TRINITY, Fla. — As Pasco County's sinkhole continues to expand, ABC Action News has learned, taxpayers are on the hook for $300 a day until it’s fixed.
Since it opened in early October, county officials have been forced to erect fencing around the hole and close one lane of Little Road at Spring Haven Boulevard in Trinity.
According to documents obtained by ABC Action News reporter Ryan Smith, that fencing and traffic control devices are costing $300 per day in public funds, totaling more than $32,000 since October.
Back in October 2020 the sinkhole was expanded.
“Are you kidding me,” said neighbor Julie Killingworth. “No, the county should not have to pay $300 a day during a plague. No, the property owners need to reimburse immediately.”
In a strongly-worded letter to three listed property owners, a county attorney states the sinkhole poses “a severe threat to the life, health, and/or safety of persons traversing areas on or near the depression.”
Property owners responsible for making repairs to the sinkhole are Trinity Varsity Club, a sports bar and restaurant, the Spring Haven Condominium Association, and Gator Crossings at Trinity.
The sinkhole was in the process of being filled when it expanded again just a few days later.
ABC Action News reached out to all three businesses and no one has responded to our request to find out what’s being done to make a fix.
Attorney Kristi Sims’ December letter also states, “it is clear to me that your ongoing failure to correct the dangerous and unsafe conditions on your parcel violate a number of provisions of the Pasco County Code of Ordinances.”
Pasco County officials confirm the three property owners will have to reimburse the county for the $300 daily cost to maintain the area around the sinkhole.
Demand Letter to Gator Crossings 12-11-20 by ABC Action News on Scribd
