Due to a “handshake deal,” the life of the supercentenarian tree at T.C. Jester and Louetta Road could be saved.

The tree is in the path of a driveway designed for a Circle K gas station that is slated for construction at the intersection.

Although the agreement of non-destruction is not in writing yet, the county and the developer of the Circle K have agreed to preserve the tree.

“The reason why the tree was destined for destruction was because it lined up directly across from the median opening,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said. “By moving the median opening, we were able to convince them it was the right thing to do to save the tree.”

The tree is estimated to be anywhere from 130 to 150 years old, he said.

Cagle said an arborist is scheduled to determine the health of the tree.

“There’s always a chance that you’d inadvertently weaken or injure the tree,” he said. “We just want to make sure it stands the best chance of not being injured and hurt in any way.”

Cagle said he knows of people in the community with photos of themselves and generations of family members posing near the tree.

“It actually has roots into the culture of the community that goes beyond the saving of a beautiful tree,” he said. “It goes into the saving of memories and history of the region.”