Port Charlotte, December 30, 2025
The Charlotte CARE Center in Port Charlotte opens tonight for cold-weather shelter, providing vital services to the homeless. This emergency shelter offers a low-barrier environment for individuals and families, as well as intensive case management aimed at transitioning them to permanent housing. The center will also support hunger prevention with daily meals and a community food pantry. The opening aligns with forecasts predicting a drop in temperatures, emphasizing the urgent need for shelter and support in the community.
Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte, Florida – As temperatures drop, the Charlotte CARE Center, formerly known as the Homeless Coalition, will open its doors tonight, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to provide much-needed cold-weather shelter. Located at 1476 Kenesaw Street in Port Charlotte, the center serves as a vital entry point for homeless services, operating 365 days a year.
The emergency shelter offers a safe, supervised, and low-barrier environment, providing temporary accommodation for up to 30 days. The organization employs an intensive case management approach with a “housing first” philosophy, aiming to transition newly homeless individuals and families quickly into permanent housing. Beyond shelter, the Charlotte CARE Center also runs hunger prevention programs, offering daily hot meals and operating a community food pantry for all residents of Charlotte County in need. The decision to open the shelter aligns with the cold weather forecast for Port Charlotte, where temperatures are expected to reach a low of 38°F tonight, December 30, 2025. December typically brings cooler, sunny conditions to the area, though specific cold fronts can lead to significantly lower nighttime temperatures.
Sarasota County Leadership and Community Recognitions
Meanwhile, in neighboring Sarasota County, leadership changes and community reflections are also making headlines. Shelia Roberson has been officially appointed as Sarasota County’s new Director of Communications. In this pivotal role, Roberson will oversee critical departmental operations, including 311 services, Public Records, Creative Services, and the Public Information and Community Outreach divisions. Her extensive career with the county spans over 23 years, contributing to more than 30 years in the public sector. Roberson had served as interim Communications Director since July. Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis commended her for her experience in fostering community partnerships and her deep understanding of public service, which brings valuable insight into public operations and community needs.
Elsewhere in the region, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is acknowledging its impactful history within Venice and the broader South Sarasota County area. This reflection comes as the organization prepares to welcome Jessica Muroff as its new President and CEO in January 2026. Established in 1979, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has consistently inspired charitable giving to strengthen the region for its residents. Its legacy includes significant contributions to recovery efforts, such as awarding a grant to United Way for hurricane survivors, as well as supporting various cultural development projects like the Venice Art Center. This period also coincides with the City of Venice’s Centennial Celebrations, a series of events running from November 29, 2025, to May 2027, aimed at sharing the city’s rich history and fostering community engagement.
Ongoing Efforts to Preserve Florida’s Coastlines
Across the state, proactive measures continue to address the critical issue of coastal erosion. As of August 2024, Florida faces the challenge of 432.8 miles of critically eroded beaches and an additional 9.1 miles of critically eroded inlet shoreline statewide. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is tasked with identifying these vulnerable shorelines and developing a comprehensive, long-term management strategy for their restoration.
Beach and dune restoration projects, which involve placing sand on eroded beaches, are ongoing statewide. These efforts are crucial for repairing areas damaged by severe storms and combating natural erosion processes. For instance, in Pinellas County, a substantial 35-mile beach restoration project is underway, funded by over $125 million in tourism tax revenue, following the impacts of multiple hurricanes in 2024. Similarly, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has allocated significant federal funding for beach restoration projects in northeast Florida throughout 2024 and 2025, addressing damage from hurricanes and ongoing erosion. While these projects are vital for coastal protection and habitat preservation, some initiatives have encountered complexities, including challenges related to securing landowner easements necessary for project implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Charlotte CARE Center and when is it opening as a cold-weather shelter?
The Charlotte CARE Center, formerly known as the Homeless Coalition, is a point of entry for homeless services in Port Charlotte, Florida. It will open as a cold-weather shelter tonight, Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
What services does the Charlotte CARE Center provide?
The Charlotte CARE Center provides emergency shelter for up to 30 days, intensive case management with a “housing first” approach to help clients transition to permanent housing, and hunger prevention programs including daily hot meals and a community food pantry.
Who is the new Director of Communications for Sarasota County?
Shelia Roberson has been appointed as Sarasota County’s new Director of Communications.
What is the scope of Roberson’s new role in Sarasota County?
In her role as Director of Communications, Shelia Roberson will oversee the 311 services, Public Records, Creative Services, and Public Information and Community Outreach divisions for Sarasota County.
What is the Community Foundation of Sarasota County currently doing?
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is reflecting on its legacy in Venice and South Sarasota County as it prepares to welcome a new President and CEO. It also continues to support charitable giving, recovery efforts, and cultural development projects.
How many miles of critically eroded beaches does Florida have?
As of August 2024, Florida has 432.8 miles of critically eroded beaches and an additional 9.1 miles of critically eroded inlet shoreline statewide.
What efforts are being made to address Florida’s critically eroded beaches?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) identifies critically eroded beaches and develops comprehensive long-term management plans for their restoration. Beach and dune restoration projects are ongoing, involving placing sand on eroded areas, often with federal and local funding.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Weather Shelter Opening | Charlotte CARE Center opening tonight, December 30, 2025, for emergency shelter and hunger prevention. | Port Charlotte, Florida |
| Sarasota County Communications Director Appointment | Shelia Roberson appointed to oversee 311, Public Records, Creative Services, and Public Information and Community Outreach divisions. | Sarasota County, Florida |
| Community Foundation of Sarasota County Legacy | Reflecting on initiatives and programs in Venice and South Sarasota County, preparing for new CEO, supporting charitable giving and recovery efforts. | Sarasota County, Florida |
| Critically Eroded Beaches (State-level) | 432.8 miles of critically eroded beaches and 9.1 miles of critically eroded inlet shoreline as of August 2024. | State-level (Florida) |
| Beach Restoration Projects (State-level) | Ongoing projects by FDEP and US Army Corps of Engineers, involving sand placement to combat erosion from storms and natural processes. | State-level (Florida) |
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