Leon County, FL

Leon County is among the best places to live in Florida, one of the main reasons being that its county seat and largest city, Tallahassee, is also the state’s capital, and thus, it encapsulates all that Florida has to offer both to residents and visitors alike.

The county spreads boot-like on the Florida Panhandle at the northernmost part of the state and borders the Georgia counties Grady and Thomas north and northeast, respectively. Leon County was created in 1824 and named after Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who led the first European expedition to reach Florida.

Unique topography

Leon County has a total area of 702 square miles, with its bodies of water accounting for 35 square miles. The county is within the Red Hills (a.k.a. Tallahassee Hills) Region shared by Florida and Georgia with distinctive flora and fauna. The topography of this region is evident in the rolling hills that dominate most of northern Leon County, which set it apart from much of Florida’s characteristically flat terrain.

For outdoor activities, Leon County offers the Apalachicola National Forest, the largest U.S. National Forest in Florida. Located in the southern part of the county, this destination is popular among aficionados of horse-back riding, mountain biking and off-road ATV riders. Its various sites are also suited for hiking, hunting fishing, boating, and swimming.

Venues for less arduous leisure pursuits likewise abound in this county. One popular attraction is the 24-acre Cascades Park in Tallahassee. Its facilities include an amphitheater, an outdoor classroom area, splash pads, ponds, beachscape and a lighted fountain with background music.

Economic stability

Besides these recreational points of interest, Tallahassee and Leon County as whole enjoy a relatively stable economy that serves as a magnet for new residents and business locators.

Tallahassee, in particular, has a comparatively low unemployment rate, with the technology sector emerging in recent years as one of its leading employers.

Tallahassee has, in fact, earned the reputation of being “Silicon Valley South,” largely as a result of the initiatives of institutions like Smart Park, a 130-acre privately owned fiber-optic research center. Innovation Park/Tallahassee is another project which contributed in elevating the Leon County seat to pursuits of cutting-edge technology and laying claim to the title as the country’s most wired community.

Innovation Park/Tallahassee is notably affiliated with the public universities Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University both based in Leon County. FSU has likewise initiated the Arena District project set to establish a new convention center and a hotel as well as relocating to the Tallahassee site its College of Business.

Since 2017, downtown Tallahassee has been experiencing a construction boom. As of the 2018 first quarter, 120 major projects are in the pipeline in the city core, with apartment complexes and hotels among those lined up. These developments include the Cascades Project, a mixed-use complex costing $158-million for the construction of townhouses, apartments, and a five-story hotel. Set across a two-block site, this project also involves development of commercial office space and a restaurant site. North American Properties, its developer, estimates that Cascades will generate some 2,900 jobs.

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North Florida’s unique geology makes it vulnerable to sinkholes. The Woodville Karst Plain covers Leon County and nearby areas. It has a limestone base that interacts with the Floridan Aquifer, leading to water dissolving the ground.

In 2007, scientists found the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System to be the longest underwater cave in the U.S. This 32-mile cave shows how water moves and changes the ground. Over 75 sinkholes have been found in the county, linked to rain and water levels.

Recently, people have become more aware of the dangers of sinkholes. Between 2013 and 2014, some homes were affected by sudden sinkholes. For example, one family’s yard swallowed their outdoor equipment. An interactive sinkhole map helps track these incidents, aiding in planning.

Leon County’s karst formations are both beautiful and challenging. They support life but also pose problems for builders. Keeping an eye on the water below is key to managing the area’s growth.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

From 2003 to 2023, Leon County saw over 42 subsidence events. Of these, 12 were confirmed as natural sinkholes. These incidents help us understand the changing underground landscape.

2007 Wakulla-Leon Cave System Connection

In 2007, the Woodville Karst Plain Project found a link between Wakulla Springs and Leon County caves. This link shows how water moves through limestone, causing sinkholes. The system stretches over 30 miles, with water flowing at speeds of up to 300 feet per day.

Big Dismal Sink is a key example. It has a 200-foot drop, with both aerial and underwater parts. Researchers use it to study how karst develops. They’ve seen water levels change by up to 15 feet with the seasons.

Documented Sinkhole Activity (2003-2023)

The Florida Geological Survey has a way to tell natural sinkholes from man-made ones. They look at three things:

Does the subsurface cavity look like it was made by karst dissolution?
Is there no sign of underground utilities or digging?
Does the soil look like it has moved down slowly over time?

Year	Reported Events	Verified Karst Incidents	Notable Features
2003	5	2	Initial laser mapping of subsurface voids
2004	7	1	Increased spring discharge rates observed
2005	6	3	Cluster formation near Woodville
2006	8	2	Radar-detected cavities beneath SR 267
2007	10	3	Cave system interconnection proven
2008	6	1	Big Dismal Sink depth confirmed

After 2008, there were about 4-6 subsidence events each year. Now, we can find sinkholes up to 150 feet deep with advanced radar. This helps us warn people sooner.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Leon County’s karst landscape is unique because of its porous limestone. The Floridan Aquifer’s high permeability lets water flow quickly, making sinkholes more likely. Urban areas make these risks worse by changing how water flows and by taking more water from underground.

Karst-Related Vulnerabilities

Three main factors increase the risk of sinkholes in Leon County: thin sediment layers, water table changes, and surface runoff. The 2007 discovery of the Wakulla-Leon Cave System showed a vast network of underground spaces. This highlights the dynamic nature of the area’s underground.

Mitigation Strategies for Leon County Residents

Homeowners should get their homes checked by engineers every year. They should also install wells to monitor groundwater near their foundations. Joining the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Karst Reporting program is also helpful.

Studies show that keeping a 50-foot buffer of native plants around homes can lower damage risks by 68%. To protect groundwater, avoid using chemical fertilizers near sinkholes. Use clay-rich fill for small depressions. If you notice sudden ground changes, take photos and contact your insurance and the Florida Geological Survey. These steps help protect the aquifer and the ecosystems it supports.

FAQ

Why is Leon County particularily susceptible to sinkhole formation?

Leon County’s geology is key. It has the Woodville Karst Plain with carbonate bedrock. This bedrock dissolves with the Floridan Aquifer, making underground voids. The 2007 discovery of the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System shows the area’s active hydrogeology.

What significant sinkhole event occurred in Leon County during 2007?

In 2007, divers found the Wakulla-Leon Sinks Cave System. It’s 44 miles long. Big Dismal Sink has a 100-foot drop above and below water. FDEP/FGIS found 12 subsidence incidents from 2003-2008.

How does the Floridan Aquifer contribute to sinkhole risks?

The aquifer’s high permeability lets water move fast through rock. This speeds up rock dissolution. Seasonal changes and development stress the rock, raising subsidence risks.

What mitigation strategies effectively reduce sinkhole damage in Leon County?

Effective strategies include foundation assessments and monitoring groundwater. Joining FDEP’s Karst Reporting Network helps. WKPP research shows a 68% damage reduction with 50-foot buffer zones.

How does FDEP distinguish natural sinkholes from human-induced subsidence?

FDEP uses geotechnical analysis and groundwater tests. They also review land use history. Their 2008 map shows 42 subsidence events. Verification involves soil and radar surveys.

Sinkholes in Leon County, FL | Florida Sinkholes