Emergency Response to Sinkhole in Florida
Florida’s emergency management officials rushed to the scene of a sizable sinkhole, echoing a similar incident that occurred three months prior.
According to reports from neighbors, the current sinkhole, although concerning, is smaller in scale than the one that emerged in June, which is a relief for the local community.
Polk County authorities, in conversation with FOX 13 Tampa Bay, confirmed that the latest sinkhole, located near Scott Lake Road and Aiden Lane, spans 50 feet in width and plunges 12 feet deep on privately-owned land. Importantly, this sinkhole posed no immediate threat to public roads or nearby residences.
Notably, the initial sinkhole that hit the same area was a whopping 75 feet wide and had appeared along Scott Lake Road, just south of Fitzgerald Road in southern Lakeland. At that time, officials speculated that it might be linked to a well on the site. Nevertheless, the hole was filled and has since been concealed by growing vegetation, as reported by The Ledger of Lakeland.
Repeat Appearance of Sinkhole in Florida
The more recent, smaller sinkhole was reported on a Friday, with plans in place to have it filled with dirt by the following Saturday, courtesy of contracted professionals who own the land.
Both sinkholes share a common factor: they are situated on property owned by Acres at Scott Lake LLC, a company belonging to Lakeland residents Debra and Joseph Kedzuf, according to state records sourced by The Ledger. The submitted documents to the county indicate intentions for a roughly 10-acre property development, featuring a six-home subdivision.
Despite these plans, one local resident expressed reservations about construction in the area, questioning its appropriateness given the history of sinkholes in the vicinity.