Originally Posted by jimkerr
(Post 2445154)
The Florida counties with the highest number of sinkholes, based on geological data and reported incidents, are concentrated in the west-central region, often called "Sinkhole Alley." Here are the top counties:
1. **Pasco County**: Frequently identified as the epicenter of sinkhole activity in Florida, Pasco has the highest number of reported sinkholes due to its karst limestone geology. It accounted for a significant share of the 20,145 sinkhole incidents reported in Sinkhole Alley from 2006 to 2010.
2. **Hernando County**: Also in Sinkhole Alley, Hernando ranks high for sinkhole occurrences, with frequent reports of subsidence and collapses, particularly in areas like Spring Hill and Brooksville.
3. **Hillsborough County**: Home to Tampa, this county sees substantial sinkhole activity, with numerous incidents reported, especially after heavy rainfall or hurricanes like Milton in 2024.
4. **Marion County**: Known for sinkholes around Ocala, Marion is a hotspot, with many incidents occurring along major roads like U.S. 441 and I-75 due to its susceptible karst terrain.
5. **Polk County**: Particularly around Lakeland, Polk has a high number of sinkholes, including many sinkhole lakes formed by past collapses. It’s another key area for sinkhole activity.
These counties are prone to sinkholes because of their underlying limestone, which dissolves easily with groundwater or heavy rain, creating cavities that lead to collapses. Other counties like Citrus, Lake, and Sumter also report sinkholes, but Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, and Polk consistently have the highest numbers based on historical data and geological surveys.
For detailed or real-time data, you can check the Florida Geological Survey’s sinkhole database or interactive map, which tracks subsidence incidents, though not all are confirmed sinkholes.
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