JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 If you thought Florida was getting a free pass on winter this year, think again.<\/p>\n
There has been a lot of talk on social media about how Florida decided to skip winter. But this week, we found out we weren\u2019t denied, just delayed.<\/p>\n
Of course, when temperatures drop, you want to make sure you are taking care of your home, yourself and your loved ones.<\/p>\n
RELATED | Jacksonville cold snap brings hypothermia dangers; health officials advise precautions<\/a><\/p>\n JEA\u2019s spokesperson said the two main priorities are protecting your home and managing your energy.<\/p>\n JEA suggested managing heat wisely\u2014keep the thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, adjust it gradually, and use space heaters safely in rooms that are actually being used to avoid higher energy bills.<\/p>\n Lows in the 20s and 30s are expected all the way through the weekend. <\/p>\n To protect Northeast Florida citizens from the frigid temperatures, several areas are opening warming centers or cold weather shelters for anyone in need.<\/p>\n Warming centers<\/p>\n Duval County<\/p>\n The City of Jacksonville has activated its Warming Center Contingency Plan.<\/p>\n When temperatures reach 27 degrees or lower, the city will open an overnight warming center from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. nightly:<\/p>\n When: 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, through Friday, Jan. 30, 2026<\/p>\n Where: The Legends Center, 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208<\/p>\n JTA buses will transport vulnerable residents free of charge to and from the Legends Center from stops throughout Duval County. The warming center will be staffed and water will be available on site.<\/p>\n Residents using the warming center are asked to bring bedding such as air mattresses, blankets and pillows; snacks and medication; games, toys and books; and hygiene and comfort items. Only service animals are permitted.<\/p>\n During normal business hours, city libraries and community centers across Duval County will serve as warming centers. For more information, visit jaxready.com\/StayWarmJax<\/a> or call 904\u2011630\u2011CITY.<\/p>\n Nonprofit shelters also are providing cold\u2011weather services to people experiencing homelessness. Facilities include:<\/p>\n City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State Street<\/p>\n Sulzbacher Center, 611 E. Adams St. (men) and 5455 Springfield Blvd. (women and children)<\/p>\n Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union St.<\/p>\n St. Johns County<\/p>\n St. Johns County is urging residents to take precautions and look out for vulnerable individuals as a Freeze Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service<\/a> for Northeast Florida beginning at 1 a.m. Jan. 27. <\/p>\n In response to the freezing weather, a cold weather shelter \u2014 the First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine, located at 118 King St. in downtown St. Augustine \u2014 will open at 8:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, to provide a safe, warm place for those in need, through the services of the St. Johns County Continuum of Care. <\/p>\n Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to arrive early, and the public is asked to share this information throughout the community.<\/p>\n St. Johns County reminds residents to take additional cold-weather safety measures, including checking on elderly neighbors, bringing pets indoors, and using space heaters safely.<\/p>\n Overnight temperatures are expected to remain in the 30s throughout the coming week.<\/p>\n