Duval Times

After launching an inaugural cooling center effort in 2023, various City departments and partner agencies collaborated closely to expand Cooling Center operations across Jacksonville, ensuring greater relief and accessibility for the entire community.

Cooling Centers will be activated under two maximum heat index thresholds:

1. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Heat Advisory for Duval County for three or more consecutive days. The maximum heat index is expected to be between 108°F and 112°F. This threshold was reached on June 26.

2. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues an Excessive Heat Warning for one or more days. The maximum heat index is expected to reach 113°F or higher.

For extreme heat events on Mondays through Saturdays, Cooling Centers will be activated at various City of Jacksonville (COJ) facilities during normal hours of operation. These facilities will be open regardless of whether activation thresholds are met, and they include:

- All COJ Public Libraries (21 libraries): Accessible and air-conditioned spaces.

- All COJ Community Centers (24 centers): Available in multiple neighborhoods.

- All COJ Pools (29 pools) and Splash Pads (16 pads): Provide immediate cooling relief.

Residents can visit Jacksonville.gov/StayCoolJax or JaxReady.com/StayCoolJax to find a cooling center location nearby and for more information.

For extreme heat events on Sundays and holidays, two main Cooling Centers will be specifically activated from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM:

- Main Library (303 N. Laura St.)

- Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.)

Additionally, free transportation to Cooling Centers will be provided by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) on designated Heat Emergency days. Residents must inform the bus driver that they are heading to a cooling center to receive free service. By offering free rides, JTA aims to remove transportation barriers, allowing more community members access to the Cooling Centers.

For additional information on Stay Cool Jax, residents can visit Jacksonville.gov/StayCoolJax or JaxReady.com/StayCoolJax for details on locations, hours of operation, amenities for all Cooling Centers throughout Jacksonville, guidelines for staying safe during extreme heat events, recognizing heat-related illnesses, tips for pet safety, and resources for community partners.

The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving nearly one million residents. City leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Ron Salem.