TAMPA, Fla. – With a biting chill headed for the Suncoast, Hillsborough County officials aren’t taking any chances. Starting Saturday night, Jan. 31, and continuing through Sunday, Feb. 1, the county will activate its emergency cold weather shelter network to protect those most vulnerable to the elements.
The decision follows a stark forecast from the National Weather Service, which predicts temperatures—including the wind chill—will plummet to 40 degrees or lower for at least two consecutive hours during the overnight window. For many residents living without reliable heat or a permanent roof over their heads, these conditions aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re dangerous.
Local organizers are already sounding the alarm about space. Because demand often outpaces available cots, officials are asking residents to treat these shelters as a last resort. If you have a friend’s couch or a family member’s spare room, now is the time to make that phone call.
For those who have nowhere else to go, several locations across Tampa, Brandon, and Plant City will open their doors from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. These sites, which include The Portico, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa Bay Mission of Hope, and Amazing Love Ministries, will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until they hit capacity.
It is important to note that these main congregate shelters are for adults only. However, families with children aren’t being left out in the cold. Metropolitan Ministries is stepping in to provide a limited number of motel vouchers.
Parents will need to act fast, though—pre-registration is mandatory, and you must call (813) 209-1176 before 5 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday to secure a spot.
Whether you’re in downtown Tampa or out in Plant City, the message from the county is clear: get inside before the sun goes down and the frost sets in.
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