Hillsborough Opens Cold Weather Shelters

As a cold front continues to work its way through the area, Hillsborough County officials are opening shelters for the homeless and those without heat this afternoon.

While a freeze isn’t quite expected, according to the National Weather Service, the temperature outside is anticipated to drop to near freezing early Saturday morning.

Some shelters are seeking donations of items for the anticipated influx of people as the county opens its facilities for the first time this season.

The Brandon Community Center, Jackson Springs Recreation Center, and Wimauma Community Center are all looking for supply donations. They need items such as blankets, disinfectant wipes, disposable cups, coffee, creamer, paper plates, plastic utensils and sugar. Anyone who wants to help should contact the individual shelters.

Metropolitan Ministries is stepping in to provide meals for those in shelters tonight. Anyone who wants to donate nonperishable food items to help out can contact that agency at 813-209-1000.

The county’s cold weather shelters and their hours are as follows:

• Brandon Community Center, 510 E. Sadie St., Brandon. It opens at 5:30 p.m. today, Dec. 21, and is open to homeless individuals and families with children in the Brandon Area. Phone: 813-635-8179.
• Metropolitan Ministries, 2010 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. The doors open here at 4 p.m. for families. After-hours phone: 813-209-1077.
• Salvation Army, 1514 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. This adults-only shelter opens at 4 p.m. After-hours phone: 813-221-4440.
• Jackson Springs Recreation Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road, Town 'N Country. The shelter opens at 6:30 p.m. for both adults and families. Phone: 813-554-5064.
• Wimauma Community Center, 5705 Hillsborough St., Wimauma. This shelter opens at 6 p.m. It is open to adults and families. Phone: 813-635-3500.

Most of the county’s shelters will close at 7 a.m. Dec. 22.

For a look at anticipated weather conditions in Temple Terrace, visit the National Weather Service’s website.