As winter temperatures hit Jacksonville, the city is launching its warming center plan to protect residents from the cold. The City of Jacksonville's Extreme Cold Task Force has set up a 2024 contingency plan to help those in need.
According to the City of Jacksonville website, the City of Jacksonville Warming Centers will open when temperatures drop to 27°F or lower for at least two hours, or when a Hard Freeze Watch, Cold Weather Advisory (25°F or below), or Extreme Cold Watch (windchill of 15°F) is issued by the NWS. As of yesterday, no countywide Cold Weather Emergency has been declared, so the centers remain on standby.
When the cold hits, residents can seek refuge at COJ public libraries and community centers during regular Monday to Saturday hours. On Sundays and holidays, the Main Library and Legends Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Legends Center will also provide overnight shelter every day, with hours depending on the forecast severity.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is offering free rides to Warming Centers during Cold Weather Emergencies. Since the centers aren't permanent shelters, visitors are advised to bring bedding, food, and personal items. Local non-profits like City Rescue Mission, Sulzbacher, Trinity Rescue Mission, and Mission House have also expanded overnight capacity and adjusted hours to help the vulnerable, ensuring that no one has been refused assistance during the cold weather in the past week.
