Heat-related illnesses on the rise in Jacksonville, hospitals report

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It is dangerously hot across Jacksonville.

Thermometers were reading in the low 90s on Wednesday afternoon but it felt like 104 degrees.

And a Heat Advisory is in effect again.

MORE: City of Jacksonville shares details of extreme heat plan; new tool provides heat-health outcome info

Since it’s the third straight day of those warnings, the City of Jacksonville is offering free transportation to its cooling centers.

Local hospitals have been seeing changes.

UF Health said over the last three months, there were 10 admissions for heat-related conditions, and six of those were in June.

At HCA Memorial Hospital, there was one hospitalization in May, but four so far in June.

There is concern these numbers could go up as the extreme heat continues.

At Mary L. Singleton Senior Center, local seniors get to enjoy riveting games of bingo and a sense of community.

Plus, a much-needed break from the sweltering heat.

Mable Bradshaw described how it felt when she stepped out.

“Oh don’t make me say that on TV. Hell,” Bradshaw said while chuckling. “I’ve never been to hell, but it is very hot.”

Charlie Boyer made a suggestion to help combat the heat.

“It’s what, 11 a.m.? It’s probably 98 degrees out there,” Boyer said. “Now, this place needs a swimming pool. A little indoor swimming pool.”

While there may not be a pool at the senior center, City of Jacksonville pools, community centers, and libraries are all on the list of available cooling centers.

The city wants people to not take chances with this kind of heat because of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Seniors, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions are most at risk.

Boyer said thankfully, he doesn’t live far from the senior center, but he’s prepared otherwise.

“If I go out to the flea market or something, I got a shoulder bag to carry my water and my phone and all that,” Boyer said. “I put my water bottle in there. And if it’s really hot, I put another one down here in this pocket. I’m ready.”

With temperatures rising to dangerous levels throughout the week, cooling down and preventing dehydration is key.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drinking water in shorter intervals is better than taking large drinks all at once.

It’s suggested that you drink one cup every 15 to 20 minutes if you can.

The people said they are glad that this is here.

“Very grateful,” Boyer said. “God gave me another day, I’m grateful for that and I’m grateful for all that he allows me to enjoy while I’m here.”

The cooling centers in Jacksonville will be open Mondays through Saturdays.

And when there’s an extreme heat event on Sundays and holidays, the Main Public Library on Laura Street and the Legends Center will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Click here for a list of cooling centers in Jacksonville.