Florida, known for its sinkholes, is back in the spotlight after a sinkhole that swallowed a man in 2013 reopened. The epicenter of the event was the Seffner neighborhood where the disappearance of 37-year-old Jeff Bush occurred.
The story of this sinkhole began several years ago. In 2013, Bush was taken captive by a huge sinkhole that formed right below his home. His family heard a loud pop and a scream, but when they ran to the scene, they found the man was gone. The sinkhole was filled with gravel and debris, and the area was fenced off by the authorities.
However, now, several years later, that sinkhole has reopened. At 4:30 p.m. Monday, the fire department and deputies were called in to assess the situation. On Tuesday, engineers were dispatched to the scene for further evaluation. Area residents were assured they could remain in their homes as the sinkhole was cordoned off with a mesh fence and posed no threat to surrounding buildings.
Sinkholes like this are not uncommon in Florida due to the geologic structure of the region. The porous limestone rock underlying residential neighborhoods becomes the cause of sinkholes. As clay and water accumulate over the weak spots, the limestone cannot support the combined weight and sags, creating a sinkhole. In this case, the sinkhole was about 6 meters wide, making it relatively small.
John-Paul Lavandeira, director of the county’s Code Enforcement Division, said none of the homes surrounding the sinkhole were in danger. He also noted that such occurrences are not uncommon in the area. This is supported by other sources that indicate that Florida is the epicenter of sinkholes.
Authorities have decided to fill the sinkhole with a water and gravel mixture to close the hole and prevent possible dangers. The sinkhole will remain closed to the public for safety reasons.
This event reminds us that nature can be unpredictable and dangerous. Sinkholes are a serious concern for Florida residents and precautions should be taken to avoid such incidents.
