Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties opened shelters this week because of freezing or near-freezing temperatures in the greater Tampa Bay region.
Shelters are available for people without housing or proper heating.
Hillsborough and Pinellas said they are admitting only adults due to limited capacity, with other arrangements available for families with children.
Hillsborough organizers said earlier this week that because of the expected high demand, residents who need a warm place to stay are encouraged to use all resources, such as family and friends, as a first option.
Pinellas shelters are provided through a partnership with the Homeless Leadership Alliance. Each location provides a blanket and mat, and many provide meals and additional supplies. Families with children should call 211 for shelter availability.
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Citrus County, in a Facebook post, emphasized that anyone in need of shelter is welcome and that organizers are in critical need of donations and volunteers.
"Our shelter is NOT just for the 800+ homeless individuals in Citrus County, we welcome ANYONE who needs heat to be warm, from those living in cars to homes that don't have proper heating devices, we want EVERYONE safe, warm, and cared for," the post said.
As predicted, thermometers plunged quickly on Tuesday, with the frigid weather expected to last through Thursday (New Year's Day).
According to the National Weather Service, there's a freeze warning Thursday from 1 a.m. through 8 a.m. for Levy, inland Citrus, inland Hernando and Sumter counties.
For that same time frame, there's a frost advisory for Polk, Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, coastal Citrus, coastal Hernando, Pasco, inland Hillsborough, inland Manatee, inland Sarasota, inland Charlotte and inland Lee counties. Temperatures are anticipated to drop down into the low to mid 30s across most of the region.
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Residents have been advised to stay indoors and bring pets inside. Also, cold-sensitive plants should be covered or brought indoors.
For areas forecast to experience freezing temperatures, homeowners should consider running pool pumps overnight to prevent equipment damage, according to a Hernando County press release.
Here's what else to know.
Greater Tampa Bay Shelters
Hillsborough County
Open: Shelters will take in guests from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday unless capacity is reached.
- Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt St., Tampa
- Tampa Bay Mission of Hope, 110 S. Parsons Blvd., Brandon
- The Portico, 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
- Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park, 107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa
- Amazing Love Ministries, 3304 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa
- Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries, 2104 Mud Lake Road, Plant City
Pinellas County
Families with children: Call First Contact (211) for referrals, based on availability
Open: Tuesday at 6 p.m. to Wednesday at 6 a.m.
PSTA: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority offers free transportation to shelters from Tuesday at 5 p.m. to Wednesday at 7 a.m. using the routes indicated.
- Unitarian Universalist Church, 100 Mirror Lake Drive, St. Petersburg; requires use of stairs (PSTA Routes 9, 20,24; SunRunner)
- Salvation Army, 1400 Fourth St. S., St. Petersburg (PSTA Route 4A /B)
- Boys and Girls Club of Pinellas Park, 7790 61st St N. (PSTA Route 74)
- Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs, 111 W. Lime St., (PSTA Route 19)
- First United Methodist Church of Clearwater, 411 Turner St. (PSTA Route 52A)
More info: Homeless Leadership Alliance website
Pasco County
Open: Wednesday, December 31, 6 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 1 at 10 a.m.
- Shady Hills Mission Chapel, 15925 Greenlen Lane, Spring Hill; (727) 856-2948
- First Nazarene Church of Zephyrhills, 6151 12th St., Zephyrhills; (615) 483-4356
Citrus County
- Where: Nature Coast Church, 5113 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa
- Open: Monday through Friday
- Offers: Hot meals, sleep area, warm clothing, showers
- More info: (352) 234-3099
Hernando County
- Where: Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville
- Open: Tuesday at 8 p.m. through Wednesday at 8 a.m.
- Note: No meals, cots or pets
- More info: Hernando County Facebook page
