Sinkholes. Florida has many. Caused by porous underground rock like limestone, which is water soluble and eventually dissolves, sinkholes have been known to swallow homes and cars.
But one sinkhole in St. Petersburg — Sunken Gardens — is a serene oasis, filled with abundant plant life, bees, butterflies and birds. It also lays claim to being one of the first and last remaining original roadside attractions in Florida.
Just an hour-and-a-half north of Wellen Park, Sunken Gardens’ verdant landscape offers visitors a quiet, wistful experience where the only sounds are the cries of birds — several macaws, parrots, a cockatoo and a flock of Chilean flamingos are residents there. On a recent visit, birdsong from visiting feathered friends filled the air. Butterflies are plentiful in the area planted just for them and bees have built a hive in the bee garden. Signage warns visitors of the active hive…