Cold Weather Shelters Open Through Jan. 29
Our region may not have gotten the 12-inches-plus of snow that numerous other states did this past weekend—but we're not immune to the cold front that's gripping the country right now, either. A cold weather advisory is in effect through 9 a.m. tomorrow, Jan. 29, and wind chills as low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit are forecast locally.
And here's the big news: Meteorologist Denis Phillips says that there's a chance of a few snow flurries or Gulf effect snow showers in the Tampa Bay area if the cold air, moisture and timing line up. The likelihood is higher north of Sarasota and Manatee, but it's not impossible. And either way, it's going to be cold and windy—with gusts higher than 40 miles per hour—on Saturday and Sunday.
Both counties will be operating cold-weather shelters through tomorrow, Jan. 29. Here's what to know if you or someone you know needs one.
Sarasota County
100 Church (through Jan. 29)
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.
Salvation Army Center of Hope (through Jan. 28)
1400 10th St., Sarasota
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and guests will need to leave campus afterward before returning at 7 p.m. for shelter entry. Guests must be checked in by 8:30 p.m. Showers will be available from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All guests will be required to present a valid ID for identification at check-in. Breakfast will be provided to-go in the morning, and all guests will need to depart campus by 6 a.m. Breeze Routes 2, 7, 8, or 99 operating on normal schedules will arrive within about two blocks of the Salvation Army on 10th Street.
Remnant Church (through Jan. 28)
2895 Ashton Road, Sarasota
Remnant Church's doors will be open until midnight for those needing shelter, and meals will be provided. Breeze Route 25 stops on Swift Road at Ashton Road, within 0.1 mile of the address for Remnant Church.
Manatee County
The Salvation Army (through Jan. 29)
1204 14th St. W., Bradenton
Check-in begins at 6 p.m.
Under One Roof (through Jan. 29)
407 57th Ave E., Bradenton
Doors open at 2:45 p.m., ahead of the usual 3 p.m. check-in. This shelter is for women only.
MCAT will provide rides at 2:30 p.m. from Turning Points, 701 17th Ave W., Bradenton.
How to Stay Safe During Cold Weather Events
Emergency Management officials remind residents that pets should not be left outside during the cold weather. Those who need to be outside overnight or during the early morning hours are encouraged to dress in several warm layers and limit skin exposure to the wind. Useextreme 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, like space heaters. For more heating safety tips, click here.
