CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2026) - The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay is forecasting a significant cold front that will bring some of the coldest temperatures experienced in Southwest Florida in the past 15 years. Due to continued cold temperatures forecast by the National Weather Service, the Charlotte CARE Center (formerly the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition) will be open as a cold weather shelter on Saturday, Jan. 31; Sunday, Feb. 1; and Monday, Feb. 2.

The shelter is located at 1476 Kenesaw St., Port Charlotte. Monday night has been added due to the extended cold weather forecast. Individuals seeking shelter should pre-register by calling 941-627-4313 and arrive by 8 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, numerous hazards are associated with this cold front, including:

• Some of the coldest temperatures in the past 15 years
• Cold Weather Advisory in effect for Charlotte County west of I-75, where wind chill values may drop to 25°F or lower
• Extreme Cold/Freeze Warning in effect for Charlotte County east of I-75, where wind chill values may drop to 20°F or lower
• Wind Advisory with sustained winds of 20-40 mph and gusts up to 50 mph following frontal passage
• Gale Warning for all coastal waters with winds of 30-40 knots and gusts up to 45 knots
• High Risk of Rip Currents and High Surf Advisory, with breaking waves of 5-7 feet along beaches

Temperatures along the coast are expected to be slightly warmer, but dangerously cold conditions will still be present countywide.

Residents are encouraged to take steps now to protect people, pets, plants, and property during this cold weather event:

• Protect People: Dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on elderly neighbors and those with medical needs.
• Protect Pets: Bring pets indoors or provide warm, dry shelter. Do not leave animals outside in freezing temperatures.
• Protect Plants: Cover sensitive vegetation or bring potted plants indoors.
• Protect Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes, and know where your shutoff valve is located.
• Use Heating Safely: Never use grills or outdoor heaters indoors. Ensure space heaters are kept at least three feet from anything that can burn and plugged directly into a wall outlet and not an extension cord.

For shelter operation questions, contact the Charlotte CARE Center at 941-627-4313.

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