I’m not making this up. Really!

No, you're not making it up. Here is link to complete story:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20040825/D84MGC880.html

Of course, they don't need to remove the tree to remove the privacy which the tree affords. All they have to do is position floodlights around, or in, the tree which are activated after dark by motion detectors.

They must have hydro in Okaloosa County because the police department is lit up with dim bulbs.