Cold Weather Shelters Open in South Florida with Free Transit as Temps Drop Below 40°F

South Florida counties are mobilizing resources as temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees for several hours overnight. Emergency cold weather shelters are opening to safeguard individuals at risk from the sudden chill.

In Fort Pierce, a cold weather shelter will operate at Percy Peek Gym starting Monday evening and will continue until Tuesday morning. This move follows warnings from the National Weather Service about abnormally low temperatures, which prompted St. Lucie County and its partners to activate their cold weather protocol.

Free transportation services are available to facilitate access to the Fort Pierce shelter. Area Regional Transit (ART) will run shuttles from multiple locations, including the Port St. Lucie Intermodal Station and Pinewood Park, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each passenger may bring up to four bags weighing no more than 10 pounds, though hazardous items are not allowed. Pastor Hazel Hoylman can be contacted at 772-359-9653 for more details.

Indian River County is also responding by opening a Salvation Army cold weather shelter in Vero Beach. The facility will welcome up to 40 registered clients from 7 p.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Tuesday. Registration is available both on-site and by phone at 772-453-5383 until 9 p.m. Support from the American Red Cross and United Way will provide light meals to shelter guests.

In Okeechobee County, a warming center at RiteLife Services will open Monday evening and remain available through Friday. Visitors are asked to bring personal bedding, hygiene items, and snacks. For assistance, contact Melissa at 772-284-2505.

Martin County officials have not yet activated a county-run shelter but are closely monitoring conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed via county emergency channels. Palm Beach County is also on alert, with outreach teams coordinating with nonprofits to help people experiencing homelessness and others vulnerable to cold conditions.

Local authorities emphasize pet safety during the cold snap, urging residents to bring pets indoors and avoid leaving animals tethered outside. Precautions for sensitive plants and agricultural materials are also recommended.

The region’s emergency teams remind the public to use indoor heating devices carefully to prevent accidents. They also encourage neighbors to check on elderly or otherwise susceptible individuals during the cold weather.

Shelter and Transportation Information Summary:

Residents affected by hazardous cold weather conditions in South Florida should take advantage of these resources and remain alert to updates. Authorities continue coordinating efforts to minimize risks associated with this unusually cold spell.