The experience I had as a child growing up in central Florida of sinkholes reoccurs from time to time. What I am about to say may sound strange if you are a stranger to this area.
There are many spectacular things in Florida. You can find lots of beautiful beaches, breathtaking springs, amazing wildlife, and nice weather, to mention but a few.
There are many sinkholes in Florida as well. How likely are sinkholes in Florida? The state tops all other American states when it comes to having sinkholes.
Know the Common Signs of Sinkholes in Florida
If you are a homeowner or business owner, you need to know the common signs that will warn you of sinkhole formation.
Sometimes, sinkholes do give enough warning signs before they strike. If you see the following signs in or around your house, know that sinkhole is around the corner.
- Cracks in interior joint areas
- Sloping floors
- Ceiling cracks
- Loss of pool water
- Cracks in stucco or exterior block
- Foundation cracks
- Sticking windows and doors
- Wilting plants
- Yard or street depressions
- Separations, cracks, and gaps in concrete
- Settling foundation
- Neighbors with sinkholes
- Actual cavity forming
How likely are sinkholes in Florida?
You can see sinkholes forming anywhere in Florida, but you will see the most frequent activity level in west central Florida. This is a result of the presence of a karst limestone environment there.
Many factors contribute to an increase in the risk of sinkhole activity in an area. Long-term weather conditions, heavy acidic rains, and drought-like conditions are some of the contributing factors.
Florida’s Geology
There is a high deposit of limestone in Florida. This high deposit of limestone contributed to the aquifer system of Florida, and it is the residents’ main drinking water source.
Limestone is among the largest aquifers in America. It also extends to parts of the Carolinas. Karst is a landscape that forms when rainwater flows through the porous limestone.
Karst is behind the formation of springs, streams, and sinkholes. You will see this kind of landscape in many places in West Central Florida.
This is why there are many sinkhole formations in Florida. Sinkhole Alley is made up of Hillsborough and Hernando counties.
What city in Florida has the most sinkholes?
There has been fear of sinkhole formation in the Ocala area for a long time, but the area has not experienced any significant manifestation of it. However, many other parts of Florida have witnessed its real formation.
Now there is a mass movement of people to the Ocala area, the region of Central Florida is fast becoming one of the worst sinkhole-hit areas in America.
Middle of the State
Before now, there has not been any historical record of sinkholes in the center of Florida, but presently the problem is on the increase. Recently, there have been several reports of sinkhole formations in that area.
A report of a dozen sinkholes opening in a subdivision of Ocala. The sinkholes completely drained a retention pond, forcing families to relocate.
The fear of sinkhole formation in the Ocala area has long existed, but the area has not witnessed its manifestation. There has been an increased rate of its manifestation in many other parts of Florida, and many places are at risk.
Many people are migrating to the Ocala area, and the risk of Central Florida making it to the list of the worst sinkhole areas in America is increasing.
Karst Regions
You may be asking the question, “what is karst, and what is the connection between it and sinkhole areas in Florida”? There is a strong connection between Karst and sinkhole areas in Florida.
Are you suspicious of your house having a sinkhole? Call experts to come and carry out a sinkhole inspection in the house.
The cost is free. The type of geography that leads to sinkholes is known as Karst. You can see it in many places in Florida and many other states in America, such as Kentucky.
When water erodes soluble rocks like limestone, Karst is formed. This is when you start seeing topography with ridges, caves, and sinkholes.
You will also see aquifers in Karst areas. Floridan aquifer is located in Florida. Floridan aquifer is among the largest water-producing aquifers presently in the world today.
Sinkhole Alley
The state of Florida has an area called sinkhole alley. It is the area you see the worst sinkhole in Florida.
The Pasco, and Hernando counties make up this area. These are the countries that have the highest cases of reported sinkholes.
Any house owner in Florida must have an up to date sinkhole insurance. Do not terminate the policy even when sinkhole repair work has been done in your building.
You cannot predict nature and do not know what the future holds for a few years to come.
The geological landscape of Florida has come to be known for sinkholes. The rate of sinkhole occurrences is higher in some places along the I-4 corridor.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said these areas frequently have cases of sinkhole activity.
FAQs
What is the deepest sinkhole in Florida?
The biggest sinkhole ever known to man was the sinkhole that grew as wide as 350ft and as deep as 75ft.
What is the largest sinkhole ever recorded in Florida?
The biggest sinkhole in Florida occurred in 1981. It sank a house, a part of a Porsche dealership, many businesses, and a public swimming pool. It caused estimated damage of about $4 million.
Today the sinkhole is a lake, known as Lake Rose. The lake is named after Mae Rose Owens, the house owner that sank.
What city in Florida has the most sinkholes?
The cities with the most sinkholes in Florida are three in the Tampa region. They are known as sinkhole alleys.
Between 2006 and 2010 they were responsible for two-thirds of the sinkhole damage claims filed with the state Office of Insurance Regulation, and these cities are Hernando, Hillsborough, and Pasco.
What part of Florida has the least sinkholes?
They are some sinkholes seen on the east coast of Florida.