POLK COUNTY, Fla. – As temperatures take a dive this weekend, local authorities and community leaders are making sure nobody in the area has to freeze on the streets. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has officially opened a cold-weather shelter in Bartow to provide a warm place to sleep and hot meals for those who have nowhere else to go.
Deputies have already spent the last few weeks visiting local camps to hand out coats, quilts, and blankets.
Now, they are taking it a step further. Instead of just checking in, patrol officers are actively encouraging people to come inside and are providing free rides directly to the facility.
READ: Deep Freeze And “Bomb Cyclone” Threaten Millions As Violent Winter Storm Slams East Coast
If you or someone you know needs help, the check-in point is at 2390 Bob Phillips Road. From there, guests are moved across the street to the main shelter area.
The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and will stay open through Monday morning. For those who aren’t ready to come inside, deputies are still making the rounds to hand out extra blankets and warm gear to help them get through the night.
Bartow residents have a second option as well. The Bartow Community Service Center, located at 1400 East Georgia Street, is also opening its doors.
Working alongside Turning Point Worship Center, they will be hosting anyone in need of a safe, warm environment starting at 6:00 p.m. nightly through Monday.
Between the Sheriff’s Office and local community groups, the goal is simple: make sure every person in Polk County has a hot meal and a roof over their head until the freeze passes.
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