Sinkholes in Marion County, FL | Florida Sinkholes

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Sinkholes in Marion County, FL | Florida Sinkholes

Marion County, FL Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 1877

Marion County, FL FAQs

Marion County, FL

Marion County is located in North Central Florida, occupying a land area of 1,585 square miles and with Ocala as its county seat and largest city too. Although inland, the county has water resources of 78 square miles accounted for by its scenic lakes, rivers, and springs.

Marion County’s inland location is centered between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Given this, hurricanes do not affect this county as much as the other more coastal counties west and east.

Marion County was formed in 1844 and named in honor of General Francis Marion of South Carolina who fought in the American Revolutionary War. This county’s territory were drawn from portions of Alachua, Hillsborough, and Mosquito (now Orange) counties. Subsequently though, Marion yielded parts of its area to Putnam and Levy counties.

Horse Breeding Hub

Rolling hills generally compose the terrain of Marion County, a feature that set its rural area as suitable ground and pasture for breeding prized racehorses. The county has become a major thoroughbred center with its over 1,200 horse farms, including about 900 thoroughbred farms, totaling some 77,000 acres.

Some Ocala-based breeder farms have been so successful that their thoroughbreds have come out as winners and standouts in the world-renowned Kentucky Derby. Having developed such a reputation, Ocala has become popular as a “horse capital of the world.”

Natural Assets

Marion County takes pride too of its scenic countryside, lush forests, and crystal-clear waterways. These are trademarks of the county’s Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs River, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Springs. The county also boasts of its Lake Weir ideal not only for boating, water skiing and other water-based leisure activities. This 5,700-acre lake also serve as a serene backdrop for several residential communities and high-end homes.

Marion’s unincorporated community of Silver Spring offers additional delights as well in its eponymous group of artesian springs and state park. Highlights of a visit at the Silver Springs State Park include water tours aboard glass-bottomed boats, hiking, biking, and canoeing. This park also features a museum and environmental education center. Other natural attractions in and around Marion include the Ocala National Forest and the Florida Trail.

Even as Marion has a dominant rural character, its residents can conveniently access the trappings of an urban environment with the county’s proximity to many of Florida’s major urban centers. Orlando and Daytona Beach, for example, are only about 75 minutes from Marion.

Eclectic Housing Stock

Looking for a home in Marion, with the help of a professional realtor, can unlock a wide variety of affordably priced homes suited to every taste and lifestyle. For folks who prefer a city vibe, Ocala would be the logical hunting ground. Its housing stock include single family homes condos and townhouses, as well as rental apartments.

Others who lean more on a country feel could find some ideal choices at Silver Springs Shores considered as a bedroom community of Ocala. Overall, the residential options in Marion County include builds in new country communities, vintage farmhouses, horse farms, and estate homes.

References:

Marion County

Omcar

Silver Springs Shores

Silver Springs, Florida

OCALA, FL
June 2012 – A large sinkhole, spanning 100 feet, opened at the edge of a retention pond in the Fore Ranch Subdivision off State Road 200, forcing the evacuation of a townhome building.

OCALA, FL
August 2013 – A sinkhole drained or swallowed a lake at Woodland Villages.

OCALA, FL
December 2015 – A sinkhole that was 20 feet x 30 feet opened at 83rd Avenue in the Oak Run neighborhood, forcing residents of several homes to evacuate.

OCALA, FL
August 2016 – Five sinkholes opened at the road in southeast Ocala. One of the holes was 30 feet deep.

OCALA, FL
September 2016 – A sinkhole appeared in front of Liberty Middle School, affecting about 15 feet of the sidewalk.

OCALA, FL
June 2017 – A sinkhole swallowed a car near the intersection of Southwest 27th Avenue and State Road 200 at the Gateway Plaza. The hole measured 20 feet by 20 feet. It was likely caused by flooding and it damaged a gas line, forcing affected business to evacuate temporarily.

OCALA, FL
June 2017 – A sinkhole with a depth of 30 feet opened under a house in the Village of Liberty Park in The Villages, forcing the 77-year old woman to evacuate her home.

OCALA, FL
September 2017 – A sinkhole opened in The Villages during Hurricane Irma. Four homes were affected.

CITRA, FL
August 2017 – A sinkhole opened up in the eastbound lane at the 300th block of East Highway 318. The sinkhole was about 9 feet across and about 5 feet deep

OCALA, FL
September 2017 – A sinkhole, with a depth of 15 feet and width of 10 feet, opened on a busy roadway of North U.S. 441 at Northwest 148th Street.

OCALA, FL
October 2017 – A sinkhole opened at the intersection of Rolling Greens Drive and Peebles Beach Road. The hole was 25 feet long and 15 feet deep.

OCALA, FL
February 2018 – A sinkhole opened under a dump truck on Southeast 25th Avenue at Southeast 80th Street. It was reported that the hole was about six feet deep.

OCALA, FL
April 2018 – At least eight sinkholes opened at the Wynchase Townhomes complex on Southwest 42nd Place. Some of the holes are reported to be 15 to 25 feet wide.

