Look for sinkholes. That is what happens when it rains a lot after a dry spell.

[graciegirl]

It will happen not just in The Villages but all over west central Florida which is the area where most sinkholes occur.

Someone will try to blame the developer...happens in progression.

[Stu from NYC]

Other than waking up and finding yourself 50 ft below ground anyway to know one is happening?

[retiredguy123]

Other than waking up and finding yourself 50 ft below ground anyway to know one is happening?
Cracks in the soil, driveway, or sidewalk, or a depressed area in your yard would be clues.

[capecoralbill]

So, who is responsible? I suppose there is no guarantee against SINKHOLES OR DRY LAKES in the newer Villages either! Google the following for examples:
"sinkhole at 733 Winifred Way" and "sinkhole at 17092 McLawren Terrace" and "sinkhole at 2536 Botello Ave", there are more, but you get the idea, watch out for those waterfront views.

[retiredguy123]

So, who is responsible? I suppose there is no guarantee against SINKHOLES OR DRY LAKES in the newer Villages either! Google the following for examples:
"sinkhole at 733 Winifred Way" and "sinkhole at 17092 McLawren Terrace" and "sinkhole at 2536 Botello Ave", there are more, but you get the idea, watch out for those waterfront views.
No one is responsible unless you have homeowners insurance. All Florida policies must include "catastrophic ground collapse" coverage which will pay to repair damage to your house. But, if you have a sinkhole that damages your yard or driveway, but your house is not damaged or condemned, you need to have "sinkhole" which is an optional feature offered by some insurance companies for some houses.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It will happen not just in The Villages but all over west central Florida which is the area where most sinkholes occur.

Someone will try to blame the developer...happens in progression.

As it's been explained numerous times in the past, here, on TV, on National news, in science magazines, etc. etc.:

Sinkholes are caused by nature. Not all ground collapses are sinkholes. Some ground collapses are caused by over-development, and badly-built water retention ponds. Some ground collapses were triggered by overdevelopment and badly-built water retention ponds, but would have happened naturally EVENTUALLY, had the develoopers left it alone. Development just sped it along.

[Bogie Shooter]

:popcorn:
I'm guessing 75+ posts......

[asianthree]

It’s good to scare the crap out of new people. Let’s them worry about something other than Covid and riots,

Better thoughts don’t worry about something you have no control over. If it happens call local authorities and then insurance. If it doesn’t happen to your house then you got some extra sleep

[Velvet]

Sinkholes were my number one concern when buying. I studied as many factors as I could associated with them. Minimized as much as possible. Bought insurance too. Now it may happen at my place but I sleep in peace expecting the kitchen floor in the morning to be where it was the night before.

[Stu from NYC]

It’s good to scare the crap out of new people. Let’s them worry about something other than Covid and riots,

Better thoughts don’t worry about something you have no control over. If it happens call local authorities and then insurance. If it doesn’t happen to your house then you got some extra sleep

Hmm can we get cell phone signal when inside a sinkhole?

In all seriousness made sure our homeowners policy had coverage for sinkholes

[ithos]

Hmm can we get cell phone signal when inside a sinkhole?

In all seriousness made sure our homeowners policy had coverage for sinkholes

There are two types of insurance policies for sink holes.

1. The mandatory one is of almost no use unless your house is basically condemned. The criteria is stated in your policy.

The sinking of the top layer of soil must occur abruptly.
A depression in the ground cover must be clearly visible without the aid of instruments.
There must be structural damage to the home, including the foundation itself.
A government agency must condemn and evacuate the structure.

2. The other type is an add on that is triggered by less severe damage. I would highly recommend it. If your insurance company will not offer it then find a new provider.

[bdescalzi]

Sink holes are natural occurrences; unless you install corrugated drain pipe where reinforced concrete pipe should have been used. Ask the residents on Mclawren Terrace about the rotted pipe pulled from the area that was washing out the earth between those homes.

[seoulbrooks]

Agree with AsianThree, why worry about stuff you have absolutely no control over. Worry about something you have the power to change for the better.

[LG999]

Sink holes were my major concern when buying also. I saw on govt maps that they really are all over FL. Lots. Didn't seem to be any real “safe” areas so eventually bought anyway.

[Ashokan]

Are they truly random in The Villages, or are they more prevalent in one or more specific areas?

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Oh yes let’s start a fake news story about one area more sink holes then others . The only time I think about a sink hole is when someone decides write about them . Nothing anyone can do about them . 30 years in Florida , 12 new homes and I still don’t know anyone personally whose had one . ( things happen )

[Bjeanj]

:popcorn:
I'm guessing 75+ posts......

