Tampa, FL – A major cold front moving into the Tampa Bay area Monday night is prompting counties to activate emergency cold weather shelters as temperatures fall sharply and wind chills drop into the 20s and 30s.
Local officials have issued a Cold Weather Advisory covering the entire region, urging residents without reliable heat to seek shelter for safety.
In Hernando County, a warming center will open at the Brooksville Enrichment Center from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Tuesday.
County officials note that the facility provides a heated indoor space only, with no meals, cots, or pet accommodations available.
Citrus County will operate a cold-weather shelter in Homosassa on Monday and Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The shelter will offer warm sleeping areas, showers, and hot meals for those in need.
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In Pinellas County, cold shelters will open at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Mirror Lake Drive and the Salvation Army on 4th Street South.
Public transportation routes service both locations.
Families with children may be directed to designated family shelters depending on availability.
Manatee County has coordinated additional shelter space through the Salvation Army at its Bradenton location.
Capacity and operating times are expected to be confirmed by the county.
Hillsborough County will open several shelters Monday and Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. unless capacity is reached.
These shelters serve adults, while families with minors may apply for limited motel vouchers distributed on a first-come basis.
Pasco County will open its cold-weather shelter at Shady Hills Mission Chapel from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. on both nights.
County officials advise extra caution, especially for children, seniors, and pets vulnerable to cold exposure.