Sinkhole drains most of Scott Lake

By: Dave Balut

Polk County, Florida - A large sinkhole in Scott Lake has now drained most of the lake.

You get the best view of Scott Lake and the sinkhole in the south end from Sky 10. The view from a helicopter shows the sinkhole has opened up substantially in the past couple of days, but geologists think it may have plugged itself for now.

The geologist hired by Scott Lake homeowners says the complex nature of three to five sinkholes at Scott Lake is unusual, but sinkholes are common in Florida.

Rick Powers, President, BCI Engineers & Scientists:

“There's places in Florida where it's more likely to happen, there's less cover thickness but pretty much in Florida this is something that can pretty much happen anywhere.”

The disappearing lake is attracting quite a crowd. People are even sloshing through the muddy lake bottom to see the feeding frenzy at the north end of the lake.

With the water level so low, it's easy pickings for hundreds of wood storks.