A sinkhole opened yesterday, June 8, near Scott Lake Road and Fitzgerald Road on private property. The sinkhole is currently around 80 feet in diameter and slowly growing. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office rendered aid in blocking access and directing traffic away from the unstable area. Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene to aid in assessing the threat to structure and safety.
A private enterprise hired by a property owner, to drill across the private drive, hit a pressurized pocket, causing the collapse. The property owners are on-site assessing the situation.
There is no property or structural damage at this time, but three nearby houses could be affected. Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Building Division officials contacted the homeowners whose property is adjacent to the sinkhole.
Until further notice, the portion of Scott Lake Road between Old Scott Lake Road and Fitzgerald Road in Lakeland is closed.