re: Palm tree disease - Louisiana

Did he happen to say what the disease is?

Like you, I have no idea about palms or their diseases, but stuff like this interests me. The first thing that comes up on a search is butt rot disease, or Ganoderma butt rot. Apparently it is really on the rise in Florida, and it is very difficult to diagnose prior to symptoms showing. Once you see it, it is too late because there is no known cure. Like other fungi, its spores are carried on the wind making it difficult, or impossible, to prevent the spread.