Deltona, Fla., homeowners panicked Dec. 13 when a 225-ft. wide and 50 ft. deep sinkhole engulfed Howland Boulevard, a busy five-lane divided highway. Homeowners in a nearby residential area heard loud rumbles and grinding sounds as tree roots snapped, limestone cracked and the highway collapsed into the chasm. Homeowners concerns were worsened by rumors that insurance carriers were denying coverage to homes in sinkhole-prone areas. Insurance agents in this east coast town 29 miles northeast of Orlando, were deluged with calls as numerous policyholders wanted to know if their policies covered them for such a disaster. Agents were happy to inform their customers that they were covered. It took two weeks and 1,282 truckloads of sand to fill the cavity. Officials estimate the road will reopen at the end of January after the highway is rebuilt.
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