Pensacola Looking into Unauthorized Heritage Tree Trimming Incident at Belvedere Park

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- A city landscaping contractor is facing potential fines after trimming a branch from a heritage oak tree at Belvedere Park without authorization.

According to Mayor DC Reeves, who appeared Monday on Pensacola's Morning News with Andrew McKay, the incident occurred when a disc golfer playing at the park asked the contractor to cut a limb that was interfering with his throw. The contractor complied, but the tree is protected under city ordinance.

"Obviously not something we authorized," Reeves said. "We are going through the normal process. And my request of Parks and Rec is to say we need to treat this the same way we treat a citizen. If there's a fine associated with the length of the limb that got cut on a heritage tree, then that's the way we're going to go."

The mayor said the situation was not malicious but rather "a poor decision by one of our landscape contractors." He also emphasized the unusual nature of the incident—noting that as a disc golfer himself, he found it remarkable that a contractor would take direction from a weekend athlete about tree maintenance.

"I was thinking about maybe I should start wherever I play, whatever tree I hit into, you know, that tree for me," Reeves joked.

The city's Parks and Recreation Department is now determining what penalties, if any, will be assessed to the contractor. Belvedere Park is a historic area with several protected trees, and unauthorized trimming or removal can result in significant fines.