Preparing for colder temperatures moving through Southwest Florida

Near-freezing temperatures are headed to Southwest Florida, and WINK News wants you to be prepared.

This weekend is the Lover’s Key State Park Boat Show, and, despite the cold weather, people are coming out.

Those of us in Southwest Florida rarely see temperatures like this and may not even know where our coats and gloves are. But, for those traveling to the boat show who see temperatures in the 30s, they’re not intimidated.

For example, this isn’t Mary Lou’s first rodeo. “Originally from Vermont, but I lived most of the time in New Hampshire,” she said.

So now that she lives in Southwest Florida, she’s pretty over the cold weather. “I think New Hampshire tried to follow us … but they can … they can ******,” Mary Lou said.

And, for now, stores like Walmart are running out of the perfect ingredients to endure a cold-weather weekend.

Kathy is originally from Ohio and stopped by Walmart only to realize they were out of essential things. “Everyone’s getting preparations to make chili … because it’s supposed to be very chilly this weekend,” said Kathy.

So WINK News reporter Michael Hudak also took a trip to Walmart, and Kathy was right. Many told WINK News that they couldn’t find any saltine crackers. So, when WINK went to investigate, there was one empty box left on the shelf.

Times like this make Mary Lou think about her friends back in New Hampshire. But here, she can thank her lucky stars. Because “Florida cold” is no issue for her.

“They’re probably getting a lot of snow. But … they can have that too,” said Mary Lou. “Oh yes, oh yes, you couldn’t pay me to go back there.”

Despite the dip in temperatures, the show must go on at Lover’s Key Nautical Market and Boat Show. A spokesperson for the boat show said he doesn’t expect the cold to impact visitors.

And while many of us are going to stay inside, some refuse to put their plans “on ice.” Boats at the boat show will be out on the water, and so will some people.

Bramkovrbanek is Canadian, and yes, that’s what he calls himself. Or, you can call him Brian. Some, however, call him insane. 

Bramkovrbanek plans on getting in the water this weekend. “Yeah, yeah. I’m going to try least if I can, yeah,” he said.