As a blast of cold air sweeps through Central Florida, local organizations and community partners are stepping up to ensure the safety of residents facing the chilly conditions. With temperatures dropping and strong winds forecasted, cold weather shelters are opening their doors across the region to provide warmth and protection.
Cold Weather Conditions Expected
Temperatures are expected to dip, with highs on Tuesday reaching only the mid-to-upper 50s in northern areas like Osceola and slightly warmer temperatures in the upper 60s along the southern coast. The winds will be brisk, with inland regions experiencing gusts between 15 and 25 mph and coastal areas facing gusts of 40 to 45 mph, especially in Volusia and Brevard counties. Consequently, a Wind Advisory and High Surf Advisory have been issued for coastal communities.
Cold Weather Shelter Details by County
Brevard County
In Brevard County, shelters are opening tonight, January 21, in partnership with local organizations:
- LifePointe Ministries, Inc. Titusville
Location: 4220 South Hopkins Ave., Titusville
Hours: Opens at 5 p.m., serving dinner and breakfast. - Matthew’s Hope, Cocoa
Location: 825 Forrest Ave., Cocoa
Services: Shelter open with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
Flagler County
Flagler County is extending shelter operations due to forecasted overnight lows in the mid-30s, particularly on Thursday and Friday (January 23-24).
- The Sheltering Tree
Location: Rock Transformation Center, 2200 N. State St., Bunnell
Services: Open to anyone without heat or housing.
Transportation is available along the following routes:
- East Side of the County:
- Dollar General at Publix Town Center, 3:30 p.m.
- McDonald’s at Old Kings Road South and State Road 100, 4 p.m.
- Dollar Tree behind Carrabba’s, 4:30 p.m.
- Palm Coast Main Branch Library, 4:45 p.m.
- West Side of the County:
- Dollar General at County Road 305 and Canal Avenue, 4 p.m.
- Bunnell Free Clinic, 4:30 p.m.
- Bridges United Methodist Church in Bunnell, 4:30 p.m.
Lake County
Lake County has also announced the opening of a cold-weather shelter:
- LifePointe Church
Location: 2551 East Orange Avenue, Eustis
Hours: Open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Residents can text COLD to 888-777 for updates on shelter availability and cold-weather alerts.
Volusia County
In Volusia County, community organizations are collaborating to assist those in need:
- The Bridge
Location: 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand
Hours: Opens at 6:30 p.m.; guests may stay until 8 a.m.
Services: Breakfast provided. For more details, contact 386-734-8120, ext. 601. - Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM)
HUM partners with churches to provide shelter services. Individuals needing assistance or transportation to shelters are encouraged to contact HUM at 386-317-5886.
Staying Safe During the Cold Snap
Residents are advised to take precautions during this cold snap, including dressing in layers, limiting time outdoors, and ensuring pets have adequate shelter. Community members are encouraged to inform those who may need them about available resources.
Stay connected with local organizations and weather services for more updates.
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