Orange County Lowers Heat Threshold for Free Bus Rides

Orange County lowered the heat index threshold for free LYNX bus rides to cooling locations from 108 degrees to 103 degrees, removing transportation barriers for residents vulnerable to extreme heat.

When the heat index reaches 103 degrees, LYNX will provide free rides to and from designated cooling sites. The National Weather Service warns that prolonged exposure to a 103-degree heat index can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Cooling locations remain open year-round during normal business hours regardless of temperature. The 103-degree threshold only triggers free bus service.

Orange County Parks and Recreation operates 11 cooling facilities Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. They include Barnett Recreation Center, Bithlo Community Park, Goldenrod Recreation Center, Magnolia Park Eco Education Center, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, Meadow Woods Recreation Center, Orlo Vista Park, Renaissance Senior Center Recreation Center, Silver Star Recreation Center, Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, and West Orange Recreation Center.

Splash pads at Barber Park, Barnett Park, Bithlo Community Park, Capehart Park, Downey Park, and Dr. P Phillips Community Park offer additional relief. The 21 Orange County Library System branches provide air-conditioned spaces. Seven community centers operate weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with East Orange and Taft centers opening at noon. Christian Service Center and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida also serve as cooling locations.

Residents experiencing heat-related emergencies should call 911.