Cold weather shelters are opening across the Tampa Bay region.
The National Weather Service said the Tampa Bay region will experience some of the coldest air this season with the passing of a cold front. Wind chill values are expected to drop to or below 40 degrees.
A wind chill advisory is in effect for Pinellas, Polk, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Hillsborough counties on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. A freeze warning is in effect for Citrus County on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Citrus County
The Citrus County Cold Weather Shelter will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. The shelter will offer hot meals, a warm sleeping area, showers, snacks and more, according to a Facebook post.
Citrus County Transit will provide free transportation to the shelter. It is advised to arrive at the designated pickup location 10 minutes early, according to the shelter. You can contact county transit at (352) 527-7630 or check their schedule here.
For more information, call (352) 234-3099.
- Nature Coast Community Church
5113 Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, FL 34446
The shelter also said the Connections Outreach Center, ran by the Citrus County Family Resource Center in Hernando, opens early the following mornings to act as a warming shelter. Guests can travel there using a personal vehicle or for free on Citrus County Transit. Guests can return to the cold weather shelter in the evening using free transit as well.
For more information on the Connections Outreach Center, click here.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County is opening its cold weather shelters on Tuesday night.
The shelters are available for adults who are unhoused or live in houses without adequate heat and can’t find other accommodations, according to a news release. Organizers said they expect high demand and limited capacity, so they encourage people who need shelter to use all resources — like friends and family — as a first option.
Shelters will take in guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., unless they reach capacity before then.
All shelters are for adults only. Families with minor children should call (813) 209-1176.
- Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park
107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa, FL 33606 - Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries (Prayer Retreat Center)
2104 Mud Lake Road, Plant City, FL 33566 - Hyde Park United Methodist Church
500 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606 - Legacy Church
3416 N. 15th St., Tampa, FL 33605 - New Life Church (hosted by Unbroken Dreams, Inc., -- Pet Friendly)
8216 N. 13th St., Tampa, FL 33604 - Tampa Bay Mission of Hope
212 S. St. Cloud Ave. Building A, Valrico, FL 33594
The nonprofit Metropolitan Ministries is offering limited single-night motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis for families with minor children, according to the release. Pre-registration is required by calling (813) 209-1176 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
