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Depression under Pasco County home shows signs of being real sinkhole

An expert speaking to 10News Friday says the hole's depth, large amount of missing soil, and straight down walls make him suspect sinkhole activity.
The hole opened up under the side of a New Port Richey home.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Experts who’ve now had a chance to take a look into the hole that opened up Thursday under a home in the River Ridge area of Pasco County say it shows all the signs of being a real sinkhole.

An expert speaking to 10News Friday says the hole’s depth, large amount of missing soil, and straight down walls make him suspect sinkhole activity over something else.

Friday afternoon, an engineer hired by the homeowner’s insurance company arrived to assess the damage. He could be seen doing soil stability tests and taking photographs down into the hole.

The county was also out to warn residents of potential risks. It used orange spray paint to outline the hole to check for growth.

The neighbor closest to the hole elected to remain in his home and was warned to continually check the orange paint. If it disappears, he should leave his home immediately.

The ground around the hole seems to be stable at the moment, but experts worry about showers in this weekend’s forecast and say heavy rain could loosen the soil and allow the hole to grow.

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