Cold Weather Shelter Opens In North Port Wednesday: County

SARASOTA, FL — A cold weather shelter will open Wednesday evening because of an expected drop in temperatures, Sarasota County Emergency Management said in a news release.

Temperatures are expected to drop as low as 43 degrees in North Port overnight Wednesday, according to AccuWeather.

The shelter opened at 100 Church at 14525 Tamiami Trail at 5 p.m. and will close Thursday morning.

Those who need to be outside overnight or during the early morning hours are encourages to dress in several warm layers and limit skin exposure to the wind, emergency management officials said.

The agency also reminds residents that pets shouldn’t be left outside during the cold weather.

Sarasota County Fire Department officials advise citizens to use caution when heating their home, as the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increases during very cold weather due to the improper use of heating devices.