Cold Weather Shelters Opening Across Central Florida

ORLANDO, Florida — With cold temperatures expected across Central Florida this week, officials have announced the opening of several shelters to aid those in need of warmth.

Flagler County opened its shelter at the Rock Transformation Center on December 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. This shelter welcomes not only the homeless but also anyone without proper heating. It will remain open nightly until 8 a.m. the next day. The organization, Sheltering Tree, operates under the Flagler County Family Assistance Center and has been assisting those seeking refuge from the cold.

In Marion County, the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Ocala is providing shelter for individuals on December 29 and December 30, aligning its operations with the cold weather conditions. In Osceola County, First Methodist Church in St. Cloud and Iglesia Del Nazareno Casa De Vida in Kissimmee will open their doors on December 30 and 31, starting at 6 p.m. Breakfast will be served each morning to guests.

Orange County is also stepping in, with shelters opening at Barnett Park and Goldenrod Recreation Center on December 30. These shelters will provide meals and a warm refuge until January 1, 2025.

Seminole County has established its shelter in Sanford, welcoming guests on a first-come, first-served basis starting December 30. Volusia County will host its cold-weather shelter on December 30 and 31, offering hot meals to guests at The Bridge neighborhood center in Deland.

Further south, Polk County has designated a shelter on North Kentucky Avenue, offering meals, showers, and warm beds. Brevard County is aiding its residents with two temporary shelters, where guests can receive dinner and breakfast. Lake County is also providing services with their shelters opening on December 30 and 31.

In the greater Tampa Bay area, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties are making similar provisions. Shelters will serve adults only in Hillsborough and Pinellas due to space limitations, with families encouraged to call 211 for assistance. Metropolitan Ministries will offer motel vouchers for families with children on a limited basis.

As temperatures are set to dip into the 20s across the area, officials urge everyone requiring shelter to seek help. The authorities also recommend that residents stay indoors, protect pets, and safeguard plants from the cold.

Authorities are advising that the shelters will operate until the weather improves and encourage anyone needing assistance to reach out to their local resources.