Officials investigate 2 sinkholes found near Crystal River City Hall

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 8, 2000

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Two sinkholes were discovered Friday morning near Crystal River City Hall. The sinkholes appear to have broached the foundation of the nearby Florida Hearth and Home business, where settling cracks are visible from the outside. The Florida Department of Transportation is trying to determine the cause of the sinkholes, spokeswoman Kris Carson said, but the agency did not shut down traffic on U.S. 19. Last week, a sinkhole opened across from the site of the new Home Depot, shutting down a northbound lane on U.S. 19 for hours. Carson said sinkholes sometimes are caused when rainfall interacts with dry soil.

Crystal River police win funds to purchase bulletproof vests

CRYSTAL RIVER -- U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman, D-Dunnellon, announced Friday that the Crystal River Police Department was among several law enforcement agencies to win federal funding for the purchase of bulletproofvests. The department will receive $718.30 to put toward purchase of three vests, Thurman's office reported. Congress approved the money as part of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act. The agency must arrange for the remainder of the funding. Typically, the money will pay 22 percent to 45 percent of the cost, depending on the price of the vest the agency wants to buy, Thurman's office said.

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