News Summary
David Fischer, the first strong mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, and longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, has passed away at the age of 92. His tenure from 1991 to 2001 included significant contributions such as planting over 10,000 trees and resolving major water disputes in the region. Fischer’s legacy will be remembered for his political acumen, philanthropy, and commitment to enhancing community culture and sports. Following his death, tributes poured in from the community and current mayor Kenneth T. Welch, honoring his lasting impact.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Former mayor David Fischer, who served as the city’s first strong mayor, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92. His tenure from 1991 to 2001 marked him as the longest-serving mayor in St. Petersburg’s history. Under his leadership, the role of mayor transitioned from that of a city council leader to a more centralized chief executive.
Fischer’s influence on St. Petersburg was profound, as he was elected to three consecutive terms before term limits were instituted. Current St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch expressed admiration for Fischer, celebrating his numerous contributions and lasting legacy in the community. Fischer’s death was announced by his daughter, Susan Fischer McGarry, via social media, where she hailed him as an extraordinary civic leader and dubbed him the city’s “Tree Czar” for his initiative in planting over 10,000 trees throughout St. Petersburg.
The legacy of David Fischer is marked not only by his political accomplishments but also by his extensive philanthropy. He was actively involved in various organizations that focused on education, support for minority communities, services for children, churches, animal welfare, and the arts. Among his notable actions as mayor, he welcomed the Tampa Bay Devil Rays—now known simply as the Rays—during their inaugural season, further marking his commitment to enhancing local culture and sports.
Additionally, Fischer played a significant role in resolving the long-standing “water wars,” disputes over water access in the Tampa Bay area, which ultimately led to the creation of Tampa Bay Water. His leadership during pivotal moments in the city’s history established a framework for future growth and conflict resolution. However, Fischer’s administration was not without controversy. He faced criticism for his handling of civil unrest in response to the fatal shooting of a Black motorist during his time in office.
David Fischer was born in Evanston, Illinois, and spent much of his early life in New York. He attended Duke University and served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the late 1950s. Fischer’s career before his political life included a brief stint on Wall Street, after which he moved to St. Petersburg in 1960. He first entered public service by serving on the St. Petersburg City Council from 1975 to 1979, which paved the way for his later election as mayor.
Fischer’s personal life also saw significant loss, as he was preceded in death by his wife, Margo Fischer, who passed away in 2005. Margo was an influential figure in her own right, having served as a state lawmaker. Following the announcement of his passing, an outpouring of condolences and tributes appeared on social media, demonstrating the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his life and career.
The impact of David Fischer’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to be felt in St. Petersburg as the community reflects on his contributions and the changes he inspired during his time in office.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics
- Wikipedia: David Fischer (politician)
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Search: David Fischer St. Petersburg
- WTSP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: David Fischer
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
