillsborough County
In Hillsborough County, the cold weather shelters program will be activated on Saturday, December 21, specifically targeting the homeless and individuals living in homes lacking adequate heat. Residents are urged to explore all available resources, including asking friends or family for assistance, as shelter capacity is limited.
Those seeking shelter can check in between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, although they should arrive early as shelters may reach full capacity before the scheduled time. The designated shelters include:
- Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park, located at 107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa, FL 33606
- Hyde Park United Methodist Church at The Portico, at 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
- Tampa Bay Mission of Hope, at 212 S. St. Cloud Ave. Building A, Valrico, FL 33594
- Amazing Love Ministries, situated at 3304 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33605
It is important to note that all congregate shelters cater to adults only. Organizations that wish to partner as cold weather shelters this season can reach out to Israel Segarra from the Procurement Services Department for further information.
Sarasota County Prepares for Cold Weather Needs
Meanwhile, Sarasota County is also stepping up to provide shelter for its vulnerable residents. Emergency Management officials have coordinated with local municipal and community organizations to open a cold weather shelter at The 100 Church, located at 14525 Tamiami Trail, North Port, starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Individuals attending the Sarasota shelter are advised to bring their own sleeping materials to ensure comfort during their stay. Public transportation options, such as the Breeze Route 9, are running on a normal schedule and serve stops on Tamiami Trail, within walking distance to the church.
Those in the North Port service area can take advantage of the Breeze OnDemand services, providing accessible transportation to the shelter. Information on bus services can be found online.
Safety Precautions for Residents
As temperatures drop, officials are reminding residents to take precautions for both themselves and their pets. The Sarasota County Emergency Management team urges pet owners not to leave animals outside during the cold weather. For those who find themselves outdoors during the overnight or early morning hours, wearing several layers of warm clothing is highly advised.
Moreover, residents should exercise caution when using heating devices inside their homes, as the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increases during cold weather due to improper usage.
Foster Children and the Holiday Season
As local communities gear up to help those in need, it is important to recognize that while many children may have gifts under the Christmas tree, this is not the case for all, particularly for foster children. An upcoming report highlights the struggles a teenager has faced while navigating life in the foster care system, particularly during the Christmas season.
Residents are encouraged to look out for their neighbors during this cold snap and consider any assistance they can offer to those who may be struggling. In challenging times, community support can be a lifeline.
