Central Florida sinkhole diving

[deepn0va]

I was wondering today after driving around Central Florida how one would go about diving a sinkhole in a commercial or residential area. I am sure there are many legal and safety issues to keep in mind. The reason I ask is I have recently learned of a sinkhole from the early 80's that ate almost an entire block, including a home, in winter park florida by the old holler chevy dealership. I have spent a lot of time around it and have heard it had a depth of 45-75ft when it opened up. I doubt it would be legal to park in the parking lot right next to it and jump in. Has anybody done something like this or known somebody to have gone about doing something similar?

-Robert

P.S: If this is a flat out dumb idea, feel free to let me know.

 

[matts1w]

I was wondering today after driving around Central Florida how one would go about diving a sinkhole in a commercial or residential area. I am sure there are many legal and safety issues to keep in mind. The reason I ask is I have recently learned of a sinkhole from the early 80's that ate almost an entire block, including a home, in winter park florida by the old holler chevy dealership. I have spent a lot of time around it and have heard it had a depth of 45-75ft when it opened up. I doubt it would be legal to park in the parking lot right next to it and jump in. Has anybody done something like this or known somebody to have gone about doing something similar?

-Robert

P.S: If this is a flat out dumb idea, feel free to let me know.

Keep in mind I have never seen said sink-hole, but I have a pretty sneaky suspiscion, if you profile is up to date, that this might not be a great idea based on your experience. There are a number of people on here that have experience diving very low vis sinks and sumps and holes- I am not one of them. Mike F. comes to mind as someone who would know where to start. Quite honestly, freshwater holes in northern/central Florida that swallow entire blocks and a house give me the creeps. Seeing how this sink is right in the middle of central Florida and could hold cool structure like a home and no one has really been diving it, I would bet there is a reason why. I picture a big muddy deep hole, a ton of garbage since it is near a car dealership, and a bunch of potential hazards. If it is allowed by law best let some experienced cavers get the "lay of the land" and report their findings.

 

[deepn0va]

Yeah, I am interested in the legal/ safety issues around it. If it draws any attention of local cavers or others that are experienced in a similar environment, I would love to offer any assistance. I can assume there is a good deal of trash back there since it is on the side of a park, as well as fishing line.

From the pictures from '81 when it opened I was unable to see any openings but nobody has reported on it since it opened.

From a few news sources, it still holds two porsches along with the house.

large image: http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ozsvath/images/Winter Park sinkhole 2.jpg

 

[matts1w]

Cool pic.

Guess it does not seem hour glass shaped like some sinks- at least in that pic at that time.

Who knows what has gone in the last thrity years?

You might also consider there could be polution and waste issues such as PCBs or other contaminates.

Im am sure there are a number of people on here with better ideas about a body of water like this, but it looks like no place I would want to dive.

 

[deepn0va]

the most recent report on lakes of winter park rate this as a lake with fairly good water quality. I am going to have a connection of mine in the city's parks and recreation office check around for me on rules against it.

Tonight I met up with some other members of the site to check out the area. the water looks very clear, no posted swimming/fishing/trespassing signs, and easy access to the shore. just from a quick walk around the lake we saw many fish, ducks, and one curious snake. none of them were deformed so my guess is the water is clean and safe. A water test might be in the near future.

 

[Missdirected]

Curious what is around there now? Homes? Business'? Is it now in the middle of nowhere?

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

theres buisnesses on one side and a city park on the other its in a fairly urban area

 

[Missdirected]

theres buisnesses on one side and a city park on the other its in a fairly urban area

So just a pond from the looks of it? Park benches anything??

 

[K Mejean]

If they put businesses and a park around it I would think it would have to be stable. Now I don't suggest you dive beyond your skill level by any means. That would not be good. I do think some of the cavers should go check it out. If it is not posted that you can't dive it I doubt there would be any trouble. Yes they might come stop you but I don't think there would be any charges brought or detainment because of it.

 

[fgray1]

Jump in (Safely) The mos anyone will do (most likely) will through you out. there are lots of sinks in florida. Here is a link TampaDiving.com :: Florida Cave & Cavern Systems yours may be on there. If you get in let us know what you find.
Fred