Geologist inspects sinking backyards in Port Charlotte

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The ground behind some Port Charlotte homes is sinking.

Friday, an expert arrived at Elkcam Boulevard to find out what caused the ground to sink. Neighbors speculate the cause comes down to two recent county projects.

Last year, the county dredged the Sunrise Waterway. Neighbors say the water in the canal helped hold the home foundation in place. They also say another cause could be from the recent Gertrude Bridge improvements.

Neighbors explain the impact from the support beam installment could have shifted the delicate ground beneath their homes.

“It felt like a small earthquake, like you know your walls would shake. The sounds were kind of like a transformer blowing or constant fireworks,” said resident Amanda Parr.

The geologist says it could be a possibility. In parts of the backyard, the geologist found tiny pieces of tree debris. In other parts of the ground, there was no tree debris.

Neighbors explain the sinking ground has been getting worse, they’ve made several complaints to state and local leaders. Last week, State Representative Ken Roberson and Charlotte County Commissioner Bill Truex came to see the sight for themselves.

The homeowners will get a report of what the geologist found next week. They will then decide what needs to be done from there.