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Fernandina's beloved Kate's Tree damaged by storm, city vows preservation efforts
FERNANDINA BEACH — One of Fernandina Beach's most iconic landmarks suffered storm damage over the weekend, but city crews quickly cleared the roadway and are continuing efforts to preserve the historic oak known as Kate's Tree.
A large limb from the massive live oak at the intersection of Ash Street and South Seventh Street broke during recent storms and fell across the roadway and onto adjacent property. City officials said the limb was removed Sunday, reopening the street to traffic.
The loss of the limb drew attention to one of Amelia Island's most recognizable trees, which has stood in the middle of Ash Street for more than a century.
Unlike most roads, Ash Street splits into two lanes around the oak rather than cutting through where it stands. The unusual design is the result of a long-standing local story involving Katherine "Kate" Bailey, who lived in the nearby Bailey House at the corner of Ash and South Seventh streets.
When city officials sought to extend and pave Ash Street in the early 1900s, the tree was reportedly slated for removal. According to local lore, Bailey fiercely opposed the plan and kept watch from her porch with a shotgun, warning workers not to cut down the oak.
Whether entirely fact or embellished over time, the story has become part of Fernandina Beach folklore. What is undisputed is that the tree survived and the roadway was ultimately designed to pass around it, preserving what would become one of the city's most treasured landmarks.
Bailey herself became a notable figure in Fernandina Beach history. In addition to saving the oak, she was a musician and composer who later wrote the alma mater for Fernandina Beach High School.
Following the storm damage, city officials emphasized that protecting the tree remains a priority.
"Efforts will continue to protect the health and longevity of this heritage tree," the city said in a social media post.
Kate's Tree is one of Amelia Island's most celebrated heritage trees and is included among the island's notable trees, alongside the Bottle Tree, the Resort Trees and the Fort Clinch Oak.
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LucyP74
After losing SO many beautiful live oak trees in Nassau County in recent years, it is my hope that this tree is saved. If not, then I hope her wood is used to create something beautiful. I recently found out that there IS a company from TX that DOES move these majestic creatures when they are not in the location a developer wants them to be. Visit treemover.com to see their work. They have moved trees for TPC Sawgrass, so I know they do work in FL! We need to start FORCING developers to save these trees. They are IRREPLACEABLE!
Monday, June 15 Report this
PannoneLyn
Amelia Tree Conservancy is paying for a master arborist to examine Kate's Tree and make recommendations on what to do to save the tree.
Monday, June 15 Report this
PaulaM
Only God can make a tree…sure hope Kate’s Tree can be saved.
Tuesday, June 16 Report this
Sharonmc
You fail to mention that the huge limb that fell from Kate's tree landed on the roof of the parsonage of Trinity United Methodist Church and did significant damage to the roof and porch of the home. If it had fallen one foot to the left or right, people could have been killed!!! Yes the tree is beautiful and historic, but it also subjects the city to significant liability. The story would be much different if deaths were involved
Wednesday, June 17 Report this
BeachEd
You worry about one tree when I see thousands a week being transported across the bridge or stripped out by developers. The developers around the county are clear cutting thousands of acres. Where’s the outrage or concern ?
Thursday, June 18 Report this