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Hillsborough County, FL - Parts of Florida are grappling with the emergence of sinkholes in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including one sinkhole that led to the partial collapse of a house.
According to reports, a sinkhole in Lakeland swallowed up a portion of a home’s garage and caused damage to nearby lawns.
Another sinkhole was reported on Sunday at an intersection in unincorporated St. Petersburg.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Department posted on X "TRAFFIC ALERT: The intersection of 50th Avenue N, 24th Street North, and Haines Road in Unincorporated St. Petersburg is shut down due to a possible sinkhole forming. Pinellas County Highway Maintenance is responding. Motorists and pedestrians should find alternative routes."
Last Thursday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office issued a warning about a large sinkhole that opened up in a Hillsborough neighborhood.
Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and cautious as they assess the damage to their homes and properties.
Sinkholes form when underground rock, often limestone or dolomite, is eroded by acidic water.
This erosion creates cavities that can eventually collapse, forming a sinkhole on the surface.
Factors like geology, groundwater levels, and human activities can influence the likelihood of sinkhole formation.