Cold Weather Shelters

During times of extreme cold weather, many communities activate cold weather shelters and warming centers to help people stay safe in hazardous conditions.

 The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently tracking a cold weather system that is expected to bring very cold temperatures to South Florida this weekend. Temperatures will dip down into the mid to upper 20s around Lake Okeechobee and into the lower to upper 30s along the coastal area of our region, with wind chills ranging from the upper teens to the low 20s.

Below is a list of available shelters, as we learn about them. Please note that information may change quickly and we will make updates whenever possible.

For up-to-date information on resources available in your area, call 2-1-1 any time of day or night to speak with a trained 211 Specialist.


Palm Beach County

Updated 2-23-26 8:18 pm

The National Weather Service in Miami issued a cold weather advisory that impacts Palm Beach County. The cold weather advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. until 9 a.m. Tuesday February 24, 2026.

National Weather Service predicts temperatures throughout Palm Beach County will be in the upper 30s to low 40s and windchill values will be in the low to mid 30s. To protect those seeking refuge from the cold during the overnight period, the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management (DEM) has activated the Cold Weather Shelter Plan for Palm Beach County.

The following cold weather shelters will be open beginning at 7 p.m., Monday, February 23, 2026, and will close at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026:

  • Belle Glade Transitional Shelter and Lake Village at the Glades - 341 NW 11th Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430

  • The Westgate Park and Recreation Center - 3691 Oswego Avenue, West Palm Beach FL 33409

Palm Tran Connection will begin bus pickups to the established routes at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  For more information on the Cold Weather Shelter or bus pickups please go to Cold Weather Shelters.

Indian River County

Updated 2-23-26 9:44 am

The Salvation Army (SA) shall serve as a Cold Weather Shelter tonight (Sunday 2/22/26) through Tuesday morning (2/24/26) from 7 PM through 7 AM. The American Red Cross, United Way, and other community partners are supporting SA shelter operations.

  • Salvation Army - 2655 5th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 can be called at: 772-453-5383.

    • The Salvation Army can shelter 40 people and clients will be accepted until 9:00 PM. Light meals shall be provided.

All community partners should exercise protective actions for vulnerable populations, pets, and plants/agricultural products during this cold weather.  Use caution when operating indoor heating sources.

St. Lucie County

Updated 2-23-26 9:50 am

St. Lucie County To Open Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Feb. 22-24

In partnership with St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce, In the Image of Christ will operate an emergency cold weather shelter for residents in need:

  • Percy Peek Gym - 2902 Avenue D, Fort Pierce

    • For more information, contact Pastor Hazel Hoylman with In the Image of Christ at 772-359-9653. In the Image of Christ is a community-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with St. Lucie County to operate an emergency cold weather shelter when temperatures drop below 40 degrees for more than four hours.

  • Dates: Sunday, Feb. 22, Monday, Feb. 23 and Tuesday, Feb. 24, opening at 5 p.m. and closing at 8 a.m. the following day.

For individuals who need transportation to the temporary shelter, the Area Regional Transit (ART) will provide free transportation at the locations below, starting Sunday, Feb. 22 from 6 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m.

  • Port St. Lucie Intermodal Station, 395 SE Deacon Ave. in Port St. Lucie

  • Fort Pierce Intermodal Facility, 725 Avenue D, Fort Pierce

  • Prima Vista Crossing Bus Stop on Prima Vista, east of U.S. 1

  • Pinewood Park, 820 Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Pierce

  • Kilmer Branch Library, 101 Melody Lane in Fort Pierce

  • Publix Plaza at Taylor Creek, 1851 North U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce

  • Percy Peek Gym, 2902 Ave. D in Fort Pierce

Please note: space is not available for bulky or numerous items. Riders are allowed up to four bags with a weight limit of 10 pounds each. Riders may not transport explosives, illegal substances, flammable liquids or materials hazardous to themselves, the driver or other riders.

Martin County

Updated 2-23-26 10:01 am

A cold weather shelter will open in Martin County on Monday night, February 23. According to the National Weather Service, the weather for Monday evening into Tuesday is forecast to be at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours or more.

  • Location: Gertrude Walden Day Care Center - 601 SE Lake St., Stuart, FL

  • Transportation pickup locations and times:

    • Love and Hope in Action (LAHIA), 1760 SE Salerno Road, Stuart - Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Martin County Emergency Management and Martin County Human Services staff would like to recognize the following partners for their support in this effort – Gertrude Walden Day Care Center, Love and Hope in Action, House of Hope, United Way of Martin County, American Red Cross, the City of Stuart, Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND), and numerous community volunteers.

For more information regarding shelter operations, please contact Love and Hope in Action (LAHIA) at 772-781-7002, or visit  www.martin.fl.us, Martin County’s online resource for services, news and information.

Okeechobee County

Updated 2-23-26 9:13 am

Okeechobee County Emergency Management is actively monitoring a cold weather system with the possibility of Hazardous Wind Chills. A warming center at RiteLife Services will open on the evening of Sunday, February 22, at 5:00 pm and will remain open through Wednesday morning.

  • Location: RiteLife Services - 202 NE 2nd Street, Suite #5, Okeechobee, FL

  • Guests are encouraged to bring their own bedding, hygiene products, and snacks.

  • For more information, contact Karen Kozac, Okeechobee County Emergency Management Director by phone at (863) 763-3212 x5 or email at kkozac@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

For updates, follow Okeechobee County Emergency Management on Facebook or visit www.OkeechobeeCountyFl.gov.

Elizabeth Burrows