NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A Pasco County depression has expanded and is now classified as a sinkhole, officials confirmed Thursday.
The sinkhole along Spring Haven Boulevard and Little Road in New Port Richey reopened only four days after a private engineering firm filled it.
"When I drove by, I looked over and it looked completely smooth like it was back to normal," Justin Beck said, referring to last week when the sinkhole appeared repaired.
According to officials in Pasco County, Tampa-based Basic Engineering filled the hole Thursday, Jan. 7, and four days later, on Monday, the fill material collapsed back into the hole.
ABC Action News reporter Ryan Smith called Basic Engineering on Thursday to find out what went wrong but the firm has not responded.
"I really wonder if the county is going to have to get involved because it seems the private company is not going to be able to handle the job," Robert Clarke said.
RELATED: Depression in New Port Richey continues to grow
According to officials, the hole has grown about another four feet on the north side and is now about 50 feet wide. The sinkhole still remains on private property, and the private property's contractor is working to fix the hole.
Despite this week's growth, the nearby Varsity Club remains open for business.
Pasco County continues to monitor the area, including the right-of-way, and one southbound lane of Little Road remains closed.
The sinkhole has been an ongoing headache for area residents since it first opened in October.
