A new hotline will connect Manatee County residents with resources. Dial 311 for help
Getting help from Manatee County will be streamlined thanks to a new all-in-one hotline that launches on March 11.
Starting next week, any resident in the county may dial 311 for non-emergency assistance. The new system replaces 10 of the county’s call lines and simplifies efforts to receive information. Those in need of an emergency response should always call 911.
“This service will allow us to quickly and efficiently handle citizens’ needs while providing feedback along the way,” said Public Safety Director Jacob Saur. “From potholes to complaints, citizens no longer need to know who to call. Just dial 3-1-1 and we will help you.”
311 is an evolution of the county’s current Citizen Action Center, which handles incoming phone calls and redirects callers to the proper department. The number can be used to ask about county parks, request graffiti removal and report code violations.
In a video announcing the 2019 budget last May, County Administrator Cheri Coryea said the call center will be based out of the Public Safety Center and will be able to expand during emergencies and significant events, such as hurricanes.
The service will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. It will also launch with a website and a mobile app for smartphones, where users can create an account and receive updates on the status of their complaint or request, according to a press release.
Manatee will launch the new One Call Resolution Center March 11 at 3:11 p.m. For more information, visit www.MyManatee.org/311
This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
