As construction crews scraped away the final pieces of debris at 240 Faithway Drive, the Wicker family watched decades of memories turn to dust.
Buddy Wicker said he’s raised four kids in the home, and more than two dozen grandkids. There are still more questions than answers.
“I seen that lot before they ever built on it. Before any grass was planted on it, when it was just plain dirt,” Buddy Wicker, homeowner said. “I never thought I’d see it like that again.
I thought to myself, what did you do, to deserve to lose your house like this?”
Less than a week ago, a massive sinkhole opened up inside the four bedroom home, swallowing 36-year-old Jeff Bush. It was too dangerous for rescue crews to try to save him.
Instead, gravel was poured over the site to stabilize the ground. While Bush’s life and body couldn’t be saved, Buddy Wicker said he has sinkhole and homeowners insurance.
Town Center Insurance Company said the average coverage in Florida will include the cost of the structure, plus personal belongings, up to 50 percent of the home’s value.
Living expenses can also be part of standard coverage, especially if the county condemns the home.
Meanwhile, the Bush family is planning on renting a home nearby in Seffner for the time being while they find a way to celebrate Jeff’s life instead of dwelling on its tragic ending.
As for the neighbors on either side of this house, the county said they probably will never live in their homes again but engineers will be taking ground samples to see if it’s possible for the homes to be salvaged.