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HERNANDO COUNTY, FL -- A large sinkhole swallowed up a Spring Hill home late Wednesday. Local officials say it's one of the biggest sinkholes they've seen.
Damage to the house and its contents at 2133 block of Orchard Park Drive is put at $250,000.
Joni Bates was able to get out of the one story concrete block structure safely with her puppies. She says insurance should cover the damage. "They just renewed it, believe it or not. So, even though I had a sinkhole, I'm very, very fortunate and I thank God," she said.
The local Red Cross chapter is helping Joni find temporary shelter and clothing.
Florida has more sinkholes than any other state. They originate beneath the surface when groundwater moves through the limestone and erodes large cavities in the bedrock. When the water table drops, a sinkhole can form.
In this case, it was under Joni Bates' house.
"I've been here 22 years, part of my life is gone. My boys grew up in this house", she said.
