As parts of Northeast Florida are under a Freeze Watch and temperatures begin to drop, some local counties will be opening cold night shelters starting Tuesday night.
So far, the city of Jacksonville and Gainesville announced they will open cold night shelters. Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties will also open shelters for those in need.
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Jacksonville details:
When: Tuesday, Jan. 16
Where: The Legends Center at 5130 Soutel Drive
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.
The city said JTA buses will transport vulnerable people to the Legends Center. There will be water available.
Residents utilizing the warming center should bring the following items:
- Air mattress, blankets, pillows, or other bedding
- Snacks and medication
- Games, toys, and books
- Hygiene, and comfort items
During normal business hours, all libraries are open and will serve as warming centers across Duval County. Visit jaxready.com/winterweather for more information.
Flagler County details:
According to the county, the criteria for opening the cold-weather shelter is based on overnight temperatures that drop below 40 degrees.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Wednesday, Jan. 17
Where: Rock Transformation Center (formerly Church on the Rock) at 2200 N. State Street in Bunnell
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
“We urge those who lack adequate housing or adequate heat for their residences to come to the cold-weather shelter,” said Health and Human Services Director Joseph Hegedus. “The Sheltering Tree and the Rock Transformation Center will provide cots and meals. We – Flagler County – will be providing transportation to the shelter for those who need it.”
The county will provide bus transportation along two routes:
Eastside
- Dollar General at Publix Town Center on Market Avenue (leads to Dollar General), 3:30 p.m.
- McDonald’s at Old Kings Road South and State Road 100 at the dirt road on the east side, 4 p.m.
- Dollar Tree behind Carrabba’s in the Dollar Tree Parking lot, 4:30 p.m.
- Palm Coast Main Branch Library, northwest corner of Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway, 4:45 p.m.
Westside
- Dollar General at County Road 305 and Canal Avenue in Daytona North, 4 p.m.
- Bunnell Free Clinic, 703 Moody Boulevard, 4:30 p.m.
- First United Methodist Church in Bunnell, 205 N. Pine Street, 4:30 p.m. (listed as the same pick-up time because of the close proximity)
St. Johns County details:
When: Tuesday, Jan. 16
Where: First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine, located at 118 King St. in St. Augustine.
Time: 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The shelter information is also available as a recording on the St. Johns County cold night shelter hotline by calling 904-819-4344.
Gainesville details:
The city of Gainesville will be opening two separate shelters for people in need.
When: Starting Tuesday, Jan. 16, and will remain in effect until overnight low temperatures rise above 45 degrees.
Where: St. Francis House at 413 S Main St, and GRACE Marketplace at the Empowerment Center at 3055 NE 28th Dr.
According to the city, St. Francis House provides temporary shelter that is appropriate for families, women and children. While GRACE Marketplace primarily serves individual adults.
For more information, visit their website.
Putnam County details:
When: Tuesday, Jan. 16
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Palatka, Westminster Hall at 126 South 2nd St in Palatka, and Life Church at 2701 Reid St. in Palatka
Time: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Please note only families will be admitted to the shelter at Life Church.