City Notices: Cold Weather Emergency and Energy Conservation Alerts

Cold Weather Emergency: Warming Centers and Transportation

The City of Orlando and Orange County Government have issued a cold weather advisory effective through Monday, February 2, 2026. Due to forecasted overnight temperatures falling between 24 and 29 degrees, official warming centers are currently open and will remain operational continuously until 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Residents in need of shelter are encouraged to visit the following locations:

• Orlando Union Rescue Mission: 3300 West Colonial Drive
• The Salvation Army Orlando (Men Only): 624 Lexington Ave.
• The Salvation Army Orlando (Women and Children): 400 West Colonial Drive
• Goldenrod Recreation Center: 4863 North Goldenrod Road

For residents in rural East Orange County, Bithlo Community Park is serving as a primary transportation hub. LYNX bus pickups are scheduled for today, Sunday, February 1, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to transport individuals to the Goldenrod Recreation Center. Please note that warming centers are closed to the media to ensure the privacy and safety of those seeking shelter.

Utility Notice: OUC Energy Conservation Alert

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) has issued a conservation alert for Sunday, February 1, and Monday, February 2, 2026. The extreme cold has caused a significant spike in energy demand as heating systems work at maximum capacity. OUC officials recommend that customers reduce energy consumption during peak morning hours when the grid is under the most strain. Recommended actions include lowering thermostats to 68 degrees or cooler, closing curtains to retain heat, and delaying the use of large appliances such as dishwashers and laundry machines until midday.

Public Notice: 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and Grant Funding

The City of Orlando has officially begun the local application process for the 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan. This five-year plan identifies community development priorities and strategies to support low- and moderate-income residents. The city is currently soliciting proposals from non-profit organizations for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding. Key dates for this cycle include:

• February 9, 2026: Mandatory pre-application links become available on the city's housing portal.
• February 16, 2026: First Public Hearing and Application Workshop at Orlando City Hall, 9th Floor (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.).
• March 27, 2026: Final application deadline.

Upcoming City Council and Board Meetings

Official city business continues this week with several scheduled public meetings. Residents are invited to attend in person at City Hall or virtually via official streaming platforms:

• Monday, February 2, 2026: Mayor Buddy Dyer and Commissioner Tony Ortiz will hold a district meeting.
• Wednesday, February 4, 2026: The Historic Preservation Board will meet in a hybrid format to discuss local landmark protections.
• Monday, February 9, 2026: The next full City Council Meeting and CRA Workshop are scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.

Seasonal Watering Restrictions Reminder

The City of Orlando remains under Eastern Standard Time watering restrictions. Mandatory lawn watering is limited to one day per week until the second Sunday in March. For properties of less than one acre, irrigation is only permitted before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. on your designated day. For residential addresses ending in an even number, today, Sunday, is the designated watering day. Residents using reclaimed water for irrigation are currently exempt from these specific day-of-week restrictions.