76 Depressions Have Opened In Hudson Neighborhood Since August

HUDSON, FL — Based on the recommendations of engineers who have examined the area, Pasco County officials have decided to close off a portion of Willow Brook Court in Hudson as a safety precaution.

Pasco County is also extending the fence line on the north side of a retention pond in the community to keep people out of the area.

To date, Pasco County Emergency Management has confirmed 76 depressions under and around Willow Brook Court in the Lakeside Woodlands community. The depressions as well as some sinkholes that have opened up in the neighborhood lie on top of an underground cave system.

Currently, no homes or other structures are in danger, according to county officials.

The county is urging everyone to avoid these holes, most of which are on private property.

The depressions began appearing in August between Sylvan Drive and Willow Brook Court. There were 20 depressions initially and that number has more than doubled in less than three months.

The largest is 15 feet long, 25 feet wide and 8 feet deep.

The county called in state engineers to help monitor the activity. In August, officials speculated that heavy rainfall might be the cause. But a dry October has led engineers to theorize that the increase in depressions may be related to the underground cave system.

A depression is basically a slow-forming sinkhole. Sinkholes, on the other hand, can form at a moment's notice.

Around 11 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2013, a 17-foot-wide sinkhole opened beneath a home in Seffner. Jeffrey Bush, 36, was in bed asleep at the time. Bush and the bed disappeared into the sinkhole never to be seen again.

Related stories:

Pasco County Investigates Cause Of 20 Depressions In Hudson

Sinkhole Swallows Seffner Man Sleeping In Bed