Bay County Emergency Services and Rebuild Bay County will open a cooling shelter beginning Saturday, July 26, in anticipation of a forecasted heatwave.
The shelter will be located at A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th Street, Panama City and will be open during the hottest part of the day through next Friday.
Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26 and Sunday July 27. On Monday and Tuesday, July 28 and 29, the cooling shelter will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 through Friday, Aug. 1, the cooling shelter will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone seeking refuge from the heat can show up during the hours of operation listed above. The shelter is intended for people who are homeless or who cannot maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes, who can care for themselves, and who are not at risk to themselves or others. No person who is disoriented, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or unable to walk unaided due to intoxication will be admitted. Alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, guns or weapons are not permitted.
Bottled water will be offered.
Physical donations are NOT requested at this time. Text the word DONATE to (850) 783-4311 or visit the Rebuild Bay County website at rebuildbaycounty.org to make a monetary donation.
For questions regarding the cooling shelter, call 2-1-1 or call (850) 481-1357 during normal business hours.