When someone calls 911 in Punta Gorda, the call goes directly to the city’s dispatch center. But that process could soon change.
Charlotte County commissioners are considering a proposal that would merge Punta Gorda 911 calls and county 911 calls. If the change happens, a caller would first be connected to Charlotte County dispatch before being rerouted to Punta Gorda.
City officials and some residents are concerned that the additional step could slow response times. The county sheriff, Bill Prumell, argues the opposite.
Punta Gorda resident Kathleen Davis said she experienced the city’s quick response firsthand.
“We called 911. I had the phone in my hand because it woke me up,” Davis said. “While we were still in the yard, I could hear the sirens coming — and I was still on the phone. They came immediately.”
In February, Punta Gorda’s City Council voted to keep its dispatch system independent. At a council meeting Wednesday, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell explained once again why he wants 911 calls to be merged.
“If the county moves forward, all 911 calls will go into my dispatch center,” Prummell said. “It kind of reverses the issue.”
Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith said the current system works well and already provides strong coordination with the county. She noted that both departments share radio channels and follow recommended interoperability practices.
“I want what the citizens want, and that’s to keep the dispatch center the way it is,” Smith said. “We do a great job. There are no issues here.”
Smith also referenced the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, which recommended emergency communication improvements statewide. She said Punta Gorda’s current model aligns with those guidelines.
Punta Gorda Fire Chief Holden Gibbs agrees with the police chief. His department also wants to keep dispatch services in the city.
“We do a great job. We have great response times,” Gibbs said. “We have control over our messages and protocols. We think our times are better than the county’s right now.”
Davis said she believes the city’s system is exemplary, though she acknowledged the county’s dispatch system is effective in its own way.
Punta Gorda has not changed its position and continues to oppose the proposed merger.
Next, the vote goes to Charlotte County commissioners. They are expected to vote on the plan on April 22.
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