3rd Sinkhole Could be Developing in Holiday Neighborhood

With two depressions opened in the ground along Torch Street in Holiday, Pasco County has temporarily pulled the plug on nearby utility work.

Word of the suspension comes on the heels of a geologist’s report that a third hole could be developing, according to Fox News. The geologist was hired by the homeowner to inspect the depression that opened Monday, the station reported.

Bruce Kennedy, the assistant county administrator for utilities, said sewer lift station work on Bertelt Road is now on hold.

“In light of recent events that have unfolded regarding subsurface activity on Torch Street in Holiday and additional holes opening up on Tuesday, Pasco County Utilities will temporarily suspend work in the immediate area of Bartelt Road,” Kennedy said in a prepared statement. “Pasco Utilities is taking this action in the spirit of mutual cooperation into what is causing the depressions in the area. Pasco County is working on a sewer lift station near the property.”

The first hole opened at 1728 Torch St. Monday morning. It is estimated to be 10 feet in diameter and is about 10 feet deep. A second depression of similar size opened Tuesday.

So far, six homes have been evacuated in the area.

What has caused the depressions to open remains under investigation. Since both holes are located on private property, the homeowners and their insurance companies are responsible for conducting geological work.

Pasco County refers to possible sinkholes as depressions until engineers can fully examine sites and make final determinations.

See Also:

• 2nd Possible Sinkhole Opens in Holiday Neighborhood
• Update: Possible Sinkhole Displaces 6 Families, Swallows Car