UPDATE (10/5): Verizon has notified Manatee County Emergency Operations that the previously announced interruptions in 9-1-1 service have been repaired. Emergency communications in Manatee County may be reached by dialing 9-1-1.
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (October 4, 2022) – Due to network issues with Verizon, customers cannot dial 9-1-1 in Florida locations from Jacksonville to the Keys.
This affects all emergency calls and texts placed to 9-1-1 on the Verizon Wireless Network. During those calls, the 9-1-1 telecommunicator cannot hear, speak or text the caller.
Manatee County Public Safety has made the State and Federal Communications Commission aware.
While the FCC and State are addressing this issue, operators in Manatee have found a workaround: If someone calls 9-1-1 on the Verizon Wireless Network, telecommunicators disconnect and dial the number back from a 10-digit line to process and take the call.
Alternatively, callers may call (941) 748-2222 until this 9-1-1 issue is resolved.