Commission Votes 4-1 on Courthouse Tree Removal
By: Shelia Mader
Jackson County commissioners voted 4–1 to move forward with a plan that could remove a historic live oak at the courthouse square and replace it with a dual tribute honoring both Lady Justice and local horticulturist Esop Bellamy, a freed slave by way of South Carolina who planted the courthouse trees in the late 1800s.
The discussion stemmed from a prior meeting where County Administrator Jim Dean reported that an arborist determined the oak was diseased, damaged and dead at the top, recommending removal. The original idea was to carve a Lady Justice sculpture from a portion of the tree. Before acting, however, Chairman Jamey Westbrook asked that the NAACP be consulted.
Linda Franklin, second vice president of the Jackson County NAACP, addressed the board on behalf of the organization. She said the courthouse trees were planted by Esop Bellamy, born in 1842, who lived in Jackson County until 1937 and left five generations of descendants still residing in the area. Franklin asked that if the tree must come down, the site include a tribute depicting an American flag, a live oak tree and a man kneeling to plant it, representing Bellamy. She said the tribute would recognize Bellamy’s contribution to the county as a businessman, farmer and horticulturist.
Commissioner Paul Donofro questioned whether the tree must be removed at all. He asked who conducted the inspection and said he had not seen a written report. Donofro recalled that an arborist had warned roughly a decade ago that the tree was nearing its end of life but said he wanted to be certain removal was necessary before proceeding. He also expressed concern about altering the symmetry of the courthouse grounds and said he would prefer to keep the oak if it could be saved. Donofro added that he would like to see a rendering of any proposed sculptures before voting on a final design.
Commissioner Edward Crutchfield echoed concerns about removing the tree, saying he had observed some dead limbs but wondered if trimming could preserve it. If the tree cannot be saved, he said, a commemorative marker would be appropriate.
Commissioner Donnie Branch said he saw no conflict in including both Lady Justice and a tribute to Bellamy. Given the courthouse setting, he said, ”Lady Justice makes sense, and if Bellamy planted the trees, he deserves recognition as well.”
Rett Daniels told the board the arborist had already performed some trimming and cited deterioration within the tree. The county has received removal quotes and was preparing to coordinate with the Florida Department of Transportation for a possible removal date, but Daniels asked for direction on whether to pause the process for additional opinions.
County Administrator Dean suggested obtaining two more arborist opinions before making a final determination. If removal is required, he said, the stump would be ground and a pad installed for whatever monument the board approves. Chairman Westbrook also noted that some residents have requested pieces of the tree as keepsakes if it is taken down.
Commissioner Dr. Spires made a motion that if the tree is deemed unsalvageable after additional review, the county proceed with removal and install both a Lady Justice symbol and a tribute consistent with the NAACP’s recommendation honoring Bellamy. Crutchfield seconded the motion.
The measure passed 4–1, with Donofro voting against it. Donofro said he was not opposed to honoring Bellamy but could not support the plan without first seeing what the final design would look like.
Under the approved motion, the county will seek additional arborist evaluations. If the tree cannot be preserved, it will be removed and replaced with both a Lady Justice monument and a commemorative tribute to Esop Bellamy.
