Cold‑Weather Shelters Open in Osceola County

Osceola County will open two night shelters on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 23‑24, even though the day temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s over the weekend. The county is preparing for a sharp drop in temperature after an incoming cold front, which will bring overnight lows into the mid‑30s and keep daytime highs below 60 until Wednesday. When temperatures fall below 40 °F for more than four hours, the county’s cold‑weather protocol kicks in. The First United Methodist Church in St. Cloud and the Kissimmee First Church of the Nazarene will open at 6 p. m. each night. Both churches have agreed to provide a safe place for people who are homeless or lack a warm shelter. Local faith groups and nonprofits are already talking to those who live on the streets, letting them know where the shelters are located and how they can get there.Transportation to the shelters is free on LYNX buses. Riders only need to tell the driver they are heading to a cold‑weather shelter. For pet owners, Osceola Animal Services will take care of animals that are not service dogs; other pets must be in a carrier to ride the bus. The county’s plan is designed to protect vulnerable residents from the sudden chill that follows a warm spell. By opening shelters early in the evening, authorities hope to keep people safe and dry until temperatures rise again. The initiative shows how community partners can quickly respond to changing weather conditions.