HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – With forecasters predicting a bone-chilling drop in temperatures, officials in Hillsborough County are racing to open emergency shelters Tuesday night for residents with nowhere else to turn.
County officials announced the activation of cold-weather protocols for Tuesday, Dec. 30, following National Weather Service warnings. The decision comes as wind chills are expected to plummet to 40 degrees or lower for at least two consecutive hours overnight.
Authorities are urging anyone without adequate heat to seek shelter immediately but warn that space is tight. Organizers anticipate high demand and limited capacity at the designated sites. Officials are asking residents to lean on friends or family first if possible, reserving the emergency beds for those with absolutely no other options.
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Shelter Locations and Hours
Doors will open at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and intake will continue until 8 p.m., or until the facilities reach capacity. The county has partnered with several local organizations to provide these refuges for adults:
- 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 Dr., Tampa
- Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries: 2104 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City
Help for Families with Children
The shelter locations listed above are for adults only. Families with minor children who need a warm place to sleep must secure a motel voucher through Metropolitan Ministries.
These vouchers are extremely limited and available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Families must pre-register by calling (813) 209-1176. The phone lines will be staffed on Tuesday, Dec. 30, until 5 p.m., or until all vouchers have been claimed.
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