Cold Weather Shelter To Open In Sarasota County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — With temperatures expected to dip into the low 40s Tuesday night, Sarasota County officials are working with local partners to open two cold weather shelters in the county, according to a news release.

• Salvation Army, 1400 10th Street, Sarasota (starting at 5:30 p.m.)
• 100 Church, 14525 Tamiami Trail, North Port (starting at 5 p.m.)

Dinner, snacks and breakfast will be provided by All Faiths Food Bank.

Those attending should bring their own sleeping materials

• Also Read: Freezing Temps To Hit Central FL: Latest Forecast

In the city of Sarasota, the Salvation Army is a .2-mile walk from the Breeze bus stop on Orange Avenue at 10th Street (Route 7), or a 3-mile walk from the Breeze bus stop on Cocoanut Avenue at 9th Street (Routes 2 and 99).

In the city of North Port, Breeze Route 9 is operating on a normal schedule and serves stops on Tamiami Trail at Espanola Avenue/Almonte Terrace (a 1-mile walk to 100 Church). Those in the North Port service area could also use Breeze OnDemand services.

Emergency Management officials remind residents that pets should not be left outside during the cold weather.

Those who need to be outside overnight or during the early morning hours are encouraged to dress in several warm layers and limit skin exposure to the wind.

Sarasota County Fire Department officials advise using extreme caution when heating your home, as the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increases during very cold weather due to the improper use of heating devices.