Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties are opening shelters in anticipation of a cold front expected to bring freezing temperatures to the greater Tampa Bay region.
Anyone without housing or proper heating devices can seek shelter.
Hillsborough said its partner-provided shelters are for adults only. However, Metropolitan Ministries is supplying a limited number of motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis for families with children. Registration is required for vouchers by calling (813) 209-1176; phone lines will be open Tuesday until 5 p.m. or no vouchers remain.
Hillsborough organizers said they are expecting high demand with limited capacity, so residents who need a warm place to stay are encouraged to use all resources, such as family and friends, as a first option.
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Citrus County, in a Facebook post, emphasized that anyone in need of shelter is welcome. Also, 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.
The Florida Public Radio Emergency Network predict thermometers will plunge quickly starting Tuesday with the frigid weather lasting through Thursday (New Year's Day).
Some areas will experience temperatures dipping into the 30s, with the wind chill making it feel like the 20s, forecasters say. Tuesday night is expected to be the coldest of the week.
Locales closer to the Gulf are not expected to be as chilly.
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According to a press release, Hillsborough activates shelters when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures 40 degrees or lower with wind chill for two consecutive hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., which is expected Tuesday night.
Residents are 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.
Available shelters
Hillsborough County
Note: Shelters will take in guests from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday 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
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
West Pasco County
- Where: Shady Hills Mission Chapel,15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill
- Open: Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- More info: (727) 856-2948
East Pasco County
- Where: First Nazarene Church of Zephyrhills, 6151 12th St., Zephyrhills
- Open: Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- More info: (615) 483-4356
