SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — In the heart of downtown Safety Harbor, a towering live oak tree provides a shady place to relax. But city leaders say it's also an integral part of the town's story. 

What You Need To Know

  • Baranoff Oak is believed to be between 300 to 500 years old

  • The tree and surrounding park are beloved by Safety Harbor residents

  • On Tuesday, residents will vote whether to protect Baranoff Oak and its namesake park forever

  • Charter Amendment 4 would essentially give residents final say over any potential changes made to the park

“When I look at the tree, I think of peace, serenity, and I think of the history of the tree and all the people who have sat underneath it,” said resident Jarine Dotson. “There’s the old saying, ‘if trees could talk’  — I’m sure the Baranoff Oak would tell us many stories.”

The Baranoff Oak is believed to be somewhere between 300 to 500 years old. It is named after Dr. Salem Baranoff, who owned the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. The tree is recognized by the Live Oak Society and was fenced off in 2004, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the tree is protected forever. 

“I don’t think anyone in our town wants to hurt this tree,” said Laura Kepner, who has written two books about Safety Harbor’s history. “We don’t know what’s going to happen in 30, 40, 50 years, and so why not protect it while we have the ability to do so?”

On Tuesday, residents will vote whether to protect the tree and its namesake park for good. If passed, Charter Amendment 4 will prevent any sale, lease, transfer, donation, trade or change to its land use classification from happening without a referendum vote by residents. 

“All of us felt that this is that landmark, that special place that is known in Safety Harbor,” said Janet Hooper, who was part of the charter review committee. “Everybody in the community knows where the Baranoff tree is. It’s been here longer than any housing has been here.”

The park is currently owned by the city, but some are concerned another buyer could take over the property in the future and take the tree down — which is why they feel voting on Tuesday is important. 

“This isn’t a Republican versus Democrat issue,” Kepner said. “This is a come together as a community and make sure our tree is protected throughout history.”

As Safety Harbor continues to move forward, Kepner believes it’s important to have this piece of history that connects the town back to its roots. 

“We’re living in history right now, even though it doesn’t feel like it to a lot of people,” she said. “Someday people will write about these times.”