Sarasota County
From June 25 to 28, 2026, when Sarasota County faces triple-digit heat indexes, residents can cool off at public libraries, recreation centers, and malls, all free to use during regular hours. If you’re looking for nearby spots, check the “Mapping Heat Vulnerability in Sarasota County” tool. The county highlights North Sarasota, Venice, and North Port as the areas most at risk.
If you’re struggling with rising utility bills or facing a shut-off, there’s help. Seniors 60 and older can apply for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) by reaching out to the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida or calling the Elder Helpline. This program helps cover cooling costs and keeps the lights on during peak heat.
The main Statewide Florida Elder Helpline number is 1-800-963-5337 (or 1-800-96-ELDER).
Depending on your specific need in Sarasota County, you can reach the right department directly using these phone numbers:
Local & Regional Helplines
- Southwest Florida Regional Elder Helpline: Call 866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER). This routes directly to the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, which serves Sarasota County seniors with local program screeners, benefits counseling, and resource referrals.
- Sarasota County Government Aging System: Call 941-861-5000 (or dial 311) to connect with Sarasota County Aging System Coordination for local human services and programs.
For extra tips on heat safety or ways to keep your home cool, explore the Extreme Heat hub on the Sarasota County website. And for those hit by unexpected crises, nonprofit partners like the Salvation Army of Sarasota offer once-a-year emergency help with utility and rent payments.
Charlotte County
The National Weather Service issued Heat Advisories for Central West and Southwest Florida, with heat indices soaring to 105–110°F. Charlotte County responds by opening its air-conditioned public libraries in Englewood, Port Charlotte, and Punta Gorda, and regional recreation centers like Harold Avenue, Centennial, and South County Regional Park.
If you’re worried about keeping up with electric bills, Charlotte County provides emergency funding through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and EHEAP. Applications are available online through the Florida LIHEAP portal. Local utility customers facing disconnection can also turn to the HeartShip Program for emergency grants, administered by the county’s Human Services and Utilities Customer Service.
Charlotte County Emergency Management stresses staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and regularly checking on seniors, children, and pets. For real-time alerts, sign up for the Alert Charlotte system to get updates by text or email.
Lee County
In Lee County, Human & Veteran Services, LeeTran, and the Library System, alongside local partners, offer support to people experiencing homelessness and others vulnerable to the heat. LeeTran will station cooling buses at key locations like Cape Coral Transfer Station, Lehigh Acres Park & Ride, and Merchants Crossing Transfer Station from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 25 and 26.
United Way Resiliency Hubs provide additional relief:
– In Alva, the Charleston Park United Way Resiliency Hub at Goodwill Industries (2541 Charleston Park Drive) will open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 25–26.
– Bonita Springs’ hub, at the Literacy Council Gulf Coast (26820 Old 41 Rd.), runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 25–26.
– The West Cape Coral hub at Goodwill Industries (1499 SW Pine Island Rd.) opens 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 25–26.
- East Fort Myers offers the United Way Resiliency Hub at the Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL (4040 Palm) for relief.
Lee County’s coordinated entry phone line is available to connect individuals to services and resources. Call 239-533-7996 or click here.
All three counties urge residents to take heat warnings seriously and use these resources to stay safe and healthy during extreme conditions.
