Wed Dec 31 10:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

Due to forecasted cold weather, several Central Florida counties are opening cold-weather shelters. Locations include Flagler, Marion, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, Brevard, and Lake counties, with specific addresses and operating hours provided. The shelters aim to provide warmth and safety to those experiencing homelessness or lacking adequate heating. Some locations offer meals, transportation assistance (LYNX in Osceola, Lake County Transit), and pet housing (Osceola).

News Article:

Central Florida Opens Cold Weather Shelters as Temperatures Drop

Orlando, FL – Central Florida is bracing for a cold snap, and local officials are responding by opening cold weather shelters across numerous counties. Residents in need of warmth and safety are encouraged to utilize these resources, which are available in Flagler, Marion, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, Brevard, and Lake counties.

The shelters are providing overnight refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness or those without adequate heating in their homes. Specific locations and operating hours vary by county:

  • Flagler County: The Sheltering Tree will operate at the Rock Transformation Center (2200 N. State Street) opening at 5 PM and closing at 8 AM.

  • Marion County: The Ocala Salvation Army: Center of Hope (320 NW 1st Ave, Ocala) is providing shelter overnight, with opening hours until 8 AM the next day.

  • Osceola County: First United Methodist Church (1000 Ohio Avenue, St. Cloud), Iglesia Del Nazareno Casa De Vida (2367 Fortune Road, Kissimmee), and Poinciana Christian Church (3181 Pleasant Hill Road, Kissimmee) are opening their doors from 6 PM to 8 AM. Free transportation to these shelters is available via LYNX buses; inform the driver of your destination. Pets can be housed at Osceola Animal Services (in carriers, unless a service animal).

  • Orange County: Matthew’s Hope (611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden), Barnett Park (4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando), and Goldenrod Recreation Center (4863 N. Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park) are providing shelter. Barnett Park and Goldenrod Recreation Center will open on December 30th at 4 PM to January 1st at 8 AM.

  • Seminole County: Rescue Outreach Commission (1701 W. 13th St., Sanford) is open on a first-come, first-served basis from December 30, 2025, to January 1, 2025.

  • Volusia County: The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia at The Bridge (421 S. Palmetto Ave., Deland) will be open at 6:30-7 PM, and again Dec. 31 at the same time.

  • Polk County: Talbot House Ministries (814 North Kentucky Ave, 33801) will operate emergency service shelter from 4 PM to 6 AM the following day.

  • Brevard County: The Sharing Center of Central Brevard (113 Aurora St., Cocoa) opens at 6 PM. Daily Bread at Melbourne First Church of Nazarene (2745 South Babcock St, Melbourne) opens at 5:30 PM to 7 AM.

  • Lake County: LifePointe Church (3551 E. Orange Ave in Eustis) will open at 5 PM and close at 7 AM each night. Lake County Transit will provide free transportation to individuals needing service.

Many shelters are offering additional services such as meals and showers. Residents are encouraged to check specific locations for details.

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