St. Lucie County Extends Cold Weather Shelter to Feb. 3

Published on February 02, 2026

Shared on behalf of St. Lucie County:

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – In partnership with St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce, In the Image of Christ will extend the operations of the emergency cold weather shelter at the Percy Peek Gym, located at 2902 Ave. D through Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Cold Weather Shelter Available

Address: Percy Peek Gym, 2902 Avenue D, Fort Pierce
Dates: Saturday, Jan. 31, Sunday, Feb. 1 and Monday, Feb. 2, opening at 5 p.m. and closing at 8 a.m. the following day.

For individuals who need transportation to the temporary shelter, the Area Regional Transit (ART) will provide free transportation at the locations below, starting from Saturday, Jan. 31 from 6 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m.

Port St. Lucie Intermodal Station, 395 SE Deacon Ave. in Port St. Lucie
Fort Pierce Intermodal Facility, 725 Avenue D, Fort Pierce
Prima Vista Crossing Bus Stop on Prima Vista, east of U.S. 1
Pinewood Park, 820 Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Pierce
Kilmer Branch Library, 101 Melody Lane in Fort Pierce
Publix Plaza at Taylor Creek, 1851 North U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce
Percy Peek Gym, 2902 Ave. D in Fort Pierce

For more information about the emergency cold weather shelter at Percy Peek Gym, contact Pastor Hazel Hoylman with In the Image of Christ at 772-359-9653. In the Image of Christ is a community-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with St. Lucie County to operate an emergency cold weather shelter when temperatures drop below 40 degrees for more than four hours.

Please note that space is not available for bulky or numerous items. Riders are allowed up to four bags with a weight limit of 10 pounds each. Riders may not transport explosives, illegal substances, flammable liquids or materials hazardous to themselves, the driver or other riders.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Residents are urged to follow these important safety guidelines:

Protect People

Limit outdoor exposure, particularly overnight and early morning hours.
Dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and warm footwear.
Check on elderly neighbors, children, and those with medical conditions.
Never use grills, generators, or fuel-burning devices indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.

Protect Pets

Bring pets indoors whenever possible.
Ensure outdoor animals have warm, dry shelter and access to unfrozen water.
Never leave pets in vehicles during cold temperatures.

Protect Pipes and Property

Insulate exposed pipes and allow faucets to drip slightly.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
Know how to shut off your water supply in case of a pipe failure.

Use Space Heaters Safely

Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable materials.
Turn heaters off before sleeping or leaving the room.
Plug heaters directly into wall outlets; avoid extension cords.

Critical Fire Safety & Outdoor Burning

With extreme dry conditions and high winds expected, the risk of wildfire is significantly elevated. Residents are urged to:

Avoid Outdoor Burning: Forego using fire pits, bonfires or trash burning. Wind-blown embers can travel long distances and ignite dry vegetation instantly.
Maintain Clear Space: If using a grill or smoker, ensure it is at least 10 feet away from structures, overhanging branches and dry grass.
Vehicle Safety: Do not park vehicles on dry grass. Heat from the exhaust system can ignite a fire.

Stay Informed

Monitor local weather forecasts and official county communications.
Use 911 for emergencies only. For non-emergency needs, 772-465-5770.

The St. Lucie County Public Safety Department remains committed to protecting the community and encourages residents to prepare ahead of time to reduce risks during extreme cold weather.