Name: Sinkholes in Manatee County, FL | Florida Sinkholes
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Manatee County, FL

Manatee County is located in Southwest Florida, a region consisting of several counties collectively marketed as the Suncoast. This county was established in 1855 and named after the iconic Florida sea cow endemic in the Gulf Coast area.

Manatee County has a land area of about 740 square miles, vastly reduced from its original 5,000 square miles before it was subdivided into seven different counties. Largely untouched though were Manatee’s water resources still covering 150 square miles or 16.8 percent of its current territory which includes some of Florida’s finest beaches.

Manatee’s county seat and largest city is Bradenton situated on the mouth of the Manatee River, a rustic waterway which also lends a unique character to the county aside from its pristine Gulf Coast beaches. The other municipalities of Manatee County include Palmetto, the City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the Town of Longboat Key

Some historical accounts claim that it was on Manatee County’s shores where Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto first landed with his 1539 expedition to explore Florida. In this event’s commemoration, a De Soto National Memorial Park has been set up in Bradenton. This historic landmark offers not only exhibits about De Soto’s exploits. The park has kayak tours, hiking trails, boating and birding facilities, and hiking trails.

Real Estate Choices

The population of Manatee County is approaching the 390,000 mark as of the 2017 U.S. Census. The number of the county’s residents, as well as visitors, rise significantly each winter, because of so-called “snowbirds” from northern U.S. and Canada moving to their second homes in Manatee or renting a place in the county.

The real estate market of the county is largely influenced not only by these snowbirds but also baby boomers settling locally for their retirement. As a consequence, home buyers in the county can find a wide variety of choices ranging from single family homes, multifamily units and high-rise condos.

Robust Transport Mix

The influx of seasonal residents during winter shows in numbers from the Sarasota‒Bradenton International Airport. Located on the Manatee‒Sarasota County border, this airport serves over a million passengers annually, with the peak arrivals coming in wintertime. Notably, Manatee’s Southwest Florida area is also covered by the Amtrak Train Service and the Greyhound Bus routes.

Inexpensive inter-county public transportation in Manatee is provided by the Manatee County Area Transit System. In Anna Maria Island, one of the top travel destinations in the county, a free trolley service is available for residents and visitors alike.

Other points of interest in and around Manatee are easily accessible by car. Interstate 75 and the Tamiami Trail are the vital road corridors traversing north and south through the county.

Economic Drivers

Besides tourism, agriculture is a major driver for Manatee County’s economy. Local commerce and industry likewise draw strength from the Port of Manatee, which is among Florida largest and fastest growing seaports. The county is also home to the headquarters of large businesses, like Bealls Department Store. Remarkably, commercial fishing still thrives in Manatee, mainly at the Village of Cortez west of Bradenton.

Several higher learning institutions have presence in Manatee County. These include the State College of Florida and the University of South Florida, plus the sports campus of the IMG Academy in Bradenton. This city is also notably host to the spring training camp of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

References:

Central Florida’s karst geology poses unique challenges for communities built on porous limestone. The Florida Geological Survey says this area is at high risk for ground collapses. Manatee County’s Zone 3 classification shows soils here are more likely to sink suddenly.

Over the last 20 years, FDEP sinkhole maps show clusters near Parrish and Bradenton. A 2019 incident near State Road 64 needed emergency repairs. In 2022, smaller sinkholes affected homes.

Geologists note not all depressions are from karst. Some are from infrastructure failures or soil compaction. This is important for understanding risks. About 15% of subsidence cases in Manatee County, FL are not from karst.

Monitoring uses satellite images and radar to spot early signs. But, water table changes and urban growth make long-term predictions hard. This mix of nature and human activity shapes the area’s geological story.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Manatee County has seen many sinkholes over the years. These sinkholes happen where natural underground systems meet human development. The Florida Geological Survey (FGS) has tracked three major incidents:

2013 SR 62 Collapse (Parrish): A huge sinkhole blocked traffic for 11 days. It cost $850,000 to fix. The FDEP said limestone was to blame.
2020 Tara Golf & Country Club Incident (Bradenton): Two fairways were damaged. Investigations found that water levels changed due to nearby wells.
2022 Ellenton Infrastructure Event: A sinkhole near US 301 was found. It was caused by old tunnels from the 1970s.

Location	Year	Impact Scale	Confirmed Cause
Parrish (SR 62)	2013	Major transportation disruption	Karst collapse
Bradenton (Tara Golf)	2020	Recreational facility damage	Groundwater pumping
Ellenton (US 301)	2022	Roadway instability	Historic drainage systems

FGS reports show a 23% rise in sinkhole reports from 2015 to 2024. This increase is linked to:

Population growth that’s 14% higher than expected
Three long droughts (2006-2007, 2011-2012, 2020-2021)
More irrigation-dependent farming in eastern Manatee County

Geologists can tell the difference between verified karst collapses and human-induced subsidence. They use radar and boreholes to do this. But 27% of cases are unclassified because there’s not enough evidence, according to FGS.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Manatee County, FL, is at high risk for sinkholes because of its limestone bedrock and rainy seasons. Homes built on soft soil or without strong foundations are more at risk. Signs include cracks in walls, sinking ground, and sudden ponds where there were none before.

People seeing these signs should call the Florida Geological Survey Helpline at 850-245-2118 for help. Experts like those from Foundation Professionals of Florida suggest using ground-penetrating radar to check for voids. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection warns not to wait for inspections, as small depressions can mean big problems underground.

For sinkholes, compaction grouting is often the best fix in Manatee County. It involves filling unstable soil with cement. Make sure contractors are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Insurance claims need proof of damage and may need special adjusters for sinkhole cases.

To prevent sinkholes, keep downspouts away from your foundation and watch your water use. The Florida Department of Financial Services suggests checking your property insurance every year. It might not cover sinkholes without extra coverage. Getting legal advice from The Florida Bar can help with real estate in risky areas.

FAQ

What geological conditions make Manatee County prone to sinkholes?

Manatee County’s sinkhole risk comes from its karst terrain. This terrain has porous limestone bedrock, as shown in Florida Geological Survey studies. Acidic groundwater dissolves this rock, creating voids underground.The county is in Zone 3, with higher risks near Parrish and Bradenton. This is based on FDEP sinkhole maps.

Have there been major sinkhole events in Manatee County recently?

Yes, there have been major incidents. A 2013 collapse on State Road 62 in Parrish needed emergency repairs. A 2020 event near Bradenton’s Tara Golf & Country Club damaged infrastructure.Both were linked to karst processes and groundwater withdrawal.

How does urban development influence sinkhole activity in the region?

Urban development increases subsidence risks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says so. Groundwater pumping and soil compaction from development play big roles.Over 23% of non-karst subsidence in Manatee County is linked to new construction.

What warning signs indicate a sinkhole is forming on a property?

Look for sudden ponding, foundation cracks over 1/4 inch, and doors/windows not closing right. Also, watch for circular depressions in soil.The Florida Geological Survey advises calling their Helpline (850-245-2118) if you see these signs.

What steps should homeowners take if they suspect sinkhole activity?

Follow Florida Department of Financial Services protocols. First, stop using water to prevent more saturation. Then, call a licensed geotechnical inspector certified under Florida Statute 492.Document damages for insurance claims. Consider compaction grouting from Foundation Professionals of Florida for stabilization.

Are all ground collapses in Manatee County classified as true sinkholes?

No. Only subsidence from karst processes is called sinkholes. Over 41% of 2022 collapse reports in Manatee County were not sinkholes. They were caused by sewer line failures or construction issues.

Sinkholes in Manatee County, FL | Florida Sinkholes