In response to a significant drop in temperatures, local officials in the Tampa Bay area have announced the opening of emergency cold weather shelters. With overnight lows expected to plunge into the 30s, these shelters aim to provide safety and warmth to those experiencing homelessness or lacking sufficient heating. Activations are occurring across multiple counties, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus.
Tampa Bay Cold Weather Shelters Overview
Officials from Hillsborough County stated the shelters will accept guests from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, with earlier closure anticipated if capacity is reached. Limited motel vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for families with minor children. For registration, individuals can call (813) 209-1176.
Shelters by County
- Hillsborough County:
- 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 Dr., Tampa
- Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries — 2104 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City
- Hyde Park United Methodist Church — 500 W. Platt St., Tampa
- Citrus County:
- Nature Coast Church — 5113 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa (hot meals, showers, warm sleeping area)
- Hernando County:
- Enrichment Center — 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville (opens 8 p.m. Tuesday through 8 a.m. Wednesday; no meals/cots/pets)
- Pasco County:
- West: Shady Hills Mission Chapel — 15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill (6 p.m. – 10 a.m.)
- East: First Nazarene Church of Zephyrhills — 6151 12th St., Zephyrhills (6 p.m. – 10 a.m.)
- Pinellas County:
- Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs — 111 W Lime St., Tarpon Springs (Adults only)
- First United Methodist Church of Clearwater — 411 Turner St., Clearwater (Adults only)
- Boys and Girls Club of Pinellas Park — 7790 61st St. N, Pinellas Park (Adults only)
- Unitarians Universalist Church — 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N, St. Petersburg (Adults only)
- Salvation Army — 1400 4th St. South, St. Petersburg (Adults only)
- Sarasota County:
- Salvation Army – Center of Hope — 1400 10th St., Sarasota (Dinner served from 5 p.m.)
- 100 Church — 14525 Tamiami Trail, North Port
Additional Safety and Assistance Information
All congregate shelters primarily serve adults. Families wishing to obtain motel vouchers must pre-register by phone. In Pinellas County, authorities are providing free public transportation to cold weather shelters, ensuring ease of access for those in need.
Residents are encouraged to consider alternative arrangements, such as staying with friends or family, before seeking shelter. This proactive approach can help mitigate overcrowding at available facilities.
