This "big bubba" of the forest has been a Central Florida landmark for thousands of years. He 's the subject of myth, misinformation and confusion. But most of all he is an awe inspiring monument of beauty, endurance and grandeur. His name is The Senator and he is one handsome brute!

He resides in Seminole County, just north of Orlando and a short drive from the Disney attraction area. Come meet Florida's oldest and largest resident. We'll even tell you how to meet him in person!

There are four steps in this Track. The travel time is about 5 minutes.
Step 1: Introduction (this page)
Step 2: Meet The Senator
Step 3: History and Habitat
Step 4: Visiting The Senator

Dedicated To the Memory of Florida's Governor Lawton Chiles
Just hours before hearing the sad news of the death of Florida's Governor Chiles in December 1998, I was researching this article and found an old newspaper story that indicated that he was a big fan of The Senator. In 1987, then Senator Chiles, was involved in a project to plant a descendent of the The Senator on the U.S. Capital grounds in Washington D.C.

So these pages are dedicated to Governor Chiles in memory of his many contributions to our state, and in particular, to his appreciation and protection of Florida's natural treasures. One day I will have the means to see that a grove of the Senator's offspring is planted in Tallahassee and dedicated to Governor Chiles' memory.

Step 1 of 4

2/15/01; updated 2/10/04
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Floridata.com L.C.