JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Donna Perry is outraged that a damaged tree in front of her home on city property has not been removed 13 months after the city tagged it. "It's very aggravating."

The "Xs," usually orange in color, are on trees around the city. The city of Jacksonville uses them to indicate troubled trees that need repairs or that need to be removed.

Perry is angry that the tree in front of her home, which is on city property, has been tagged for removal way too long. "Somebody's going to get hurt.  And that's my main concern."

The Perry family is one of many waiting for the city to take action. According to a city spokeswoman, as of June 28, 725 trees either needed removal or repair. 

Some are wondering why these dangerous trees are still standing, while the city is removing trees that an expert tells us, were not dangerous or damaged on Hendricks Avenue in San Marco.

Students at Fletcher Middle Participate in the Opening of the Beaches Parade

Four students from Fletcher Middle School participated in the Opening of the Beaches Parade with Friends of Jacksonville Animals (FOJA). The girls were asked to participate by the FOJA beach committee.

In addition to walking the dogs and hyping the crowd during the parade, the girls designed posters, flyers and decorations for the float. The theme was “Rock Star” and they gave the dogs names such as “Mick Wagger” and “Elvis Pawsley.” The girls continued volunteering at FOJA’s adoption event after the parade. Four of the dogs found potential homes thanks to students’ efforts.

This project began in December during a service-learning lesson in the classroom. During a unit on research and communication, the students studied and discussed pet overpopulation.