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911 system down in Pasco

The breakdown occurred just before 11 a.m. Officials continue to work on fixing the emergency system.

TIMES STAFF
Published November 2, 2005

A fiber break in New Port Richey caused phone problems today and shut down the county's 911 system.

The break occurred just before 11 a.m., officials said. Pasco County Communications officials say they are working with Verizon to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.

The Pasco County Sheriff s Office is asking residents seeking emergency assistance from the Sheriff s Office to call (813) 929-1204 or (352) 567-5131. People needing to contact the Sheriff s Office for a non-emergency are asked to call (813) 996-6982.

Pasco County 911 officials say they are re-routing 911 calls to other 911 systems. At this time, 911 calls are being re-routed to 911 operators in Dade City. However, additional locations are being secured to handle the overload from Dade City. If residents call 911 and receive a busy signal, they are asked to call back until the call is connected.

Residents who need to reach any county government department or office are asked to call toll free 1-800-368-4274 or (352) 521-4274. Operators in Dade City will answer these calls and then transfer them to the appropriate department or office.

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