Florida

‘How deep can you go?’ Florida cops warn about hazardous TikTok challenge on the beach

A hole that was dug in Marco Island, Florida/Marco Island PD
A hole that was dug in Marco Island, Florida/Marco Island PD

Hey, TikTokers: If you are pining to make a video showing you digging holes on the beach in Florida and be part of the cool-kids pack, just don’t, police say.

Huge, gaping holes have been spotted around Sanibel and Marco Island thanks to a trending social media challenge, “How deep can you dig?”

While the act of leaving large craters in the sand is not illegal, it poses a danger for people and wildlife who can fall in and get injured or trapped.

@holeman217653 Digging this hole to see how deep I can get it #hole#dig #fypシ #beach #florida #sunny ♬ M to the B - Millie B

Last Thursday, the Marco Island Police Department tweeted a picture of a gaping pit with a shovel at the bottom.

“We like to leave our beaches better than we found them,” the post said. “Please refill the hole and kindly take your things with you. It’s a hazard to other beachgoers, especially our beautiful sea turtles.”

This “viral” trend has been apparently going on for some time. A scan for the challenge shows it dating back to at least the summer of 2020.

READ MORE: TikTok user finds lizard in pants in Florida

This story was originally published June 29, 2022 at 3:17 PM with the headline "‘How deep can you go?’ Florida cops warn about hazardous TikTok challenge on the beach."

Madeleine Marr
Miami Herald
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER