Cold weather shelters to open as temperatures drop in Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Those without heat in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando counties will have a place to seek refuge when temperatures drop below 40 Tuesday night.

The counties will open cold weather shelters at various times on Tuesday. Masks will be required and capacity is limited.

In Hillsborough County, some residents received vouchers for a motel stay due to limited space at shelters.

“It is a huge logistical challenge. In the past, we have had partnerships with the faith-based community and right now in this environment a lot of the faith-based facilities are not open,” said Felicia Crosby-Rucker, Director of Homeless Services for Hillsborough County.

Those staying in shelters in Hillsborough County are required to be screened, socially distance and wear a mask.

“We’re definitely concerned about our volunteers as well as the residents or clients that are coming in to the temporary housing, temporary shelter overnight. So what we’re going to do is make every effort, we’re going to follow safety protocols everybody, including the volunteers and the guests, will be required to wear face coverings, they will do social distancing as well as we will be providing hand sanitizer and access to wash their hands,” said Crosby-Rucker.

Temperatures in low coastal areas are expected to drop to the low 40s. Northern and inland areas will see temperatures in the low and mid 30s, according to Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Ian Oliver.

Cold weather shelters will be open at the following locations:

Hillsborough County

Amazing Love Ministries
3304 E. Columbus Drive in Tampa
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults

A limited number of single-night motel vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required by calling the numbers below. Deadline to call is 5 p.m.
– Women and families can call (813) 209-1222
– Men can call (813) 209-1056
– Single men and couples without children can call (813) 402-8871

Pinellas County

Dr. Martin Luther King Neighborhood Center (one-time only)
1201 Douglas Avenue, Clearwater
Hours are 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Site link.

Northwest Presbyterian Church
6330 54th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
For more information, call (727) 544-4551

Salvation Army
1400 4th Street South, St. Petersburg
Hours are 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
For more information, call 727) 822-4954

The Turning Point
1810 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
For more information, call (727) 823-7811

Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast in Pinellas Park
7790 61st Street North, Pinellas Park
For more information, call (727) 547-5437

Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs
111 West Lime Street, Tarpon Springs
For more information, call (727) 937-6837

Families with children will be placed in family shelters if space is available. Call 2-1-1, Tampa Bay Cares, Inc., for more information.

Citrus County

Salvation Army Cold Weather Shelter
712 S. School Avenue, Lecanto
Open 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Those in need of transportation can be picked up at the following locations:

Family Resource at Connections, 3848 E. Parsons Point Road, Hernando (pickup at 5:30 p.m.)
Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza, 3792 S Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa (pickup at 5:45pm)
For more inforamtion, call 352-513-4960