(Brooksville, FL) – In response to forecasted cold temperatures, Hernando County Emergency Management, in partnership with the City of Brooksville, is opening a Warming Center to provide warmth to those in need. The Warming Center will operate at the Enrichment Center, located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601. The center will open Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. and remain open overnight until 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Overnight operations will continue each evening, from 8:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. through Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Important Information:

• The Warming Center will not include meals or cots.
• Pets are not accepted in the Warming Center.
• Hernando County Transit (TheBus) will provide transportation to the Warming Center. TheBus will pick up residents at the Walmart on U.S. 41, located at 7305 Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601, at 8:00 p.m. on January 26, and will drop residents off at the same Walmart at 8:00 a.m. on January 27. More information about transportation can be found on TheBus’s website at https://www.hernandocounty.us/living-here/transit-thebus/.

Cold Weather Supplies Distribution Sites:

• Locations offering free cold weather supplies, such as gloves, hand warmers, socks, and blankets, can be found at the distribution sites below:

o   People Helping People: Address: 1396 Kass Cir, Spring Hill, FL 34606 Phone: (352) 686-4466. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday from 9:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

o   NAMI Hernando Address: 4030 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606 Phone: (352) 684-0004. Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday from: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

o   Hernando Mentorship Empowerment Address: 209 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Brooksville, Fl 34601 Phone: 248-444-8027. Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 3:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Steps to Prepare for Cold Weather:

• Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may result in hypothermia, particularly for individuals spending extended periods outdoors. Residents should remain indoors when possible, bring pets inside, and cover or relocate cold-sensitive plants. Pets should not be left outdoors during cold weather.
•  Frost and freezing conditions may damage vegetation and plants and may cause exposed pipes to freeze. Residents with pools should consider running pool pumps overnight during freezing temperatures to help prevent damage.
•  Residents are encouraged to monitor local media outlets or the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/tbw/ for the most current weather information. The Emergency Operations Center is not activated at this time.