Nah, I’d guess 50, maybe.

[Velvet]

Agree with AsianThree, why worry about stuff you have absolutely no control over. Worry about something you have the power to change for the better.

Disagree, you can minimize probability of sinkholes by studying their pattern. We have an expression for those who give up; “learned helplessness”.

[Joe V.]

Sink holes were my major concern when buying also. I saw on govt maps that they really are all over FL. Lots. Didn't seem to be any real “safe” areas so eventually bought anyway.

Pinellas County is on firm bedrock. Lived there 20 years and never heard of one in the county.

[graciegirl]

Disagree, you can minimize probability of sinkholes by studying their pattern. We have an expression for those who give up; “learned helplessness”.

No. There is another one that I like better. Accepting reality. I am not a quitter but there are a couple of things that one cannot change when it happens...……. You really do have to know when to fold 'em. And play it how it lies.

Sinkholes do occur slightly more where the weight of water is. That is about it. And that seems to be followed with the words maybe and sometime.

But for some reason, when adversity falls some folks are looking to find the culprit. Sometimes there is no culprit. Sometimes things just happen......and I don't think they are pre-ordained. Walk softly and stay away from people who are sneezing...……...You should be more worried about Covid-19 if you ask me...if you are older...….

[Stu from NYC]

Still like to know if we would get cell service if 50 ft underground in a sink hole.

[Velvet]

We usually say ‘accept reality’ when we don’t know what the factors are, it’s giving in to ignorance. Remember when people used to think that thunder was the weapon of gods? I’m a fighter. I believe in knowledge. (Doesn’t mean it won’t happen to me, but I’m not closing my eyes either) with knowledge people shape reality.
And thank you for the reminder, I have a small depression in the lawn I’ve been watching.

[fromct]

We usually say ‘accept reality’ when we don’t know what the factors are, it’s giving in to ignorance. Remember when people used to think that thunder was the weapon of gods? I’m a fighter. I believe in knowledge. (Doesn’t mean it won’t happen to me, but I’m not closing my eyes either) with knowledge people shape reality.
And thank you for the reminder, I have a small depression in the lawn I’ve been watching.


If you really want more info, try this:

Ground Penetrating Radar Services in Central Florida - Orlando, Tampa - Ground Penetrating Radar Systems Florida (https://www.groundpenetratingradarfloridagpr.com/gprs-central-florida)


I've got it on my todo list but haven't contacted anyone yet. This tech is what utilities use to support "Call before you dig". Some insurance companies require an inspection of your property with it before selling you a sinkhole rider on you HO po;icy.

[ithos]

If you really want more info, try this:

Ground Penetrating Radar Services in Central Florida - Orlando, Tampa - Ground Penetrating Radar Systems Florida (https://www.groundpenetratingradarfloridagpr.com/gprs-central-florida)


I've got it on my todo list but haven't contacted anyone yet. This tech is what utilities use to support "Call before you dig". Some insurance companies require an inspection of your property with it before selling you a sinkhole rider on you HO po;icy.

This presents a conundrum.

If you find out about a potential sinkhole you may be required to report it to any sellers. Which means your property value will take a massive hit. And no real estate agent would recommend it to a seller.

If someone is more knowledgeable about this subject, please weigh in.

[Nucky]

Still like to know if we would get cell service if 50 ft underground in a sink hole.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: Coverage from 50 Ft Deep Only from Verizon or Xfinity Mobile! If you have Sprint put the phone down and scream. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: :mademyday:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

This presents a conundrum.

If you find out about a potential sinkhole you may be required to report it to any sellers. Which means your property value will take a massive hit. And no real estate agent would recommend it to a seller.

If someone is more knowledgeable about this subject, please weigh in. don’t ask , don’t tell, I’m not watching or checking the ground , it is really one of the things I’ve n life I don’t want to know

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Let’s them worry about something other than Covid and riots,

Better thoughts don’t worry about something you have no control over. If it happens call local authorities and then insurance. If it doesn’t happen to your house then you got some extra sleep

Can't help but notice A LOT of worry on this board.
Why People Worry Much More Than They Need To | Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toward-less-egoic-world/201803/why-people-worry-much-more-they-need)

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Can't help but notice A LOT of worry on this board.
Why People Worry Much More Than They Need To | Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toward-less-egoic-world/201803/why-people-worry-much-more-they-need)

Calm Down, You Can Literally Worry Yourself Sick

Calm Down, You Can Literally Worry Yourself Sick | HuffPost Canada Life (https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/timi-gustafson/anxiety-and-illness_b_5179804.html)