Windermere neighborhood fears giant sinkhole is returning

WINDERMERE, Fla. — A massive neighborhood sinkhole in Orange County may be opening up again behind a rental home in the Summerport subdivision of Windermere.

The caution tape is back up, and people who live nearby are keeping a very close eye on the dip in the ground, hoping the sinkhole doesn’t get as massive as last time.

In May, the sinkhole along Indian Deer Road formed and was 50 feet deep and 100 feet wide.

Neighbors are now wondering if a dip in the same spot is a sign that the ground is about to give way again.

“I'm a little shocked,” said neighbor Monica Abernathy. “My daughter just said, ‘Mom, I think the sinkhole is opening back up again.’ When I saw the yellow tape, I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness.’"

After the tenant of the nearby home called 911 in May, the county put up a sign declaring the home unsafe.

The tenants moved out, fearing for their safety, and the home remains vacant.

WFTV learned the previous homeowner had the sinkhole filled in. A corporation then bought the home and plans to fill in the hole next week.

It’s unclear why the sinkhole reopened, but experts said it could be because of recent rains.

Severe Weather Center 9 chief meteorologist Tom Terry said Windermere has received 4 to 5 inches of rain in just the past seven days.

WFTV