New Year's Delivers Cold Blast to SWFL

As the New Year arrived for southwest Floridians, so, too, did a blast of arctic air that has made things difficult for many residents. From freezing citrus and vegetable farm produce to unbearably cold overnight temperatures moving in on residents, the swift change to cooler conditions has been a hardship for more than a few in our area.





Cooler temperatures have meant most south Floridians would be trying to turn on their heaters, find extra blankets, and secure their homes and families against the harsh and often bitter cold. Throughout the majority of the year, Florida is typically a hot, humid and unusually warm locale.

It's not just families that have to deal with the cold, but also the business community. As the local tourist season is well underway, many of southwest Florida's business owners (particularly the food industry) have had to deal with slower-than-normal traffic in their establishments. Ultimately, it affects all business, due to the local economy's interdependence. The freezing temperatures hit our state's citrus industry the hardest. Once temperatures fall below 28 degrees, citrus fruit is a total loss for farmers

Pets have a hard time with the cold, too, as many are forced to live outdoors. Families that have outdoor pets should arrange bedding or sleeping quarters that protect a pet from the wind and sleet and even snow!

The Salvation Army is busy soliciting and distributing blanket donations and homeless shelters are open and helping to keep persons who are without a home safe during this severe weather. Fortunately, the freezing temperatures aren't expected to last too long before warmer temperatures, once again, prevail.