Efforts Underway to Remove Long-Abandoned Car from Wakulla Springs Sinkhole

A significant environmental concern is being addressed in Wakulla Springs, Florida, where a long-abandoned car has been discovered in a sinkhole directly connected to the area’s aquifer. This removal effort aims to prevent potential contaminants from leaking into the water supply.

Cal Jamison, who has been actively involved in the removal initiative, expressed his long-standing worry about the vehicle’s presence. «It has oils, fluids, and things in it that we need to get out, so it’s always been in the back of my mind to get it out,» said Jamison, highlighting the threat posed by the deteriorating vehicle parts to the water quality.

The car, discovered deep within the sinkhole, poses a significant risk to the water system utilized by the surrounding communities, including those in Tallahassee, according to Jamison. «We all drink from this water whether it’s up on Tallahassee or down here or North and South of here,» Jamison explained. «It’s all one big bowl, we all got straws in the same glass so it’s important to protect it.»

Charlie Donahue, the current landowner, who has owned the property for four decades, has long been aware of the vehicle and its potential environmental impact. «Before I bought the property, I was aware it was in there,» Donahue stated. «I wished I could’ve removed it earlier for water reasons such as gas in the tanks and engine, but it was very expensive.»

Financial assistance for the car removal has been provided by Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park, who contributed approximately $1,500 to the cause. The community’s collaborative efforts have been essential in facilitating this environmental project.

Currently, details regarding how long the vehicle has been in the sinkhole remain unclear, and the investigation has yet to identify any features, such as a license plate, that might provide a clearer history of the car. Officials intend to uncover more information once the vehicle is extracted from the site.