Hillsborough County Officials Monitor Sinkhole in Seffner, Florida After Third Reopening

Residents of Seffner, Florida were surprised to find that a sinkhole that had opened up in 2013 and swallowed a man sleeping in his own house had reopened for a third time. Hillsborough County officials said that this is not unusual for underground formations in the area, especially with its porous limestone base.

The sinkhole is now behind chain-link fencing and is not posing any danger to people or property. Jon-Paul Lavandeira, director of the county code enforcement department, reassured residents that “none of the homes surrounding this appear to be in any danger.”

The sinkhole first opened up in 2013 when 37-year-old Jeff Bush was sleeping in his bedroom. The earth opened up and devoured him and part of the house, leaving only his brother’s bedroom untouched. The sinkhole was filled with sand and rock and the house was demolished.

Since then, the sinkhole has reopened twice, the first time in 2014 and the second time in 2016. Both times, the sinkhole was filled with sand and rock and the area was secured with chain-link fencing.

Hillsborough County officials are monitoring the sinkhole and are taking steps to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. They are reminding residents to be aware of the potential for sinkholes in the area and to report any suspicious activity.