Marion County 911 phone lines restored after going down, forcing emergency help by text only

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said late Friday that all 911 and non-emergency phone lines had been restored after going down earlier that day.

Residents needing emergency assistance were urged to text 911 from their mobile devices, with the sheriff’s office emphasizing that calling would not connect you to help.

“Please do not call—text is the only way to reach help at this time,” the sheriff’s office said in a post on social media.