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PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) — Officials in Florida say the outlook for a one-of-a-kind four-headed palm tree isn't good.
The News Herald reports that an expert study found that the Pindo palm in Panama City is in "irreversible decline" because of a number of factors including age, structural deformities, root death and likely a lightning strike.
Assistant City Manager Jared Jones says the city probably will have to remove the tree soon.
It's a disappointing diagnosis for many. St. Andrews Commissioner Mike Nichols calls the tree a piece of art, adding it "has had a wonderful life."
Experts say the tree is 80 to 100 years old.
City officials are brainstorming a replacement for the palm. The leading suggestion is to create a sculpture from wood. But Jones says he's open to other ideas.
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