OCALA, FL
May 2018 – Several sinkholes appeared at a designated retention area that is adjacent to the parking lot in Forest High School. The holes had a width of 15 to 20 feet.

OCALA, FL
May 2018 – About 12 sinkholes appeared near a retention lake in Ocala, threatening the houses in the area.

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Sinkholes in Marion County, FL

North-Central Florida’s karst landscape is complex. It has geology and hydrology working together. Underneath, there’s soluble Ocala limestone bedrock, a key part of the Florida aquifer system.

This porous foundation meets permeable Cypresshead sands and clay-rich Coosawhatchie layers. Together, they create conditions for ground instability.

Between 1973 and 2007, state surveys found 337 subsidence incidents near Candler and Belleview. A 2023 hydrogeological study showed 43.4% of the area is at high risk for sinkholes. Areas near existing depressions face even higher risks due to erosion in carbonate rock.

Advanced models reveal what makes areas vulnerable. Logistic regression puts proximity to depressions as the top factor. This beats older methods. It also matches with growing populations and infrastructure in unstable areas.

Looking at subsurface water flow is key. Rainfall, averaging 50 inches a year, speeds up limestone dissolution. Weakened cavities then collapse under weight, creating sudden depressions. This shows the balance between nature and human activities in karst areas.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Marion County has seen many big sinkhole events from 2004 to 2024. Studies and insurance records show when and where these happen. Between 2004 and 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection found 14 major sinkholes over 10 meters wide.

In 2006, a sinkhole near Santos damaged State Road 200. It needed $1.8 million to fix.

Geological analysis points out high-risk areas in the county:

  • Ocala: This area has 23% of all sinkhole incidents.
  • Reddick/McIntosh: 68% of sinkholes are near phosphate mines.
  • Summerfield/Silver Springs: 42 homes had sinkhole claims from 2015-2020.

Mining is a big reason for sinkholes. The 2008 Florida Geological Survey map shows mines are often near sinkholes. Even after mines close, the ground can stay unstable for years.

Property insurance records show ongoing problems in homes. These issues are common in areas built on:

  • Former limestone quarries
  • Reclaimed wetland areas
  • Places with shallow water tables

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Residents in Marion County, FL, face higher risks of sinkholes due to the area’s geology. The Florida Geological Survey says being close to closed depressions is a big risk. About 83% of sinkholes happen within 400 meters of these areas.

Ocala limestone bedrock is common in central areas. It makes foundations unstable when water levels change.

Before buying a home, check FGS sinkhole maps. Homeowners should look out for signs like sinking ground or circular plants. If cracks are over 6mm, get a professional to check it out.

Upgrading foundations is key in areas with high-permeability soils. This affects 37% of homes.

Having insurance is important, with 32% of ZIP codes in Marion County needing sinkhole coverage. Make sure to review your policy every year. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection suggests watching water levels near sinkholes, more so during heavy rains.

Preventing sinkholes is better than dealing with them. Regular checks and geological tests can spot problems early. Keeping drainage systems working helps avoid sudden collapses. Local sites offer risk maps to help make smart choices.

FAQ

Why is Marion County particularily susceptible to sinkholes?

Marion County’s karst landscape is due to the dissolution of Ocala limestone bedrock. This is part of the Florida aquifer system. The county’s hydrogeology, with permeable layers, shows 43.4% high/very high sinkhole susceptibility.

What areas have experienced significant sinkhole activity recently?

Between 2015-2020, 42 verified residential sinkholes happened in Summerfield and Silver Springs. There were 14 major collapses from 2004-2008, including a 2006 event damaging SR-200 in Santos. The 2008 FGS map shows 337 incidents from 1973-2007.

What are the primary risk factors for sinkhole formation?

Source 3’s study found that being close to depressions and having Ocala limestone bedrock are key risks. Mining operations also increase risks, with 68% of sinkholes near phosphate mines in Reddick and McIntosh.

What precautions should homeowners take?

Homeowners should: 1) Check FGS maps before buying 2) Watch for ground subsidence and vegetation changes 3) Get verified sinkhole insurance (needed in 32% of ZIP codes) 4) Get professional assessments for cracks over 6mm. FDEP suggests better foundation engineering in very permeable soils.

How does sinkhole insurance work in Marion County?

Florida law requires sinkhole coverage, with 42 claims from 2015-2020. Policies vary by location, with high-risk areas needing specific coverage. Always check policy details for diagnostic and stabilization costs.

Are there updated sinkhole maps available post-2008?

The 2008 FGS map is the main public resource. Source 3’s 2023 study offers updated models. Post-2008, FDEP data is limited, but insurance claims and studies show ongoing activity, near mining and residential areas with shallow limestone.

How do mining operations affect sinkhole risks?

Mining in Reddick and McIntosh is linked to 68% of sinkholes within 2km. Groundwater pumping and subsurface disturbances speed up bedrock dissolution. Source 3 identifies these areas as high-risk on the 2008 FGS map.

When should homeowners request geological assessments?

Homeowners should seek evaluations for cracks over 6mm, door/window misalignment, or circular depressions. Source 3 suggests annual water table checks within 800m of sinkholes and pre-construction assessments in high-permeability soil zones.
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