Cold weather shelters open Sunday night | News

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay has issued a freeze watch that includes Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties for Sunday evening through Monday morning. Sarasota County Emergency Management officials are reminding residents to be prepared and use caution both indoors and outside. Pets should not be left outside during the cold weather.

The lower than normal temperatures combined with strong winds could produce dangerous wind chills. Citizens 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.

“Temperatures are projected to drop rapidly below freezing Sunday evening, particularly in inland areas. It is important that the community prepare for colder than usual conditions by taking precautions to protect their homes, families and pets,” stressed Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane.

For those needing shelter, cold weather shelters are being staffed by the Salvation Army and American Red Cross. Shelters will open at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the following locations:

Sarasota

Salvation Army Lodge- Center of Hope, 1400 Tenth Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

Venice

Center of Hope 1216 East Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285

Englewood

St. David's Episcopal Church, 401 South Broadway, Englewood, FL 34223

North Port/Port Charlotte

Living Waters Lutheran Church 12475 Chancellor Blvd, Port Charlotte, Florida 33953

The Salvation Army is in need of donated coats, sweaters or blankets.

For more information contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861.5000 or visit the All Hazards web site at www.scgov.net.