Credit: Screen grab, Google Maps

Credit: Screen grab, Google Maps
Snowbirds may be on their way to Tampa Bay from icy climes up north, but that doesn't mean winter is through with us yet.

The noticeable chill in the air Tuesday is likely to give way to temperatures in the 30s and 40s overnight, Bay News 9 reports, compelling local authorities to open doors to cold weather shelters for the homeless — and, in some cases, their pets.

The dip in temperature may not be as bad as other cold snaps this winter — including at least one that threatened snow as far south as Central Florida — but the overnight lows are still not safe for those lacking shelter.

Most shelters in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties will open at 6 p.m., though some open their doors earlier.

Here are the names, locations and opening times for cold weather shelters in the two counties:

HILLSBOROUGH

  • Brandon Community Center, 510 E. Sadie St., Brandon. (813) 635-8179. Opens at 6 p.m. for individuals and families, and their pets.     
  • Jackson Springs Recreation Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Rd., Town 'N Country.  (813) 554-5004. Opens at 6 p.m. for individuals and families, and their pets.
  • Hands of Hope Outreach at New Hope @ the Cornerstone, 310 N. Collins St., Plant City. (813) 323-4013. Opens at 6 p.m. for individuals and families.
  • Wimauma Senior Center, 5714 North St., Wimauma.  (813) 671-7672. Opens at 6 p.m. for individuals and families.   
  • Metropolitan Ministries, 2106 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. After hours phone: (813) 209-1077. Location is where families go for motel vouchers before 5 p.m.        
  • Salvation Army, 1514 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. After hours phone: (813) 226-0055  Open now for adults.

Individuals, including pet owners, who need transportation to a cold weather shelter should call the Hillsborough County Sunshine Line at (813) 272-7272 between 5:30 and 8 p.m. to arrange a ride.

PINELLAS (Adults only, no pets.)

  • Northwest Presbyterian Church, 6330 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 544-4551.   The Turning Point, 810 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. (727) 823-7811.
  • Salvation Army, 1400 4th St. S., St. Petersburg. (727) 822-4954.
  • My Place in Recovery, 1655 16th St. S., St. Petersburg. 
  • Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast, 7790 61st St. N., Pinellas Park. (727) 547-5437.
  • First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, 501 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. (727) 937-3271.

Per the Pinellas County website, families with children in need of shelter should call 2-1-1 for assistance.

This article appears in Jan 25 – Feb 1, 2018.