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'Iconic' DeLand tree dies after lightning strike

DELAND, Fla. — A tree estimated to be 200 to 300 years old will have to be cut down after it was struck by lightning.
 
It was hit by a bolt of lightning in early August and an arborist was called in after concerned citizens noticed a scar and a brown patch on the trunk.
 
Steve Tonjes, a biologist with the Florida Department of Transportation, told the Daytona Beach News-Journal an arborist declared the tree dead.
 
City officials call the tree "iconic." They say it will be cut down within weeks.
 
City Manager Michael Pleus says the city would like a piece of the tree to carve a historical timeline into it. The item could be donated to the West Volusia Historical Society for display.