Investigators Rule Out Arson in "Senator Tree" Fire Jan.17, 2012 | WMFE - Investigators with the state Division of Forestry say the cause of a fire that destroyed an ancient cypress tree in Seminole County is "undetermined" but a spokesman says investigators have ruled out arson.
Longwood Mayor Joe Durso says the ancient tree had seen plenty of adversity in its 35 hundred years and that’s part of the reason why the fire was such a shock for Longwood residents. “It’s been through hurricanes and lightning storms and all these different things that happen in Florida. All the development going on around it and it was able to survive all of that.” Durso said. “For it to be destroyed in this way, it’s just really a sad day.” The tree was named “The Senator” in recognition of State Senator Moses Overstreet who donated the land to the county. Big Tree Park was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929. Another bald cypress, nicknamed "Lady Liberty” was not damaged by the fire. It’s estimated to be more than two thousand years old.
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