Fred the Tree

[2][3] The portion of the Seven Mile Bridge where Fred the Tree is located, is not accessible through any means except boat or helicopter.

The trusses of the bridges were originally built with sand, so the Australian pine tree, which is capable of surviving in salty conditions with extreme heat, likely sprouted out of bird droppings, with its roots growing deep into the sand inside the concrete structure.

Fred the Tree is often referred to as a sign of hope and the resilience of the people in the Florida Keys due to its ability to thrive in such harsh conditions on a concrete bridge, while surviving a number of hurricanes and extreme weather events.

[2] Fred the Tree has made appearances in books and media, it was featured most recently in the 2024 remake Road House with Jake Gyllenhaal and Conner McGregor.

[5][2] Fred the Tree has also been memorialized as a children's book by author Leigh Guest.