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As temperatures in Jacksonville are expected to plunge below the freezing mark, the Legends Center will open its doors as an overnight shelter this Thursday, offering a refuge from the cold. This marks the first time this winter that the City of Jacksonville has implemented its Warming Center Contingency Plan due to the anticipated chilly conditions.
The First Coast News Weather Team predicts that temperatures will dip into the upper 20s as night falls. In response, the city has decided to activate its warming center plan, a measure set in motion whenever the mercury is forecasted to drop to 27 degrees or lower.
Located at 5130 Soutel Drive, the Legends Center will provide shelter from 9 p.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Friday. To ensure that those in need can reach the facility, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will offer transportation to the center. Once there, visitors will find a staffed environment with water available on-site, providing essential comfort as the cold sets in.
The city’s warming center plan involves opening the Legends Center overnight for people in need of shelter and providing transportation there through JTA whenever temperatures hit 27 degrees or lower.
The center, located at 5130 Soutel Drive, will be open 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday. JTA buses can provide rides to the shelter which will be staffed and have water available on-site.
Residents using the warming center are asked to bring the following items, if desired:
- Air mattress, blankets, pillows, or other bedding
- Snacks and medication
- Games, toys, and books
- Hygiene and comfort items
All libraries and city community centers will also be open during regular business hours and serve as warming centers across Duval County.
The city’s non-profit partners will also provide cold-weather shelter services to the homeless population:
- City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State Street
- Mission House, 465 11th Ave. with overnight operations at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal, 1150 5th St.
- Sulzbacher Center
- 611 East Adams St. – Men
- 5455 Springfield Blvd. – Women and children
- Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union St.
The City Rescue Mission will be open overnight on both Thursday and Friday. The shelter extends its overnight service hours and capacity whenever temperatures are forecasted to drop below 40 degrees. Individuals needing shelter are invited to go to its New Life Inn on W. State Street beginning at 5 p.m. on each day.
“We will not turn anyone away,” said City Rescue Mission Executive Director Paul Stasi. “We want to ensure that everyone without a home has a warm shelter and a hot meal during this cold weather. Safety and care are our top priorities.”
