Several local areas are opening their doors Saturday and Sunday for residents after Hurricane Hermine leaves thousands without power.
Here is a list of places people can go to cool off, get a drink of water, or catch a bite to eat.
Comfort Shelters / Cooling Centers
With electricity still out for many and temperatures rising, staying cool and safe is important. Also, locations like the County library offer public use computers, nonprofit services, and other ways to pass the time.
Leon County Main Library, downtown at 200 West Park Avenue (open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
air conditioning, water, restrooms, and with staffing complemented by American Red Cross volunteers
public use computers available for those without electricity to connect with loved ones and search for assistance and other services
snacks and bottled water provided by America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend
other nonprofits onsite to provide information and services--updates to be provided as nonprofits are confirmed.
Jack L. McLean Community Center at 700 Paul Russell Road (open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
air conditioning, water, and restrooms
Sue Herndon McCollum Community Center at 501 Ingleside Avenue (open from noon to 9 p.m.)
air conditioning, water, and restrooms
Other Comfort Stations include.
- Sue McCollum Community Center, 501 Ingleside Avenue, noon to 9 p.m.
- Palmer Munroe Teen Center, 1900 Jackson Bluff Road, noon to 9 p.m.
Bottled Water Distribution Site
In some rural areas without power, wells may not have operating pumps. Therefore bottled water is critical as temperatures continue to rise.
Staffed by teams of County employees, these sites will offer cases of bottled water.
Sites will operate on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4 from noon to 6 p.m.
Lake Jackson Library, 3840-300 N. Monroe Street
Woodville Library, 8000 Old Woodville Road
Ft. Braden Community Center, 16387 Blountstown Hwy
Chaires Community Center, 4768 Chaires Cross Road
Miccosukee Community Center, 13887 Moccasin Gap Roar
**Citizens need not leave their car; a County employee will carry and load the water.
Hot Meal Service
While power is restored, residents may not be able to prepare a hot meal, or maybe the food they had spoiled. Hot meal service at certain sites will be offered to keep those in need fed.
At the following County sites, The Salvation Army will offer canteen food service that is able to feed 1,500 people a day.
Lake Jackson Library, 3840-300 N. Monroe Street
Ft. Braden Community Center, 16387 Blountstown Hwy
Chaires Community Center, 4768 Chaires Cross Road
Canteens will serve food at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Woodville Library, 8000 Old Woodville Road at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
We will keep this list updated throughout the day as information becomes available.
