​Spring Haven Sinkhole In New Port Richey Reopens

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Days after trying to fill a sinkhole on Spring Haven Boulevard in New Port Richey, Pasco County Emergency Management is reporting the sinkhole has reopened and grown.

A sinkhole repair company filled the hole Thursday, Jan. 7, and four days later, on Monday, the fill material started to collapse back into the hole.

Additionally, the hole has grown about another 4 feet on the north side and is now about 50 feet wide. The sinkhole still remains wholly on private property, and the private property's contractor is working on additional efforts to fix the hole.

Pasco County continues to monitor the area, including the right of way, and one southbound lane of Little Road remains closed.

In October, a depression opened along Spring Haven Boulevard near the Varsity Club Sports Bar, precariously close to Little Road.

Spring Haven Boulevard was closed out of an abundance of caution to keep residents safe, but no structures were in danger.

Pasco County Emergency Management reported the depression opened another 4 feet Saturday, expanding east toward Little Road reported a few days later that the outside southbound lane of Little Road closest to the hole has been shut down for safety reasons and detours were put in place for residents.

The county determined the hole extended approximately 60 feet below the visible water line (about 70 feet), meaning the total depth of the depression is now estimated to be 130 feet.

Currently, the private property owner's contractor is working on additional efforts to fix the hole.

Pasco County Emergency Management has reviewed the engineering reports from deeper ground penetrating radar testing and bore sample testing in the public right of way around the sinkhole. The county also hired an engineering firm to perform underground testing at the site.

The sinkhole is on private property, affecting both the restaurant and land owned by the Spring Haven Homeowners Association.

Pasco County has erected a chain-link fence around the sinkhole and is urging everyone to avoid the area.

See related stories:

• Video: NPR Roads Closed As Depression Grows To 46 By 130 Feet
• Engineers: Pasco Depression Appears To Have Stabilized