GROVELAND, Fla. — Several homes in a Lake County neighborhood have been evacuated following the emergence of a significant ground depression.

What You Need To Know

  • A ground depression has prompted evacuations in a Groveland neighborhood Saturday night 

  • It was reported under a home on Compass Rose Drive, which Lake County officials have now evacuated and condemned

  • The ground depression is 18 feet by 25 feet wide and 10 feet deep, with most of the damage lying beneath the structure

  • The American Red Cross has deployed a disaster action team and staff members to assist the affected families and evaluate the extent of the damage

The incident began last night on Compass Rose Drive, where a substantial ground depression was reported, prompting city officials to tape off and ultimately condemn one home. This house now stands as the epicenter of an 18 feet by 25 feet wide and 10 feet deep depression, with most of the damage lying beneath the structure.

“It’s called Lake County for a reason," said resident Linda Daniels. "All these lakes are made from sinkholes. Yes, we know they’re around, yes I’m concerned about them, but it’s a part of living in this area, unfortunately."

Other homes around where the epicenter of the ground depression was located have also been evacuated. (Spectrum News/Destiny Wiggins)


“First thing I did this morning when I woke up, as I looked into our insurance policy, we see if we have sinkhole coverage, but I’m not really sure if we do or not. And then, I think it behooves us to get a hold of somebody. Just take a look at the property,” said Gary Smith, another resident in the area.

In response to the crisis, the American Red Cross has deployed a disaster action team and staff members to assist the affected families and evaluate the extent of the damage. Additionally, the City of Groveland is providing hotel accommodations for those displaced by the evacuations.

City of Groveland District 3 Councilwoman Barbara Gaines also came out to assess the damage.

“(We) want to be supportive of them. I have been in touch with the city manager, as well as you can see with the fire department, and we’re all working together to see how we can help make this inconvenience, if you will, a smoother transition for the residents,” she said.

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), ground depressions and sinkholes can often worsen with heavy rainfall. Residents and officials are advised to stay vigilant as weather conditions could exacerbate the situation.

Spectrum News 13 will continue to monitor and report on developments as they occur.