Residents fight to save historic trees in The Villages

THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Residents said they’re trying to stop historic trees from being torn down to build a home.

The five trees are at 1304 Debra Drive in the historic area of The Villages.

"They may be the oldest and biggest trees in The Villages,” said resident Richard St. Amant.

St. Amant believes the trees are hundreds of years old, possibly dating back to the 1700s.

"They have been here since before the American Revolution. They were probably 50 years old when we declared our independence from England,” said St. Amant.

Neighbors said they can’t understand why the new home in Lady Lake can’t co-exist with the trees, as the double-wide mobile home that used to sit on the property did.

The city of Lady Lake annexed the property and its fate is now in the hands of The Villages, according to online court documents.

"If they want to take the trees down, they can do it.  All they have to do is $500 fine per tree,” St. Amant said.

One of the trees will be saved because it is partially on a neighbor's property and she would not give permission to have it cut down.

"We believe it’s more important to be protecting the nature of this village, than it is to put up another house,” St. Amant said.

Neighbors said they would like to see the area turned into a park so that people can come and enjoy the trees.

Eyewitness News contacted Lady Lake and The Villages officials for comment, but we’ve not heard back.

Cox Media Group