Local public transit system Lynx is providing free bus rides to and from designated cooling centers in Orange County this week, as the local heat index is expected to exceed 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooling centers in Orange County offering relief from the heat include county community centers, county libraries, recreation centers, parks with outdoor splashpads and certain homeless service facilities, such as the Christian Service Center and Coalition for the Homeless during operating hours.
You can find a full list of all cooling centers and their hours of service at the bottom of this post.
The local heat index, often referred to as the “feels like” temperature, takes into account the outside air temperature plus humidity. A heat index above 103 degrees is considered dangerous, according to the National Weather Service. Effects on the body may include heat-related cramping, heat exhaustion and potential heat stroke with prolonged exposure.
Even with these free bus rides activated, however, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they believe that they or someone in the community is experiencing a heat-related emergency.
A heat advisory is issued in the county if the heat index is expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees. This is elevated to an “extreme” heat advisory if the heat index is predicted to surpass 112 degrees. Heat index values are expected to reach up to 106 degrees this Tuesday.
County officials want locals to know there’s assistance available.
“There’s a common misconception that cooling locations only open when we hit a certain number,” said Carlos Durden, assistant manager of the county Office of Emergency Management, in a statement. “In reality, these places are always available during normal business hours for anyone who needs relief from the heat.”
Local homeless advocates urged county officials last month to expand access to cooling centers by lowering the county’s heat index activation threshold. Previously, cooling centers would be “activated” and Lynx buses would transport people to cooling centers for free if the heat index reached 108 degrees. Now, the county will take action if the heat index reaches 103 degrees.
“I do believe that it is a public safety and a public health issue,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said, after advocates pressed county officials on the issue during a May board meeting. “It’s the right thing to do at the right time. Those of you who spoke, thank you for bringing it to our attention.”
People who spend a prolonged amount of time outdoors, including outdoor workers and the homeless, are at a greater risk of suffering heat-related injuries — some of which can be life-threatening. The elderly, children and pregnant people can also be more vulnerable to suffering heat-related illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, headache and irritability. Symptoms of heat stroke — a life-threatening condition — may include confusion, slurred speech, seizures, very high body temperature and loss of consciousness.
Orange County parks (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday)
- Barnett Recreation Center
- Bithlo Community Park
- Goldenrod Recreation Center
- Magnolia Park Eco Education Center
- Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex
- Meadow Woods Recreation Center (Magic Gym)
- Orlo Vista Park
- Renaissance Senior Center/South Econ Community Park
- Silver Star Recreation Center (Magic Gym)
- Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve (8 a.m.- 6 p.m.)
- West Orange Recreation Center
Splashpads (Hours vary by location)
- Barber Park
- Barnett Park/Barnett Gym
- Bithlo Community Park
- Capehart Park
- Downey Park
- Dr. P Phillips Community Park
Libraries (Hours vary by location)
- Alafaya Branch
- Chickasaw Branch
- Eatonville Branch
- Fairview Shores Branch
- Hiawassee Branch
- Maitland Public Library
- North Orange Branch
- Orlando Public Library
- South Creek Branch
- South Trail Branch
- Southeast Branch
- Southwest Branch
- Washington Park Branch
- West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center
- Windermere Branch
- Winter Garden Branch
- Winter Park Library
Community Centers (M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- East Orange Community Center (Noon to 5 p.m.)
- Holden Heights Community Center
- John Bridges Community Center
- Maxey Community Center
- Multicultural Center
- Taft Community Center (Noon to 5 p.m.)
- Willow Street Community Center
Homeless Shelters (Hours vary by location)
- Christian Service Center
- Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Subscribe to Orlando Weekly newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky | Or sign up for our RSS Feed
