PORT RICHEY, FL -- Virgina Farmer woke up to waterfront property without ever planning for it.
She watched as mammoth pieces of earth caved in, creating a massive hole just feet from her home on Springer Drive. The hole has water flowing through it.
Farmer says people blame her for the problem because she's not cooperating with the county.
The hole is a mosquito ditch made by mosquito control management workers back in the 1930s. Today, it backs up when it rains. It spills into area businesses and homes several blocks away.
Workers at Tri City Glass say when the front yard of the business floods, they have to maneuver around the water while carrying glass. The owner, Bart Quinn, says the glass can cut limbs if workers slip.
ABC Action News took the problem to County Commissioner Michael Cox. He says he wants to clear out the waterway, but Farmer needs to give the county permission, and she won't.
Farmer says she's afraid the county will do more damage to her property. The hole is about 15 feet from her home. She is afraid it will sink in if someone touches the property.
After bringing the issue to the county's attention, phone calls were made. When ABC Action News returned to Farmer's home, the county attorney was already there looking at the hole in the yard.
After looking at the growing problem, the county says it is negotiating with Farmer's attorney to come to a resolution.
