News Summary
Croix Tedesco’s home in Tampa has been severely damaged due to Hurricane Milton, leading to concerns over sinkhole activity. Despite inspections indicating structural deficiencies and evidence of sinkhole activity, Hillsborough County has not condemned the property. The situation raises fears for other homes in the area, especially given the recent heavy rains and the presence of a nearby daycare. Tedesco’s experience highlights the complexities of sinkhole risks in Central Florida’s real estate market and the need for more transparency.
Tampa, Florida — Homeowner Croix Tedesco is facing increasing uncertainty and concern over potential sinkhole activity at his property after the recent damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Following substantial flooding, including four feet of water inundating his home, Tedesco has taken measures to address resulting mold and structural damage by removing drywall. In light of the complex situation, Tedesco has moved in with his mother for safety reasons.
An inspection conducted by Hillsborough County found that Tedesco’s home would not be condemned, despite serious concerns about its structural integrity. Tedesco purchased the home just over a year ago, drawn not only by its proximity to his job but by a desire for stability. However, after the hurricane, experts have been assessing the depth of the damage and the risks associated with sinkhole development on the property.
A claims adjuster from Falcon Claims, Michelle Fromen, evaluated Tedesco’s home and noted visible signs of sinking along with structural deficiencies. This prompted further investigation. A structural engineer described the residence as “dangerous and structurally deficient.” The situation escalated when ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and geological inspections confirmed active sinkhole activity, revealing over 7 inches of differential movement beneath the house.
Despite these alarming findings, Hillsborough County Code Enforcement declined to condemn the property, claiming that there was insufficient evidence to support the reported conditions. The county inspector maintained that the current state of the home did not meet the criteria for condemnation, which involves specific definitions under Florida law.
Florida law stipulates that a claim for catastrophic ground cover collapse necessitates a government entity’s condemnation of the property. The requirements include observable ground depression, a sudden collapse, and confirmed structural damages, which remain contentious aspects of Tedesco’s case. Tedesco’s situation raises wider concerns regarding the potential for other homes in his neighborhood to experience similar issues, particularly with a daycare facility located nearby.
Both the claims adjuster and structural engineer, during their visits to Tedesco’s residence, observed new structural damage taking place. Experts have urged caution regarding the home’s safety, stressing the risk of escalating damage. Richard Cannyn, a Principal Project Manager at Beryl Project Engineering, emphasized that the house poses significant safety risks and is susceptible to catastrophic collapse.
The occurrence of sinkholes in Central Florida, particularly around regions commonly referred to as “Sinkhole Alley,” has long been a pressing concern for residents. This issue has been exacerbated by the recent heavy rains from Hurricane Milton. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the state maintains a map of known sinkholes, although many such events go unreported, further complicating the understanding of sinkhole risks in the area.
Tedesco has indicated that this experience will influence any future home purchases, highlighting the anxiety shared by others in the community. The potential for sinkhole activity contributes to an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among local homeowners, demonstrating the broader implications of environmental risks in Central Florida’s real estate market. As investigations continue, many await clearer guidance on structural safety and the real possibility of sinkholes affecting more homes.
In summary, Tedesco’s situation underscores the critical need for transparency and proactive measures regarding sinkhole risks, especially in regions prone to such geological issues. The community in Tampa remains vigilant as weather patterns and geological conditions continue to pose serious questions about home safety and stability.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Google Search: Sinkholes Florida
- Click Orlando
- Wikipedia: Sinkhole
- WTSP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sinkhole
- Florida Politics
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
