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Punta Gorda council hears strong public opposition to sheriff-led 911 consolidation; motion to retain city dispatch made
Summary
The council heard extensive public comment and staff discussion opposing a proposal to transfer city 911 dispatch to the county sheriff. A motion was made and seconded to keep the city'operated dispatch; a final recorded vote does not appear in the transcript.
Public safety and local control were the focus of lengthy testimony and council discussion on Feb. 19 as Punta Gorda residents, first responders and city staff urged the city to retain its independent 911 dispatch service rather than consolidate it under the Charlotte County sheriff.
Residents and emergency professionals said the city-operated dispatch delivers faster response times and closer coordination with city police and fire units. Keith Dennis Miller, who identified himself as an emergency physician and EMS systems specialist, urged the council to "reject any plan that allows the county sheriff to take control of our 911 communication center," calling consolidation a public-safety and accountability risk. "The sheriff's an elected official, not a neutral administrator," Miller said.
Pam Smith, speaking…
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