Hillsborough County Cold Weather Shelters Set To Open

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County residents who need shelter from the cold will find there are places to turn Saturday night. The county has announced plans to open its shelters as temperatures in the region are expected to plummet during the overnight hours.

To ensure residents can get in from the cold, the county is also offering transportation to shelters for those in need. People in need of rides are asked to call 813-272-7272 between 5:30 and 8 p.m. Jan. 7 to arrange transportation.

“Officials recommend calling for a ride only if you are stranded in the cold weather, or live in a home without adequate heat and are physically unable to get to a shelter,” a Saturday morning email from the county said.

Information on the county’s shelters is as follows:

Jackson Springs Recreation Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Town 'N Country

• This shelter opens at 6 p.m. for individuals and families
• Call: 813-554-5004

Wimauma Senior Center, 5714 North St. in Wimauma

• This shelter opens at 6 p.m. for individuals and families
• Call: 813-671-7672

Brandon Community Center, 510 E. Sadie St. in Brandon

• This shelter opens at 6 p.m. for individuals and families
• Call: 813-635-8179

Metropolitan Ministries, 2106 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa

• Families in need of motel vouchers are asked to report to this location before 5 p.m.
• After-hours phone: 813-209-1077

Salvation Army, 1514 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa

• This shelter is open throughout the day for adults only
• After-hours phone – 813-221-4440

Shelters are also accepting donations of such items as hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, toothbrushes and other related items.

“The lower-than-normal temperatures combined with strong winds could produce dangerous wind chills,” the county warned. “Residents who must be outside overnight or during the early morning hours are encouraged to dress in several warm layers, and limit skin exposure to the wind.”

According to the National Weather Service, the overnight low in the Tampa area is expected to drop into the mid- to upper-30s with wind chills making it seem even colder. Temperatures in the low 40s are anticipated overnight Sunday. It is unclear at this time if the county will open shelters again Sunday evening.

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