Updated: Warming Centers Are Opening in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Ahead of a blast of cold weather and gusty winds that toppled trees at Bayfront Park and will send temperatures plummeting tonight and tomorrow, local governments and nonprofit organizations are opening warming shelters for those in need. Temperatures will be in the low 40s, but wind chills could be well below that—as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, according to AccuWeather forecasts. (And yes, that could mean cold-stunned iguanas.)
Sarasota County
The Salvation Army Center of Hope (1400 10th St., Sarasota) and 100 Church in North Port (14525 Tamiami Trail, North Port) will provide shelter from the cold weather on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, through Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.
What: Salvation Army Center of Hope Cold Weather Operation Plan
When: Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, with intake beginning at 4:40 p.m. and checkout required by 6 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2025. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., showers will be available at 7 p.m., and departure is at 6 a.m. on Nov. 11. Valid ID is required at check-in.
Where: 1400 10th St., Sarasota. Breeze Routes 2, 7, 8 or 99 operating on normal schedules will arrive within about two blocks of the Salvation Army on 10th Street.
A cold weather shelter is also open on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at 100 Church in North Port.
What: Cold Weather Shelter at 100 Church
When: Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, through Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Where: 14525 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Breeze Route 9, operating on a normal schedule, will arrive within about one block of 100 Church. Those in the North Port service area can also use the Breeze OnDemand service.
Manatee County
The Salvation Army of Manatee County will open its shelter at 1204 14th St. W., Bradenton, as a temporary, free warming station and shelter on Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. Anticipated guest departure is Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m. There will be a limited number of shelter beds available to those in need.
- What: Salvation Army Cold Weather Warming Station and Shelter
- When: Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at 6 p.m., with anticipated departure Wednesday, Nov. 12, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
- Where: 1204 14th St. W, Bradenton
Cold Weather Safety Tips
The Florida Department of Emergency Management also recommends practicing the "Five Ps" when it comes to cold-weather preparedness:
- Protect People: When outdoors, dress in warm layers of clothing and wear a hat or gloves. Consider waterproof shoes to stay dry and remain warm, and limit skin exposure to wind.
- Protect Pets: Make sure your pets are either inside or in a warm shelter. The chances are, if you’re cold, they are, too.
- Protect Pipes: Cover outdoor pipes and allow indoor faucets to drip to prevent freezing.
- Protect Plants: Cover outdoor plants or bring them indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- Practice Fire Safety: Fire department officials also advise using extreme caution when heating your home, as the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increases during very cold weather due to the improper use of heating devices. Never use outdoor heating devices inside. When using space heaters, follow safety guidelines, such as using them on a flat surface away from flammable materials and turning them off overnight. Use fireplaces safely by keeping pets and objects at a distance and fully extinguishing fires before leaving home or going to bed.
