Although Tampa Bay will not see snow, temperatures are forecast to drop to the low-40s Tuesday as a cold front arrives in North Florida and neighboring states.
According to WFTS, low temperatures will stay in the 40s and 30s until Sunday when the forecast low temperature is 54-degrees.
To help residents without a roof over their head or adequate heat in their homes, shelters around the Tampa Bay area will remain open throughout the week, and you can stay updated through your county’s social media or websites.
Here’s what we know about cold weather shelters in Tampa Bay so far.
Hillsborough County
Shelters in Hillsborough county are open tonight, Jan. 21, and check-in is from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. People will be accommodated until capacity is reached, reserved for adults only. Motel vouchers are also available for families with children who need shelter. Metropolitan Ministries will have a limited amount on hand for families, who can call the organization at (813) 209-1176.
Here is a list of cold weather shelters in Hillsborough County:
- Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park 107 S Oregon Ave., Tampa.
- Hyde Park United Methodist Church 500 W Platt St., Tampa
- Amazing Love Ministries 3304 E Columbus Dr., Tampa.
- Tampa Bay Mission of Hope 212 S St. Cloud Ave., Building A, Valrico
Guests are to expect most shelters to have high demand, and should prepare early.
Pinellas County:
Pinellas County transit authorities are offering free bus rides to and from cold weather shelters, starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21. Here is a list of cold weather shelters in Pinellas County:
- Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast in Pinellas Park 7790 61st St. N, Pinellas Park. Take route No. 74
- First United Methodist Church 9025 49th St. N, Pinellas Park. Take route No. 52
- Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs 111 W Lime St., Tarpon Springs. Take route No. 19.
- First United Methodist Church of Clearwater 411 Turner St., Clearwater. Take route #52.
- WestCare Turning Point 1801 5th Ave. N, St Petersburg. Take route No. 9.
- Unitarian Universalist Church 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg. Take routes No. 8, No. 23 or No.100X.
- Salvation Army 1400 4 St. S, St. Petersburg. Take route No. 4.
Shelters listed above are for adults only, if you have children with you, the county says it will place you in a family shelter. For more information on children accepting shelters, call First Contact at 211.
Hernando County
One warming shelter will be open Tuesday in Hernando County. The Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, opens from 8 p.m.- 8 a.m..
For those who will stay home, authorities recommend staying indoors, checking pool pumps and, please, do not forget your pets outside.
In the meantime, check in on emergency kits and grab a warm blanket.
If you have extra warm clothing, bedding and essential toiletries, consider donating to shelters this week.
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This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2025.
