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Cold-weather shelters opening ahead of sub-freezing lows this weekend

Emergency managers list "5 P's" of cold weather preparedness.
Florida Department of Emergency Management
Emergency managers list "5 P's" of cold weather preparedness.

Much of Central Florida will have freezing temperatures overnight throughout the weekend. And several cold-weather shelters will begin opening Friday evening.

- In Orlando in Orange County, men can sign up beginning at 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army shelter, 624 Lexington Ave. The cold-weather shelter operation will continue for five days. Others can call or text 211 for shelter locations.

- In Sanford in Seminole County, go to the Rescue Outreach Mission, 1701 Historic Goldsboro Blvd., and try to get there by 4 p.m.

- In St. Cloud in Osceola County, the First United Methodist Church, 1000 Ohio Ave., opens its doors at 6 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the shelter will open at 8:30 p.m., and on Sunday, which is Christmas Day, at 6 p.m.

- In Volusia County, The Neighborhood Center and The Bridge Shelter in DeLand, will welcome shelter-seekers at 7 p.m., according to a county spokesman. The shelter is at 421 S. Palmetto Ave.

On eastern end of Volusia County, free transportation to a shelter will be available at 5 p.m. at 340 North St. in Daytona Beach and at 5:30 p.m. at 1111 S. Orange St. in Smyrna Beach.

- In Lake County, you can go to Trinity Assembly of God in Fruitland Park or Lifepointe Church in Eustis. Those shelters open at 5:30 p.m. and will provide shelter until Tuesday, according a county press release. LakeXpress buses will provide free transportation to shelters. Those unable to get to the bus can call (352) 742-2612 by 1 p.m. Friday to arrange transportation.

The Trinity Assembly of God shelter will be open around the clock, and LifePointe, from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. The Salvation Army, at 2605 South St. in Leesburg, will operate a warming shelter from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday.

- As for Marion County, go to the Salvation Army in downtown Ocala at 7 p.m. It will welcome anyone fleeing the cold. People should bring their ID.

Updated: December 23, 2022 at 1:26 PM EST
Information has been added on pickup times and locations for transportation to shelters in eastern Volusia County.
Joe Byrnes came to Central Florida Public Media from the Ocala Star-Banner and The Gainesville Sun, where he worked as a reporter and editor for several years. Joe graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans and turned to journalism after teaching. He enjoys freshwater fishing and family gatherings.
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