Crazy Photos of the Massive Sinkhole Forcing Florida Residents Out of Their Homes
- Chad Arias
- Jul 21, 2014 07:39 PM EDT
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The state of Florida has more sinkholes than any other state. The porous soil that makes up Florida's landscape makes it easy for the carbonate rock underneath to deteriorate, which in turn causes massive sinkholes.
While it may seem that we hear about sinkholes much more regularly than before, scientists say that the number of Florida sinkholes is not frowing. Rather, there is just more media coverage of them.
Earlier this year a man in Florida was killed when a 30-foot long sinkhole engulfed his house and swallowed him in the process. Over the weekend the latest sinkhole opened up in Spring Hill, Florida.
The sinkhole occurred in the front yard of resident Linda Fisher's home. Fisher was out of town at the time, but quickly returned home once her daughter saw the house on the local news.
The sinkhole is a whooping 40-feet wide and 30-feet deep. Officials are still debating what action should be taken, whether that means more evacuations or condemning Fisher's house as unlivable.
"I didn't think that I would have to move so soon," Fisher told the Tampa Bay Times.
Fisher purchased the home about 18-months ago in order to be closer to residents. She was allowed to go inside the home for a short time to rescue her longhaired Persian cat, Mr. Twiddles.
Spectators have flooded into the neighborhood to catch a glimpse at the giant hole. A resident in a nearby home is trying to cash in on the spectacle by charging viewing fees for curious citizens.
At least three residents could be forced to move if officials rule the area to be unsafe for habitation.
Peggy Helmick owns the home across from Fisher and says that she is worried about the sinkhole spreading. Helmick does not sinkhole insurance due to the high price charged by insurance companies.
"I spend a lot of time taking care of this place," Helmick told the Tampa Bay Times. "Now it's not worth [expletive]. I'm going to be here for the rest of my life."
Rain is projected in the forecast for the next few days, so there is reason to believe that the sinkhole will expand even further. As of now Fisher is staying in a hotel and weighing her options for what's next.
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