Orlando Health Brief: Cold Shelters, Fire Risk, and New Care Milestones

Weather whiplash: cold shelters through Feb. 24

Central Florida’s late-winter swing brought another reminder that cold can be a health risk in Florida. Local governments and partner nonprofits opened temporary warming centers and overnight shelters across the region through Feb. 24, prioritizing people who are unhoused, older adults, and anyone without safe heat at home.

If you’re helping a friend or family member, encourage them to go early, bring needed medications, and pack basics like a phone charger and a warm layer. Cold stress can worsen heart and lung conditions, and it also raises the risk of falls when people rush to stay warm.

Dry air + wind = higher fire danger (and smoke concerns)

While temperatures dipped, meteorologists also warned that very dry air and gusty winds can increase wildfire risk. On Feb. 23, crews fought brush fires in the area, and forecasters emphasized how quickly flames can spread under low humidity.

Smoke is more than an inconvenience: it can irritate eyes and airways and can trigger asthma or COPD symptoms. If you notice smoke in your neighborhood, limit outdoor exercise, keep rescue inhalers handy, and consider a well-fitting respirator mask if you must be outside for an extended period.

Care closer to home: Winter Garden cancer institute milestone

In a separate health development, AdventHealth marked a construction milestone for its Cancer Institute at Winter Garden. The facility is expected to be completed by early summer 2026 and is designed to expand access to oncology services in West Orange and South Lake counties, reducing travel time for treatment and follow-up visits.

Heart Month reminder: prevention still wins

AdventHealth also used American Heart Month to spotlight practical, everyday steps that support cardiovascular health, including staying active, eating heart-healthy foods, and following up on blood pressure and cholesterol. If you’ve had chest pressure, unusual shortness of breath, or new fatigue, don’t ‘wait it out’ — call your clinician or seek urgent care, especially if symptoms are sudden or severe.

Quick actions for today

Check on neighbors who may need a warm place to sleep, especially seniors and people living alone.
Avoid outdoor burning and use caution with grills, fire pits, and cigarettes during dry, windy conditions.
If you have asthma, refill controller and rescue meds before the next smoke or pollen spike.
Pick one heart-health habit you can do this week: a 10-minute walk, less sodium, or a blood pressure check.

Sources

https://www.wftv.com/news/local/temporary-warming-centers-cold-weather-shelters-open-central-florida/AEUQDNHQPRBUPL6WJW4HVFTRHI/
https://www.clickorlando.com/weather/2026/02/20/record-breaking-warmth-arrives-in-central-florida-hottest-stretch-since-early-november/
https://www.wesh.com/article/fire-threat-cold-weather-central-florida-orlando/70460276
https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/orange-county-daytona-beach-brush-fire-florida-red-flag-warning
https://www.adventhealth.com/news/a-new-chapter-cancer-care-west-orange-and-south-lake-counties
https://www.adventhealth.com/news/heart-month-highlights-supporting-your-heart-health-hospital-home