Sinkholes are common in Florida because the peninsula is made up of porous carbonate rocks such as limestone that store and help move water underground. The Tampa Bay Times has reported that the ground was so unstable, after part of a patio caved in, two homes had to be demolished.

Read: Another Possible Sinkhole Reported in Yard in Florida

Dunedin Deputy Fire Chief Trip Barrs said the hole appeared to be about 12 feet wide when officials arrived on the scene. Residents of the neighboring houses also were evacuated as a precaution.

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Homeowner Michael Dupre said the family heard a noise that sounded like a sledgehammer pounding on the wall early Thursday morning.

As the hole grew, it swallowed the Dupre’s porch and new boat. Now, his neighbor’s swimming pool and a portion of that home have fallen in as well.