Suspected sinkhole forces out Naples church

NAPLES, Fla. - A suspected sinkhole is forcing a Naples congregation from its church.

Pastor Rick Shuck told WBBH in Fort Myers (http://bit.ly/Zwt52H ) on Monday the sinkhole has caused uneven floors, cracks in the walls and a hole in the ground so large that a landscaper fell into it.

Shuck says they had to end Faith Community Church's Sunday service early because "it's just not safe anymore." He says some cracks in the walls are a half-inch wide and part of the auditorium floor has dropped about 4 ½ inches.

Geological engineers say it's definitely a sinkhole. But the church's insurance company sent engineers who determined there is no problem. So next month the two sides are heading to mediation.

For now, the congregation will hold services at the Community School of Naples.

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Information from: WBBH-TV, http://www.nbc-2.com/