Second Sinkhole Opens Within Year on Polk County Home’s Lawn, Homeowners Alerted

A sinkhole reappeared on the front lawn of a Highland City home in Polk County, marking the second such occurrence at this location within the year. Homeowners were put on alert Wednesday afternoon after they spotted the ground giving way near their driveway on Royal Crest Drive. The sinkhole, now measuring eight feet in width and 20 feet in depth, poses potential dangers, though officials have indicated that it does not seem to be affecting the home’s foundation,

First responders from multiple county agencies, including the sheriff’s office and fire rescue, arrived on the scene to secure the area. “We filled a sinkhole at this location back in January because the right-of-way was impacted. The new opening is essentially right next to the previous sinkhole,” Jay Jarvis, Director of the Roads and Drainage Division, told

FOX 13 News

. Additionally, he highlighted the inherent risk of sinkholes reoccurring after remediation efforts: “Anytime there’s an opening or sinkhole and you fill it, there is a possibility things can shift or reopen.”

Despite the ongoing assessment by a geotechnical firm commissioned by the county to evaluate the sinkhole’s implications for the nearby home and roadway infrastructure, the decision to vacate was ultimately left to the homeowners. In a statement obtained by

WTSP

, residents were informed they could remain in their homes if they so chose, despite the looming presence of the sinkhole.

The issue of sinkholes is not a new phenomenon in Polk County. The previous sinkhole that had appeared in January before being filled was substantially larger, approximately 15 feet wide and 60 feet deep. “The new opening is essentially right next to the previous sinkhole. Anytime there’s an opening or sinkhole, and you fill it, there is a possibility things can shift or reopen,” Jarvis reiterated in a statement quoted by

ABC Action News

. Meanwhile, the roadway in front of the home remains open, with county officials and the contracted firm working closely to secure the area and prevent further damage.

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