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Sinkholes in Duval County, FL | Florida Sinkholes

Duval County, FL Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 11

Duval County, FL FAQs

Duval County, FL

Duval County, founded in 1822, is located in northeast Florida and is named after William Pope Duval, Governor of the Florida Territory from 1822 to 1834. This county’s territory totaling 918 square miles, 918 square miles of which is land, was sliced from St. Johns County

Duval’s claim to fame owes much to its seat and biggest city, Jacksonville, which was founded in 1791, even preceding the county’s establishment. The government of Jacksonville, which provides all services that a county government would normally provide, was consolidated with the government of Duval County in 1968.

A Titan’s Assets

Covering over 840 square miles, Jacksonville holds the distinction of being the largest city by land in the contiguous U.S. It is also the most populated city in Florida and lifts Duval to its ranking as the sixth most populous county in the state.

Business and industry thrive in Duval too largely because of the many of Jacksonville’s assets. One of these is the Cecil Commerce Center helping propel not only the county but also northeast Florida as one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S. The city’s strategic location in this region provides it with unparalleled access to global markets through a deep water port and a prime position at the crossroads of three major highways, three major railroads, and four airports.

In addition to these logistical assets, Jacksonville offers a robust manufacturing base, 21st century skills of a young dynamic workforce, and over $317.5 million in utility improvements and infrastructure. This high quality environment for companies and corporations is further bolstered by a consolidated Duval government fostering both a business-friendly climate and a vibrant lifestyle based on the county’s urban and countryside delights.

Scintillating Lifestyle

With the scenic St. Johns River running across the county, Jacksonville boasts of the largest U.S. urban park system. The 22 miles of local beaches city are likewise a source of myriads of water-based recreational delights. Leisure activities, moreover, extend to the scintillating arts scene of the downtown, its delectable coastal cuisine, and vibrant nightline.

Given all these, Jacksonville was ranked by Lonely Planet among the world’s “10 Best Value Destinations for 2018,” the only U.S. city to in the list. Similarly, Expedia’s Viewfinder blog included Jacksonville in its choices of “21 Supercool U.S. Cities.”

Family-friendly Features

Relatively lower costs of living coupled with affordable, high-quality housing and unique neighborhoods prompt many people to relocate to Duval, especially to Jacksonville, each year. Population growth in the county grew by an estimated 8.5 percent to nearly 938,000 from 2010 to 2017, largely as a result of the population gain in Jacksonville.

The excellence of the local public schools makes Duval and Jacksonville favored by families in search of residences to settle in for the long-term. Notably, three high schools in Jacksonville, Stanton College Preparatory School, Paxon School for Advanced Studies and Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts   are consistently included annual list of the country’s top public high schools compiled by of Newsweek magazine.

References:

JACKSONVILLE, FL
Dec 2018 – A 12-foot-sinkhole swallowed a man’s car as he was driving to work Saturday morning on Clyde Drive near Lem Turner Road.

JACKSONVILLE, FL
April 2018 – A massive sinkhole reported on the city’s Westside Thursday night caused road closures near Ringhaver Park. The sinkhole was reported in the 5300 block of 118th Street near Sundown Drive.

JACKSONVILLE, FL
Dec 2015 – People in Atlantic Beach got a surprise on Christmas morning after they found a sinkhole in their apartment complex. The hole was at the Deerfield Lakes Condominiums on Assisi Lane, which is near Mayport Road

JACKSONVILLE, FL
Nov 2015 – A parked car was swallowed by a sinkhole in the south Jacksonville community of Mandarin on the morning of Friday 20 November 2015.

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Sinkholes in Duval County, FL

Northeast Florida’s unique geology poses natural hazards beneath its surface. The area sits on porous carbonate rock layers, affecting land stability. Between 1998 and 2008, there were 72 subsidence incidents in Jacksonville and nearby areas.

Recent studies show a link between these incidents and human and natural activities. Urban areas, like those near Baldwin’s limestone quarries, have more incidents. Geological surveys found that 38% of cases are from karst formations, while others are due to infrastructure failures.

State researchers stress the importance of understanding sinkhole data. Florida Geological Survey maps from 2008 show Bryceville and Jacksonville are at risk. Environmental agencies note that non-karst events, like collapsed septic tanks, need different solutions than natural sinkholes.

