Situated near Lake Verret, Pierre Part is a popular local destination for water sports and fishing during the summer.

The town remained isolated from most of the world, since it was surrounded by water and was inaccessible by land until the mid-twentieth century.

In areas of Pierre Part near the sinkhole, residents reported gaseous odors and strange bubbling in local waterways, prompting Governor Bobby Jindal to issue an evacuation order for the nearby community of Bayou Corne.

The sinkhole expanded significantly during the months after it first appeared, invoking fear in residents of Pierre Part due to what was perceived to be an imminent threat to the community.

As of 2019, the sinkhole continues to expand, albeit slowly, and the community of Bayou Corne remains deserted, with most homes demolished by demolition companies.