CLEARWATER, Fla. – With a biting chill and dangerous wind chills headed for the coast this weekend, Clearwater city officials aren’t taking any chances.
Emergency management teams are sounding the alarm, encouraging anyone stuck in the cold to head for the warmth of local libraries and recreation centers. It’s shaping up to be a rough couple of days, with the combination of low temperatures and gusty winds expected to make being outdoors pretty risky on Saturday and Sunday.
While these facilities aren’t changing their usual weekend schedules, they are stepping up as vital “warming stations” for the community. If you’re looking for a bit more than just a roof over your head, the North Greenwood Library and the Ross Norton Recreation Center are the places to be.
Thanks to a partnership with Pinellas County, these two spots will have a limited supply of self-heating meals and boxed water available for the first people through the doors.
READ: Tampa Bay Area Faces Sub-Freezing Wind Chills As Arctic Air Moves South
The support doesn’t stop at a warm meal, either. Pinellas County is also handing out resource guides that detail free PSTA bus rides and the locations of overnight shelters for those who need a place to stay after the sun goes down. The Red Cross will also be on-site at these specific locations to lend a hand.
If you’re planning to head out, keep an eye on the clock. On Saturday, the North Greenwood and Countryside libraries are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Countryside Recreation Center and the Long Center start earlier at 8 a.m.
On Sunday, options are a bit more limited: Ross Norton stays open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Morningside opens its doors from 1 to 5 p.m., and the Long Center is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s a good idea to get where you’re going early before the worst of the wind kicks in.
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