JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville has activated its Warming Center Contingency Plan as a cold front is expected to push through Sunday night, causing temperatures to drop sharply.
Temperatures are expected to fall from the 80s on Sunday to freezing conditions Monday night through Friday morning, with wind chills or “feels like” temperatures in the 20s, city officials said.
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When temperatures reach 27 degrees or lower, the city will open an overnight warming center from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. nightly:
- When: 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, through Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
- Where: The Legends Center, 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208
JTA buses will transport vulnerable residents free of charge to and from the Legends Center from stops throughout Duval County. The warming center will be staffed and water will be available on site.
Residents using the warming center are asked to bring bedding such as air mattresses, blankets and pillows; snacks and medication; games, toys and books; and hygiene and comfort items. Only service animals are permitted.
During normal business hours, city libraries and community centers across Duval County will serve as warming centers. For more information, visit jaxready.com/StayWarmJax or call 904‑630‑CITY.
Nonprofit shelters also are providing cold‑weather services to people experiencing homelessness. Facilities include:
- City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State Street
- Sulzbacher Center, 611 E. Adams St. (men) and 5455 Springfield Blvd. (women and children)
- Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union St.
Emergency Preparedness officials urged residents to follow the city’s five P’s of cold‑weather safety: people, pets, plants, pipes and practice fire safety.
- People: Check on elderly neighbors and family members. Make sure children waiting at early morning bus stops are dressed in layers with hats and gloves. Limit time outdoors during the coldest hours.
- Pets: Bring pets indoors during freezing weather. Provide shelter, food and unfrozen water for outdoor animals.
- Plants: Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors to protect them from frost.
- Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes. Allow faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- Practice fire safety: Use supplemental heating safely and follow fire‑prevention measures.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department safety tips include:
- Use space heaters with caution: keep them at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, plug them directly into outlets, never use extension cords or power strips, and turn them off when leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave space heaters unattended.
- Fireplace safety: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Don’t overload fireplaces, use screens or glass doors to prevent sparks, and never leave fires unattended. Make sure fires are fully extinguished before going to bed.
- Additional tips: Never use ovens or appliances not designed for heating to warm your home. Install working smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home. Never use outdoor appliances such as grills or generators indoors.