With winter looming and the mercury taking a nosedive, Jacksonville officials are rolling out an expanded network of Warming Centers to help shield residents from the biting cold. According to a recent update from the City of Jacksonville, more safe havens will be available to individuals who need to escape the frigid grasp of Northeast Florida's winter weather.
In an effort to make sure everyone can get to these warm spaces easily, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has agreed to quickly provide cost-free rides to those identifying a Warming Center as their destination. This service is only available during times the city is under a Cold Weather Emergency, a move that aims to firmly ensure no resident is left out in the cold.
Seasonal respites from the chill will be active from Monday through Saturday at several locations across the city. These include COJ Public Libraries and Community Centers, as revealed on the City of Jacksonville's website. For those needing overnight shelter when the cold becomes particularly brutal, the Legends Center on Soutel Drive will warmly welcome residents in need of a safe spot to hunker down for the night.
Forward planning is key in battling the winter cold, and the city is urging residents to keep themselves apprised of additional locations, hours of operation, and safety measures. For the most recent updates and a comprehensive list of Warming Center facilities, the City of Jacksonville directs residents to visit JaxReady.com/StayWarmJax or to scan QR codes found on their outreach materials.
