OCALA, Fla. (WOGX FOX 51) -
Crews are back, trying to fill and fix some sinkholes that formed at Fore Ranch in Ocala last month. Neighbor Keith Grimes says it's been a filthy mess in Cimarron, where the sinkholes aren't covered under insurance because they aren't endangering any homes.
"It's nice to see potentially, the ugly pile of dirt will be being removed very shortly," said Grimes.
Sources say there was a dispute over who would pay to repair 18 sinkholes in three different areas of the subdivision, so work came to a halt for fourteen days.
"It's a little discouraging this pile of dirt has been here for at least 2 weeks and unfortunately haven't made any effort to come," Grimes added.
Right now, the sinkhole is around 10 feet deep, but at one point, it was 80 feet deep and parents were worried their kids might get hurt, because the area isn't fenced off. Residents who evacuated Wynchase in June have returned. Even though the hole is filled, it's still being repaired.
"Its absolutely concerning," Grimes said.
A Fore Ranch Master Board member estimates it will cost neighbors around $375,000 to $400,000 to fix the sinkholes. This, after residents paid big bucks to fix a sinkhole last year.
"Talking to other residents here, they have the same concern that we're going to be charged for these sinkholes ,which should be shared someplace else."
While neighbors haven't been told if they will be accessed again, they're concerned the repairs will pack a price tag that reaches deep into their own pockets.
"It's showing a problem in the community, it may detract more from the properties here, and we'll just have to see what happens."
We tried contacting Leland Management at Fore Ranch for answers but no one returned our calls. Workers plan to fill the Cimarron sinkhole by next week. A land expert will then come out and test the land to make sure it's safe.
