JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville’s Extreme Cold Task Force has finalized its 2024 Warming Center Contingency Plan. The program will provide relief for people during extreme cold conditions.
Temperature thresholds
The City of Jacksonville (COJ) will open warming centers when temperatures are forecasted to reach 27°F or below for two hours or more, as recommended by the National Weather Service (NWS) Jacksonville. The centers will also open if the NWS issues a Hard Freeze Watch or Warning, Cold Weather Advisory, or Extreme Cold Watch or Warning.
As of December 4, 2024, no countywide Cold Weather Emergency has been declared, and the warming centers have not yet opened.
Warming center locations
If conditions are met during the daytime from Monday to Saturday, warming centers will operate at all COJ Public Libraries and Community Centers during their normal business hours. On Sundays and holidays, the Main Library and Legends Center will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For overnight needs from Monday to Sunday or on holidays, the Legends Center will be available, with hours determined by the NWS Jacksonville forecast.
MORE: Current Temperatures from The Weather Authority
Transportation and personal needs
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will offer free transportation to COJ warming centers on designated Cold Weather Emergency days. Residents using the centers should bring personal items such as air mattresses, blankets, snacks, medications, and hygiene products, as these centers are not equipped as shelters.
Shelter partners
The city is working closely with non-profit partners to provide shelter services to the homeless population. Currently, there are no unmet needs, and no one has been turned away due to cold weather. Key partners include:
- City Rescue Mission: Increased overnight capacity and extended hours until temperatures reach 40°F.
- Sulzbacher: Increased overnight capacity and extended hours for men, women, and children until temperatures reach 40°F.
- Trinity Rescue Mission: Additional bed capacity as needed.
- Mission House: Hosts a shelter at partnering churches in the beaches area if temperatures fall below 39°F.
Community outreach
The JFRD PATH team (Providing Assistance to the Homeless) is actively assessing the needs of the homeless community and providing support. The Extreme Cold Task Force will continue to monitor weather conditions and collaborate with shelter partners, community organizations, and faith-based partners to ensure those in need have access to resources.