A sinkhole in Seffner, Florida, notorious for claiming a man's life in 2013, has reappeared for the third time. While the sinkhole is now secured behind chain-link fencing and poses no threat to people or property, local officials confirm that such occurrences are not uncommon in the region due to Florida's porous limestone base.
Despite its unsettling history, the community remains reassured as neighboring homes remain unaffected by the re-emergence.
Florida Sinkhole Resurfaces for the Third Time
Hillsborough County officials reported the reappearance of the sinkhole on Monday, July 10, with a maximum width of approximately 19 feet (6 meters).
As IFL Science reports, Jon-Paul Lavandeira, director of the county code enforcement department, stated that there is no apparent danger to the surrounding homes and emphasized the typical nature of such incidents in the area.
Brief History About Sinkhole That Swallowed a Man In His Sleep
A tragic incident unfolded when 37-year-old Jeff Bush was swallowed by the sinkhole while sleeping in his bedroom. Although five others escaped unharmed, Jeff's brother, Jeremy, made a desperate attempt to rescue him from the collapsing ground.
Unfortunately, Jeff's body was never recovered. Subsequently, authorities demolished the affected house and installed fencing around the lot to prevent further accidents.
In 2015, when the sinkhole resurfaced after its initial occurrence, it was filled with a water-gravel mixture. Lavandeira confirmed that the same action will be taken this time to address the situation. The area is deemed controlled and poses no immediate threat, per ABC News.
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Florida as a Popular Spot For Sinkholes
Sinkholes are a natural part of Florida's landscape, coexisting with its renowned sandy beaches, alligators, and rapid urban development. The state leads the nation in sinkhole occurrences, primarily due to its limestone composition, which facilitates groundwater movement.
When the weight of the soil or sand becomes too much for the limestone roof to bear, sinkholes can form. While natural causes trigger most sinkholes, human activities like excessive pumping of groundwater for agricultural irrigation or heavy rainfall can also contribute.
Central Florida, including Seffner, is particularly susceptible to sinkholes, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Since no one can predict when sinkholes will appear. Lavandeira says that "Mother Nature" will likely reopen it sometime in the future, per AP News.
According to the state Office of Insurance Regulation, the sinkhole claims already amounted to $1.4 billion from 2006 to 2010 in Florida alone.
