Meet Fred the Tree: The Florida Keys’ Most Famous Holiday Spirit 🎄

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Dear Road Trippers,

Before we dive into Fred’s amazing story, here’s a fun trivia question to get us started:

💡 Trivia: What two Hollywood movies feature Fred the Tree as a cameo star?

(Stick around to the end of this newsletter for the answer!)

The holiday season in the Florida Keys wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the most famous tree on the Overseas Highway: Fred the Tree! Fred is no ordinary tree. Standing proudly on a section of the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, he’s a symbol of resilience, a roadside celebrity, and now, the star of his very own Christmas display.

Today, I’m sharing Fred’s unique story, from his origins to his holiday glow-up. Let’s dive into why this tree has captured the hearts of locals and travelers alike.

Fred’s Resilient Roots

Fred’s story begins on the Old Seven Mile Bridge, built between 1909 and 1912 as part of Henry Flagler's ambitious Overseas Railroad. This engineering marvel connected the Florida mainland to Key West, opening up the Keys for travel and trade. After the bridge was retired in 1982, Fred, a salt-sprayed Casuarina (Australian pine), somehow took root in the old roadbed, defying the odds by thriving in such an inhospitable environment.

Today, Fred stands tall as a quirky roadside icon—a reminder of nature’s resilience and the playful spirit of the Florida Keys.

Fred Goes to Hollywood

Fred isn’t just a local celebrity—he’s made it to the big screen twice! His most notable cameo is in the new "Road House" remake, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. This time, Fred was even mentioned in the script, described as “a lonely tree sitting out in the middle of a bridge.”

His second Hollywood appearance is below in the answer of today’s trivia. Did you guess it? 🤔

While Fred’s screen appearances are fleeting, his everyday fame along the Overseas Highway is evergreen (pun intended).

Fred Gets His Own Theme Song

Fred’s fame doesn’t stop at Hollywood—he’s even the star of his very own song! 🎶 The inspiring tune, titled “Fred the Tree”, is written and performed by Howard Livingston, a Florida Keys musician who traded his nine-to-five life for island living.

The song celebrates Fred’s resilience, highlighting how this little tree continues to thrive against all odds. Howard calls Fred a “true symbol of hope, love, and never giving up”—a sentiment that resonates deeply with Keys locals and visitors alike.

Howard himself lives just 24 miles north of Key West on Summerland Key, where he creates music that reflects the laid-back and magical lifestyle of the Florida Keys. In his words:

You can listen to “Fred the Tree” and explore more of Howard’s music here:
🎵 Watch “Fred the Tree” on YouTube
🎵 Listen on Spotify
🎵 Howard Livingston on Apple Music

A Holiday Glow-Up

Fred truly shines during the holiday season. Each year, a merry band of local "elves" decorates him with lights and artistic ornaments, transforming him into a festive beacon for holiday travelers. This tradition has been ongoing since December 2008, bringing smiles and a little holiday cheer to everyone driving by.

If you’re cruising through the Keys this season, don’t forget to wave and snap a photo—it’s hard to miss Fred’s sparkling presence!

Why We Love Fred

Fred has become more than just a tree—he’s a symbol of hope, humor, and the Keys’ indomitable spirit. People love to:

🌟 Wave Hello: Honking and waving to Fred as you drive by has become a quirky ritual for locals and tourists alike.
🌟 Snap Photos: Fred’s holiday lights make for the perfect Instagram-worthy shot.
🌟 Feel Inspired: Fred reminds us that even in the most unlikely places, beauty and resilience can thrive.

Plan Your Fred Sighting

Next time you’re traveling the Overseas Highway, keep an eye out for Fred on the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Whether you’re stopping for a photo op (safely by making sure no traffic is behind you) or just enjoying the cheerful sight of his holiday lights, Fred is sure to brighten your journey.

And if you’ve already waved to Fred, let us know! Reply to this email and share your favorite Fred memory or photo—we’d love to feature your story in an upcoming edition.

Trivia Answer:

Fred the Tree has appeared in two Hollywood movies:

1. "The Leisure Seeker" (2017), starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland, where he’s seen along the Overseas Highway during the couple’s journey through the Keys.

2. "Road House" (2024 remake), starring Jake Gyllenhaal, where Fred is even mentioned by name as “a lonely tree sitting out in the middle of a bridge.”

Until next time,
Brian

Florida Keys Road Trip Team