NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Pasco County emergency services are now calling the 15-foot depression that opened up in New Port Richey on Monday afternoon a sinkhole.
A state geologist with the Department of Environmental Protection made the determination.
Despite heavy rainfall, officials say the sinkhole did not grow overnight. However, they continue to monitor the sinkhole and surrounding homes.
The depression opened up in the Moon Lake area of Pearl Drive. It is approximately 15 square feet and is about 10 feet deep in the backyard of two mobile homes, according to fire officials.
Pasco County Emergency Management and Fire Rescue has called for the voluntary evacuation of six homes immediately surrounding the area. Three homes have chosen to evacuate, one home is currently under renovation and one home is vacant. The sixth has decided to stay in their home.
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The depression is on private property. Pasco Emergency Management said a building inspector came out to the mobile home park. They've put notices on five out of the six mobile home parks saying it's unsafe for homeowners to enter. Pasco County officials notified state officials.
"It's scary. These homes are so old, we can't get insurance on them so if anything happens you're on your own now," said homeowner Lois Scott.
"It's pretty scary, but at this point, I'm not going any place," said Katalin Janka who is under a voluntary evacuation.
