Clermont resort open as engineers test sinkhole

100-foot wide sinkhole swallows much of three-story resort building

CLERMONT, Fla. – The president of the Clermont resort where a sinkhole opened up and engulfed a building says the resort is still open for business as engineers determine if the depression has grown.

Summer Bay Resort President Paul Caldwell said at a news conference on Tuesday that gas is back on and power has been restored to most units after the two-floor-deep and 100 feet across sinkhole opened up Sunday night at around 10:30 p.m.

"We are open for business taking care of our guests," Caldwell said. "There are some inconveniences for their vacation which sickens us but believe us we are doing everything to make this be a special vacation."

Caldwell said the resort was providing those who lost their belongings cash advances and taking claims for any valuables.

Families in building 104 reported hearing cracking and popping sounds, and some people's windows began to break.

Richard Shanley, the security guard who went door to door ushering guests out of the collapsing building, said on Tuesday seeing the destruction is still unbelievable.

Resort managers say they'll decide to let guests back into the surrounding buildings based on the advice of engineers, but they don't expect to have that information until Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a 911 call was released on Monday night made from the Summer Bay Resort.

The resort is located about 10 miles west of Disney World on U.S. 192.