By Ellery Butler
Gina Bingham, a reference librarian at Safety Harbor Public Library, excitedly tells patrons about the historic Baranoff Oak that stands tall right outside the library. She even writes a blog about this tree, the oldest living oak tree in Pinellas County.
People wonder if the Baranoff Oak was a sapling when Ponce De Leon arrived in Florida.
“The tree is a fascination for everybody that comes into the area. It’s very iconic for Safety Harbor,” Bingham said.
The oak, which is estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old, is featured in the town’s business directory.