Polk County, FL Sinkhole Sealed, Locals Cautious

Quiet Returns to Highland City Neighborhood After Sinkhole Incident

Highland City, Fla. – The streets of Royal Crest Drive in Highland City are peaceful once again, following an intense few days marked by the hustle and bustle of heavy machinery and media attention. This calm follows the recent resolution of a sinkhole incident in the neighborhood.

Local resident Darrell Wheeler shared his thoughts on the situation. “The response was spot-on,” he said, noting that sinkholes are not uncommon in the area. “This kind of thing happens more often than you’d think.”

Polk County Community Grapples with Sinkhole Aftermath

Just down the road from Wheeler’s home, a sinkhole made a surprise appearance in a neighbor’s front yard last week. The incident initially unfolded quietly, only coming to Wheeler’s attention through news broadcasts. “It’s Lakeland, it’s Florida – sinkholes are pretty routine here,” Wheeler remarked.

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Residents first spotted the sinkhole on Saturday morning and promptly alerted the authorities. Over the next few days, it expanded, prompting Polk County to dispatch crews by Tuesday. These teams worked diligently, filling the sinkhole with sand. By Friday, the situation seemed under control, with the county conducting radar assessments of the area.

Family Displaced as Massive Sinkhole Emerges in Polk County

The sinkhole, which was about 60 feet deep, opened up right in front of a home belonging to a young family, newcomers to the neighborhood. Following the incident, the family has temporarily relocated.

Neighbor Kenny Martin, residing beside the affected property for 23 years, expressed his shock. “It’s a first for me,” Martin said. Despite his surprise, he recognizes that such incidents can occur anywhere and has even reviewed his homeowner’s insurance policy in response.

While Martin commends the county’s efforts, he acknowledges the lingering concerns a sinkhole brings. “It’s worrying, for sure. But it’s not something that makes you want to pack up and leave immediately.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sinkholes, especially in regions like Florida, and the importance of community and governmental response in ensuring safety and peace of mind.

To find out more about nearby sinkholes in Polk County, check the Polk County, FL sinkhole map.

Source: wfla.com