Tallahassee residents brace for freezing temperatures
November 27, 2018
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Temperatures in areas across the Big Bend are expected to dip below freezing Tuesday night.
Many people around Tallahassee were dressed for the elements, and the local shelter turned into a warming center for folks who had no place to go.
"Most people are bundled up. It's cold in Tallahassee," said Robin Cromer. "I didn't come out here quite prepared. So, had somebody bring me some scarves and mittens and I'm ready now."
Cromer spent several hours outside a Hobby Lobby ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Some people who were shopping there said they were surprised at how chilly it had gotten.
"It's really cold," said Danica Parker, who was out with her mom.
While shoppers were bundling up, the local shelters were filling up.
"Like (for) everyone on the streets, it means everything to have a place to stay," said Jeff Chapman, who has been homeless for several years.
There was a steady stream of people that entered The Kearney Center on Tuesday night.
"It's heaven because it's going to be cold. You'll be out here shivering and shaking and all of that, and not being able to eat or sleep or get warm," said Desantis Stevens. "Here you can get warm, you can eat, you'll get a place to sleep."
Stevens said he was grateful for a place to seek refuge from the frigid temperatures.
WCTV reached out to several of the shelters in town to find out how many people they expected to help, but the calls were not returned.
A recording at The Kearney Center said they would accept new clients around the clock. Returning clients had a curfew of 8 p.m. The shelter was also accepting donations of sheets, coats and blankets.
The Kearney Center is located at 2650 Municipal Way in Tallahassee. Call 850-792-9000 for more information.
November 27, 2018
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- With a freeze warning issued for early Wednesday morning, the City of Tallahassee is reminding residents to take the necessary precautions.
In a news release sent Tuesday, the city told homeowners to insulate all outside pipes, keep combustible materials away from space heaters, and check on neighbors who are more susceptible to cold weather conditions.
Still, the incoming weather didn't shake people from being outside.
"We were kind of debating what we wanted to get out and do. Had it been a little bit colder, we probably would've stayed inside," said John Harrison, who was out feeding the ducks at Lake Ella with his girlfriend. "I'm not looking forward to it, but it's not something we can't handle obviously."
"I love it, it's refreshing. I'm one of these that just melts during the summer," said Carl Barham, who was outdoors on Tuesday.
Barham said he enjoys the cold snaps of weather, but he adheres to the three "p's": Pets, pipes and plants.
"Well we cover the plants, pull a few plants in," he said.
That's a sentiment that's being echoed by local gardening stores, including Esposito Garden Center.
Employee Patrick Neill warned homeowners to take action if they are worried their plants won't survive the freezing temperatures.
"If it's still in a pot and you can manage bringing it in, you definitely can. If you can, cover it. You can even light it. Spotlights, or even Christmas lights. That'll go a long way in protecting them," said Neill.
He said the nursery at Esposito does not typically worry about their plants until the temperature reaches 28 degrees.
Still, others said the cold temperatures will send them running for cover.
"I'm actually kind of scared, you know?" said Francheska Valle, a FAMU student from Orlando. "I actually have a lot of the heated blankets. I like to turn them on and I'm snugging cozy. I'm good."
