Land O’ Lakes Sinkhole Victims Get Help From Duke Energy

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — As cleanup and recovery efforts begin in the wake of a massive sinkhole opening in Land O’ Lakes last week, Duke Energy has stepped forward to assist residents. The power company has agreed to match donations up to $10,000, United Way of Pasco announced.

Pasco County and United Way joined forces to kick off a special fund earlier this week to help victims. All donations made to the fund will be used to aid the seven families displaced recover with “zero administrative funds” being charged by United Way, the agency reported.

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As of July 19, the fund had $14,500 in it, Pasco County reported in an email to media. The fund kicked off with a $10,000 pledge from Hyundai of New Port Richey owner Scott Fink.

“Duke Energy is committed to supporting our communities,” Duke Energy Florida’s president Harry Sideris said in a statement. Going beyond the company’s normal grants it provides for educational, environmental and community programs, he said “it’s important that we also respond to emergent needs that arise in the communities we serve to help our neighbors.”

The sinkhole in question opened up behind a home at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive shortly before 7:21 a.m. July 14. Pasco County Fire Rescue crews arrived on the scene at 7:36 a.m. and reported a depression about the size of a “small pool.” The hole, however, continued to expand, eventually demolishing the homes at 21825 and 21835 Ocean Pines Drive. A boat on the property at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive was also destroyed when the sinkhole first opened, county spokesman Doug Tobin said. The hole is estimated to be about 225 feet in diameter and about 50 feet deep.

For the seven families affected by the sinkhole, the county said “repair and recovery expenses will push these residents beyond their financial capacity.” The fundraiser is intended to make it easier for residents to rebuild their lives.

“Our ability to work together alongside businesses, government, donors and community leaders to answer this crisis demonstrates how we ‘Live United’ in Pasco County," Alice Delgardo, president and CEO of United Way of Pasco County said in a Monday statement.

People who would like to donate to the relief effort may do so by:

• Texting the word “Sinkhole” to 41444
• Giving online at UnitedWayPasco.org
• Mailing donations to United Way of Pasco County, 17230 Camelot Court, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

Families affected by the sinkhole may contact the Red Cross, Salvation Army and United Way of Pasco for assistance. The county’s human services department may also be able to assist. Its number is 727-847-2411.

Over the weekend, the county said remediation of the land impacted by the sinkhole could take weeks or even months.

Photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office