[karostay]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I hate to be an alarmist, but I hope we don't all need to learn Chinese. OH DEAR!

Don't think it's something to make fun of

[gerryann]

Prayers for the whole neighborhood are needed. I'm sure they don't know which way to turn.....very tough situation for all of them.

[villagetinker]

This is a real mess. We had sinkholes up North (PA), but nothing like this one. I am guessing the concrete did not originally fill up the 'throat' of the sinkhole, or maybe it stopped there and there was a void below that gave way. Definitely not an expert in this. I would expect some holes to be drilled next to determine the extent of the void, followed by a lot more concrete.

I hope they find a solution to this problem, and quickly.

[tucson]

Is overdevelopment the other reason of more sinkholes???.... cnbc.com/id/100965671

[quirky3]

I wish there were some kind of technology to see below the surface at sinkholes and potential sinkhole areas. Maybe there is, and they just never thought of applying it to sinkholes.

[slipcovers]

I notice from the photos that this seems to be a designer house and I am wondering if the size and weight, block, would have anything to do with forming a sinkhole?

[tucson]

Originally Posted by slipcovers

I notice from the photos that this seems to be a designer house and I am wondering if the size and weight, block, would have anything to do with forming a sinkhole?

Fyi; dep.state.fl.us/geology/geologictopics/sinkhole.htm

[loveinthesun]

My heart and prayers go out to them all on that block. I'm sure it causing allot of stress.

[Dirigo]

Has anyone ever seen or heard of a sinkhole in a commercial area? Or do they just happen in residential areas?

Just wondering...

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by quirky3

I wish there were some kind of technology to see below the surface at sinkholes and potential sinkhole areas. Maybe there is, and they just never thought of applying it to sinkholes.

There is but a very expensive test.

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by slipcovers

I notice from the photos that this seems to be a designer house and I am wondering if the size and weight, block, would have anything to do with forming a sinkhole?

Sink Holes are just a fact of life in Florida. You have more because of the Florida substructure. They can happen anywhere in the state but are more common in the Central Florida Area. There is a map which depicts where there is sink hole activity.

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by Dirigo

Has anyone ever seen or heard of a sinkhole in a commercial area? Or do they just happen in residential areas?

Just wondering...

They can occur anywhere.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by Dirigo

Has anyone ever seen or heard of a sinkhole in a commercial area? Or do they just happen in residential areas?

Just wondering...

Here is a photo and story of a big one that ate a stop light and Cadillac Escalade with lots of cavity to spare, in Milwaukee:

Mary Louise Schumacher - Car, driver tumble into giant sinkhole amid rainstorm

[RErmer]

Originally Posted by Dirigo

Has anyone ever seen or heard of a sinkhole in a commercial area? Or do they just happen in residential areas?

Just wondering...

Yes, remember when the Corvette museum lost a lot of cars in a sinkhole relatively recently? I've been a Florida resident for over 30 years and have learned sinkholes can happen anywhere, anytime in this state. Not too encouraging, however, also a very small chance of being personally affected.

[surething]

Originally Posted by tucson

Is overdevelopment the other reason of more sinkholes???.... cnbc.com/id/100965671

I think you bring up an interesting issue. One of the contributory factors with sinkholes is exactly encroachment on the land as well as weight. I wonder about adding swimming pools along with all the added ponds around? Controversial issue, no doubt. I think it would also be helpful to begin thinking of an emergency kit both in your home and your car, just in case. Am used to doing this in the past due to earthquakes. There is also an Earthquake Preparedness Month in California, just a fact of life living there, now have to deal with sinkholes here. All we really can do is be aware and prepare, and then put all of this in the background. Best wishes to all and we will continue to enjoy The Villages.

Here is a helpful and informative link regarding past Villages' sinkhole activity, insurance, etc.