Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Monticello City Council on Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, decided to not remove the oak tree on the courthouse circle. Instead, the council voted 3-2 to remove the plaque at the base of the tree.
The removal of the plaque is not assured, however, as it sits on Florida Department of Transportation right-of-way and the agency must give approval for its removal.
Voting in the majority for the plaque’s removal were council members John Jones, Gloria Cox and George Evans.
Voting against the plaque’s removal were council members Troy Avera and Julie Conley.
Erected in 1988 by the Daughters of the Confederacy, the plaque calls the tree the “Meeting Oak.” It reads: “Gallant sentinel, Monticello to the sea. Estimated over 250 years old. Confederate soldiers gathered here for mustering in and for inspection and assignment to units of the Florida brigade.”
About 100 citizens participated in the meeting by telephone.
The full story will appear in the Wednesday, Aug.12, Monticello News.