JTA will provide free rides to all of the city’s libraries, community centers, pools and splash pads Wednesday to help people stay cool.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County will be under an Extreme Heat Watch Wednesday, triggering the City of Jacksonville’s Cooling Center Contingency Plan for the day.
The National Weather Service issued the watch to last from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 29, as the maximum heat index is expected to reach 113 degrees or higher.
Under the plan, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) provides free transportation to all 21 of the city’s public libraries, all 20 community centers, and all of the city’s pools and splash pads, which will also serve as cooling centers during their normal operating hours.
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To avoid paying the fare, riders must tell bus drivers that they are traveling to one of the designated cooling centers.
You can find a map of all available cooling centers on the JaxReady website.
When does the Cooling Center Contingency Plan activate?
There are two ways for the Cooling Center Contingency Plan to be activated:
The Nationals Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory for Duval County, meaning the maximum heat index is expected to be between 108 degrees and 112 degrees, for three or more consecutive days.The National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Watch or an Extreme Heat Warning
Stay informed
For the latest forecast, visit our First Coast News weather page or download the FCN app.
The city also sends alerts for potentially dangerous weather events and emergencies through ALERTJAX.