Florida Sinkhole News Brief – August 2025

Florida Sinkhole News — August 2025: This roundup covers several notable sinkhole events across Florida in August 2025, including major road closures, rapid emergency responses and ongoing investigations into causes tied to groundwater and heavy rainfall.

Live Oak: U.S. 90 Sinkhole (August 25, 2025)

A substantial sinkhole opened on U.S. Highway 90 East near Dowling Avenue at about 3:45 p.m.; Live Oak Police and public works captured the collapse on video.
The road was closed immediately; FDOT and city crews worked overnight to fill the hole and install a metal plate so traffic could be restored by the following morning.
Investigations cite chronic groundwater overpumping and intense rainfall as likely contributors. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a pollution notice related to the incident.

Sources: WWALS Watershed Coalition | Riverbend News | WCJB

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Ocala: Ocala Preserve Recurrence (Late July–August 2025)

Heavy late-July rainfall triggered new sinkholes in the Ocala Preserve community—less than a year after earlier collapses displaced residents following Hurricane Derby (Aug 2024).
Residents reported a “mini lake” that suddenly drained as the ground collapsed; geologists point to acidic rainwater dissolving limestone as the classic Florida sinkhole process.
Recurring collapses have raised concerns about drainage design, development practices and long-term water management in rapidly built communities.

Source: Ocala-News.com

Fort Walton Beach: Beal Parkway Sinkhole (August 21, 2025)

A large sinkhole (estimated 15 ft deep by 30 ft wide) opened at Beal Parkway and Mary Esther Cutoff, downing power lines and closing northbound lanes.
Traffic was redirected and local businesses experienced access disruptions; FDOT led the investigation and repair effort, with crews on site but no firm repair timeline announced by late August.
Eyewitnesses reported water shooting from the drainage system just before collapse, prompting scrutiny of culverts and storm infrastructure.

Sources: Get The Coast | WEAR-TV

Navarre (Santa Rosa County): Turkey Oak Drive Sinkhole (August 5, 2025)

A sinkhole blocked the intersection at 1700 Turkey Oak Drive on Aug. 5, prompting road closure alerts from Santa Rosa County.
No injuries or property damage were initially reported; county crews issued warnings and planned repairs while monitoring for further instability.

Source: Santa Rosa County Alert Center

Why these sinkholes matter

Late-summer storms, changing groundwater conditions and aging or inadequately designed drainage and road infrastructure increase the risk of sudden ground collapse across Florida’s karst terrain. These events highlight the need for improved inspection, emergency response coordination and long-term planning for resilient development.

Compiled by the Sinkholemaps.com Team.

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