Sinkhole opens in Clermont roadway

Cause of hole not yet known

CLERMONT, Fla. – A sinkhole opened in the middle of a Lake County road at the entrance of a cul-de-sac neighborhood.

The hole, estimated to be about 15 to 20 feet in diameter, was discovered early Monday on Peaceful Valley Drive just east of Powderhorn Place in the 328-home Hartwood Reserve subdivision in Clermont.

Officials closed the roadway, blocking exit or entry to residents in about 15 homes.

"There's a hole in my street.  How am I going to go anywhere?" said Miles Hensley, who lives nearby.

Residents were driving in the grass to get around the sinkhole.

Firefighters said a gas line and water main were located nearby, but all utilities were undisturbed.

The city of Clermont said it is up to the homeowners association to repair the hole.  City officials said they are not financially responsible because it's in a gated community operated by an HOA.

Engineers said a company will do some borings near the sinkhole and advised the management company to closely watch the sinkhole over the next 24 hours.

Residents say a sinkhole opened in the same subdivision about a year ago.

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