Safety Harbor Historical Site: Baranoff Oak Tree

Safety Harbor Historical Site: Baranoff Oak Tree. . , This majestic live oak was named for philanthropist Dr. Salem Baranoff, the former owner of the Safety Harbor Spa. Born in Kiev, Russia (ca. 1880s), Baranoff graduated from the American School of Naturopathy in 1921. In 1945, he purchased the Safety Harbor Sanitarium, an 18-acre health facility including 5 mineral springs, and named it the Baranoff Health Resort, now known as the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Dr. Baranoff was a highly respected naturopath who advocated a holistic program to include proper diet, exercise, proper thoughts and adequate rest., Dr. Baranoff purchased land for a new library on 2nd Street North in 1946. He was an active community leader who also donated land for the American Legion building on Main Street and 9th Avenue South. He passed away in 1977 at the age of 96., This tree was named for Dr. Baranoff in 2004 to honor his impact on Safety Harbor's culture and community. That same year, it was added to a national registry of oak trees maintained by the Live Oak Society of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation and assigned Registry Number 4760. Its girth measures approximately 20 feet and is estimated to be 300 to 500 years old. This Grand Tree is believed to be the oldest live oak in Pinellas County.