Hillsborough County is ending its comfort station services this Halloween. According to an announcement, seven of the eight stations will close on October 31 at 3 p.m. However, the Seffner Mango Park station will stay open until the evening of November 3.
These stations were a beacon of respite for those grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, providing showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities, in addition to a cooling tent for those sweltering on hot days. Enjoying Halloween with their families, staff manning the comfort stations will also benefit from the closures. By 3 p.m. on Thursday, locals in need of the stations' services can still cash in on their last day before the facilities shutter.
The significance of these stations isn't lost on the community, as they've welcomed over 3,200 residents since their inception, serving upwards of 32,700 hot meals through October 29, according to the Hillsborough County's report. Today, residents are free to visit any of the stations until 7 p.m., and they will reopen tomorrow at 7 a.m. for their final day of regular operations.
Residents interested in the exact locations of these stations can refer to the list provided, with facilities spread throughout the county in Wimauma, Tampa, Gibsonton, Dover, and Town 'N Country. Each site has been a temporary harbor for many, offering more than just creature comforts but also a semblance of normalcy amidst disruption. Following their close on Thursday, only the Seffner Mango Park site at 410 N. Kingsway Rd., Seffner, FL 33584 will remain in operation, finally closing its doors at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 3.
