Update: A spokesperson for Verizon Wireless said service is fully restored for the Tampa Bay area after widespread outages.
Verizon spokesperson Kate Jay said engineers fixed the problem around 2:45 a.m. Friday.
Original Story: Verizon Wireless customers are experiencing service outages, a spokesperson says, and the company is working to fix the problem.
At least one website that tracks outages, Downdetector.com, shows an outage covering much the Tampa Bay area, as far south as Sarasota.
There are also many tweets from customers saying they have lost service.
Local emergency agencies have also been affected by the outage:
* Tampa police say the outage is not affecting their emergency and non-emergency lines.
* St. Petersburg police say they are not receiving 911 calls from Verizon customers, and their non-emergency number is out. To reach them, call (727) 893-7762.
* Clearwater police's communication center is still able to receive 911 and non-emergency calls as long as the caller is not dialing from a Verizon Wireless phone. Those who have a Verizon cell phone should use a landline instead or a cell phone from another carrier. If you have an emergency, call 911 as always. If you have a police non-emergency matter, call (727) 562-4242.
* The Highlands County Sheriff's Office said Verizon services are back up and running in the county.
* The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said its emergency center is operational, but people trying to dial 911 from a Verizon cell phone should seek a landline to place their 911 call.
* Pinellas County asks customer trying to dial 911 from a Verizon line to use a landline phone. You may also dial (727) 847-8102.
* Polk County Fire Rescue says its 911 center is operational, but Verizon subscribers trying to dial 911 from a Verizon line should use a landline phone to place their 911 call. You may also dial (863) 401-2222.
* The Pasco County Sheriff's Office says the outage in the area is resolved.
* The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says their 911 center is unable to receive or dial out to any Verizon users, so they are asking Verizon customers to use another carrier or landline if possible.
* And Manatee County officials are also warning Verizon customers are unable to call 911 and should use a landline.
A Verizon spokesperson says the company is aware of the issue and are working to identify and resolve it.
Stay with WTSP.com for updates.
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