JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As a cold front moves in to drop temperatures over the First Coast this week, Jacksonville is implementing its Warming Center Contingency Plan for four consecutive nights.

Following a Sunday that flirted with record warmth, the weather is expected to take a sharp turn, plunging into the 20s by Monday morning.

In response, the city will open the Legends Center each night starting Monday to provide shelter for those in need. When temperatures dip to 27 degrees or below, transportation will be available via JTA buses.

Located at 5130 Soutel Dr., the center will operate nightly from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. until Friday. Transportation to the facility will be facilitated by JTA buses, and the center will be equipped with staff and water for those seeking shelter.

Only service animals will be allowed in the center.

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 serve as daytime warming centers during regular business hours.

Outside of the Legends Center, the city’s nonprofit partners will provide cold-weather shelter services to those experiencing homelessness:

• City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State St.
• 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.

In response to the cold front, the City of Waycross is halting all city-run utility cutoffs for the week and offering shelter inside the police department courtroom. 

City Manager Ulysses Rayford advises any residents without power to contact their service provider quickly and directly.