Sinkholes on the rise in Fla.

Geologists: Man has sped up process of sinkholes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With hundreds of people moving to Florida daily, more and more sinkhole reports are expected statewide. Sinkholes are already on the rise after a rainy summer.

From one end of Florida to the other, the threat of sinkholes are imminent.

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"We're going to have more sinkholes, that's just a result of living here in Florida," said Harley Means, Assistant State Geologist at the Dept. of Environmental Protection.

Florida geologists say the rainy summer has helped speed up the process for many of these sinks across the state. Several Florida sinkholes have made headlines after forming in heavily populated areas, like the one near Disney World in early August.

As common as sinkholes are, geologists say man has helped speed up the process.

"Certain times of the year, or certain events, can trigger sinkholes," Means said.

Officials say sinkholes like the one in East Tallahassee, near retaining ponds, are common.

The Tallahassee sinkhole opened up last week, and although unlikely to cause any damage to nearby houses, people in the area say they will keep a close on the hole.

"It doesn't worry me too bad," said Bart Herndon, who lives next to a sinkhole. "It worries me a little about peoples houses close to it."

With more people moving to Florida, geologist say the number of sinkhole reports will undoubtedly go up, creating a possible recipe for disaster.

Means said, "We can't predict exactly when and where a sinkhole will occur."

Sinkholes are most common from Central Florida through the Big Bend in North Florida.

Anyone with question about sinkholes may call 850-617-0301.