Today, we use satellite imaging and ground surveys to monitor risks. This method helps tell apart slow rock dissolution and sudden collapses. Records show that areas near roads and old limestone mines are at high risk.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Duval County has seen 12 verified sinkholes from 2003 to now. Three of these sinkholes damaged homes. The latest big event was in November 2023. It happened on Interstate 95 near downtown Jacksonville.

At first, people thought it was a sinkhole. But the Florida Geological Survey said it was a washout. This was because of bad drainage.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) acted fast. They closed lanes at 3:31 PM and fixed it by 10:00 PM. This shows how important it is to know if it’s a sinkhole or not.

Geologists look at soil, water, and what’s under the ground to decide. This helps avoid mistakes.

Year Location Impact Classification
2011 Arlington Foundation damage to 2 homes Verified sinkhole
2017 Riverside Partial driveway collapse Verified sinkhole
2023 I-95 Corridor Roadway subsidence Washout (reclassified)

Looking back, we see patterns in Duval County’s sinkholes. Arlington and Riverside have seen most damage. This is because of their limestone-rich soil.

Even though no one got hurt, fixing these problems cost homeowners $42,000 on average.

The 2008 Florida Cave Incident Tracker (FCIT) lists 14 unverified incidents from 1999 to 2002. These aren’t counted in official records because of lack of proof. Today, we use radar and soil tests to confirm sinkholes.

Recent sinkholes in Duval County show the need for better maps. Places with sinkholes before are more likely to have them again. But new areas don’t get checked as well. The FDEP wants to watch more roads by 2025.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Duval County faces sinkhole risks due to four key geological factors. Properties near limestone quarries have an 18% higher chance of subsidence. Homes built before 1980 are at risk due to old plumbing systems and acidic groundwater.

The county’s groundwater pH of 5.7 speeds up limestone dissolution. Clay layers over 30 feet can hide voids, making them hard to detect.

Residents seeing ground depressions or structural cracks should act fast. They should evacuate the area and call the Florida Geological Survey’s 24/7 helpline. Taking photos and videos of the damage helps with insurance claims, along with filing FDEP Form 2369.

Getting a legal assessment from a licensed geotechnical engineer is also key. This is because 42% of 2022 subsidence reports were not actual sinkholes. Checking with FDEP’s Sinkhole FAQs can help avoid false alarms.

Annual foundation inspections and upgrading old water lines are good steps. These actions can lower sinkhole-related claims by 37% in areas with similar geology.

FAQ

How common are sinkholes in Duval County compared to other Florida regions?

Duval County saw 72 subsidence incidents from 1998-2008, with 38% being karst-related sinkholes. This is less than Central Florida, which has more limestone. Yet, Jacksonville and Baldwin’s quarries are at higher risk.

What distinguishes a verified sinkhole from other ground subsidence events?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection checks for sinkholes by looking at carbonate rock dissolution. In Duval County, 42% of 2022 subsidence reports were not sinkholes but other failures.

Why did authorities reclassify the November 2023 Interstate 95 incident as a washout?

FDEP geologists found the 3:31 PM collapse was due to stormwater pipe erosion, not limestone. It took 6.5 hours to close lanes but didn’t meet sinkhole criteria.

Which areas of Duval County face highest sinkhole risks?

Areas near Baldwin’s quarries and Jacksonville’s old infrastructure have higher risks. Bryceville’s clay layers under 15 feet also increase susceptibility.

What immediate actions should residents take during suspected sinkhole activity?

FDEP advises: evacuate danger zones, call FGS’s helpline, take photos, hire engineers, check FDEP FAQs, and file DFS Form 2369 for insurance claims within 14 days.

How does Duval County’s groundwater chemistry influence sinkhole formation?

Duval’s groundwater, with a pH of 5.7, speeds up limestone dissolution. This, along with clay layer thickness, leads to erosion patterns monitored by FDEP.

Are sinkhole damages covered under standard homeowners insurance policies?

Florida law requires insurers to cover “catastrophic ground cover collapse” under certain conditions. Most claims need DFS Form 2369 and professional verification.
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