Land O’ Lakes Sinkhole: What Residents Need To Know

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — Two homes have been destroyed and about 100 were without power following the Friday morning opening of a sinkhole on Ocean Pines Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

According to Pasco County officials, the sinkhole opened up behind a home at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive around 7:20 a.m. July 14. Pasco County Fire Rescue crews were the first to arrive on scene around 7:36 a.m., reporting a hole that was about the size of a small swimming pool.

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Before long, however, the hole grew and ultimately destroyed homes at 21835 and 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, a Friday afternoon email from the county said.

While no injuries have been reported, authorities say two dogs were rescued from one home. A total of 11 homes have been voluntarily evacuated in the area. Authorities say power to 100 homes affected by the sinkhole was restored late Friday afternoon.

“A state geologist has verified it’s an active sinkhole,” the county wrote in a Friday afternoon email to media. “It’s still growing and we need to maintain a 200- to 300-foot perimeter.”

As of 6:30 p.m., the hole was estimated to be about 225 feet in diameter and about 50 feet deep.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office set up checkpoints to restrict access to the area. People wishing to enter the following roads need to show proof of address:

• Cloverleaf and Pine
• Grove and Pine
• Lake Padgett Drive and Ocean Pines Drive

Anyone who does not live in the immediate area is being asked to stay away for their safety.

Affected homeowners and residents can reach out to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Pasco County Human Services for assistance, the county said. Human services can be reached at 727-847-2411.

It is unclear how long the power outage and road closings will last. As of 4 p.m. Friday, 100 homes remained without power. County officials remained on the scene Friday afternoon along with officials from Red Cross, Duke Energy and Spectrum.

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Photo courtesy of Pasco County