ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — A centuries-old live oak that neighbors considered a symbol of their community is now gone, leaving behind an empty space and lingering questions about how historic trees are protected.
City officials said the roughly 240-year-old live oak, located on West First Street near Tide Views Preserve, was removed to make way for a new single-family home. Neighbors said the loss is more than physical; it’s emotional.
For Justin Quintal, who has lived in the area for five years, the tree was a constant…