10/30/2026
🎃 Halloween by the numbers!
Ever wonder what Halloween looks like behind the scenes for our 911, EMS, and other first responder teams? We took a look at Manatee County's call data from Oct. 31, 2025, and found a few interesting things.
🩺 Sick person calls topped the list, with 23 calls.
🍂 Falls came in second, with 17 calls.
🚗 Motor vehicle crashes followed, with 14 calls.
And here's one detail that stood out: 5 p.m. was the busiest hour for 911 calls overall. It was also the hour with the highest number of calls for any single type of incident, with five motor vehicle crashes reported.
As families head out for Halloween festivities, a few simple precautions can help everyone get home safely:
🎃 For drivers:
Slow down in neighborhoods and watch carefully for children crossing the street.
Avoid distractions and never drive impaired.
Be especially alert around driveways, intersections, and parked cars.
🔦 For families and trick-or-treaters:
Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
Carry a flashlight or use reflective gear to help drivers see you.
Stay with young children and look both ways before crossing.
Make sure costumes fit properly and don't obstruct vision or create a tripping hazard.
Parents should inspect candy prior to their kids eating it. Be sure any opened or unwrapped candy is discarded.
A little extra attention goes a long way. Have fun, look out for one another and have a safe Halloween! 👻