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Sinkholes in Alachua County, FL | Florida Sinkholes

Alachua County, FL Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 63

Alachua County, FL FAQ

Alachua County, FL

Alachua County is located in north central Florida, with its county seat Gainesville about 150 miles southeast of the Sunshine State’s capital Tallahassee. This county has proven itself as an ideal place to settle in, with its population during the 2010‒2017 period rising 7.8 percent to 266,944. Migration accounted for a significant portion of this increase.

Alachua’s population is broken down to 61.7 percent white, 19.7 percent black, and 9.4 percent Hispanic. U.S. citizens constitute 94.6 percent of the county’s residents, while 13.9 percent of the Alachua population speak a non-English language.

Landmarks and Natural Wonders

Many families have chosen to move to this county, leaning particularly toward its small and quiet towns like High Springs, Newberry, and the county’s namesake town Alachua. The charms of living in Alachua County include various natural attractions which are among the most interesting in Florida.

One of these local wonders is the Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, a national landmark featuring a 120-foot bowl-shaped cavity amidst pine forests and sandy terrain. This geological feature, which tells much of Florida’s natural history, is indicative too of Alachua’s name derived from Timucuan Indian word for “sink.”

Steeped in history, Alachua County was established in 1824 after Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1821. The towns which the county’s early settlers established which remains up to today include Gainesville and Micanopy which is reputed as the country’s first settled town.

Academe Drives County Growth

Over the years, Alachua carved a lofty reputation from its diverse culture, homegrown artisans and local music. Such bragging rights have a sound platform in the county’s A-rated schools starting from elementary to college.

One of these learning institutions is the Santa Fe College, which has multiple campuses throughout the county. It offers unique learning facilities a planetarium and a teaching zoo.

Gainesville-based University of Florida, a nationally renowned public university, is another magnet for students in Alachua. This university also contributes substantially to Alachua’s economy, driven mainly by this school’s enrollees which total over 50,000 as of the 2017‒2018 school year.

Besides educational services, Alachua’s economy is driven by healthcare and social assistance, the growth of which help keep the county’s unemployment rate below the national and state levels.  The county’s lower cost of living, estimated at 98.4 points which is below the 100 points national average, is another come-on for would-be residents of Alachua.

Lifestyle Delights

There is an abundance of life and leisure venues at Alachua County for its residents to enjoy. These spots include the Alachua County Fairgrounds, which besides its annual fair, also hosts special events and exhibits. Small Alachua towns like Newberry and High Springs are popular destinations for restaurants with a rich menu of Southern dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

In addition to the wondrous natural delights at Devil’s Millhopper Park, Alachua also offers numerous outdoor recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing at the 75-mile long Santa Fe River. Another point of interest, especially for families with kids, is Poe Springs and the picnic areas it offers.

June 2019 – A sinkhole appeared on June 21, 2019 at I-75 southbound, north of the 382-mile marker (Williston Road exit) in Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida. According to Florida Highway Patrol, it was 10 feet wide and about 12 to 15 feet deep.

May 2017 – A water line break caused a sinkhole to open up next to Newberry Road near Northwest 266th Street. The sinkhole was about 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep near the roadway.

Nov 2015 – A sinkhole opened near the main entrance of UF Health Shands Hospital. The sinkhole was 5 feet in diameter.

June 2014 – A large sinkhole has opened up near the Campus USA Credit Union near Newberry Road in Jonesville.

May 2012 –  A giant maw of sinkhole opened in the Mathenys’ backyard at 11958 SW Fifth Avenue in the Jonesville area. The sinkhole was 80 feet long and 40 feet wide.

March 2005 – A sinkhole was reported in a resident’s back yard at Kanapaha Highlands in Alachua County, southwest of Archer Road and I-75. The hole was 12 to 14 feet in diameter and about 12 feet deep.

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