NORTHEAST FLORIDA – A Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory are in effect tonight across Northeast Florida, prompting several cold weather shelters to open for anyone in need of a warm place to stay.
Temperatures are expected to drop down to the 20s, and winds could reach 15 mph.
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Meanwhile, the community has mixed reactions about the cold weather.
“I love it. The only thing I love most about this is that it’s not snowing like the rest of the country,” a Northeast Florida resident said.
But not everybody loves the frigid temperatures.
“I’m waiting on the springtime. I’m waiting on the cold weather to dissipate. Springtime to come on in,” another resident said.
Several cold weather shelters will be open tonight in Duval County, Flagler County and Gainesville.
Here’s a list of the cold weather shelters that will open:
Duval County details:
The City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open to residents who do not have access to adequate heat.
When: Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20
Where: The Legends Center at 5130 Soutel Drive
Time: 7 p.m. to 11 a.m.
JTA buses will transport vulnerable individuals to the Legends Center, which will be staffed and have water available onsite. 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
In addition, all libraries are open and will serve as warming centers across Duval County. More information can be found at jaxready.com/winterweather.
The following nonprofits are also providing weather shelter services to the homeless population:
- City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State Street, 32202
- Mission House, 465 11th Ave. N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250, overnight operations at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal – Parish Hall, 1150 5th Street N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250
- Sulzbacher Center: at 611 East Adams St., for men, and at 5455 Springfield Blvd. for women and children
- Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union Street, 32202
Putnam County details:
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Palatka at Westminster Hall, 126 South 2nd St in Palatka. Another shelter will open just for families at Life Church at 2701 Reid Street in Palatka.
When: Jan. 20
Time: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Flagler County details:
The Flagler County Family Assistance Center, also known as The Sheltering Tree, will reopen its shelter on Friday and Saturday nights at the Rock Transformation Center.
What: Shelter that includes cots and meals for anyone in need
Where: Rock Transformation Center at 2200 N. State Street.
When: Friday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20
Time: From 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The county will also 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)
Subscribe to Alert Flagler FlaglerCounty.gov/AlertFlagler to get updates from the county.
Gainesville details:
The city of Gainesville will be opening two separate shelters for people in need.
Where: St. Francis House at 413 S Main St, and GRACE Marketplace at the Empowerment Center at 3055 NE 28th Dr.
When: From Friday, Jan. 19 until Sunday, Jan. 21
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.