News Summary
David Fischer, the former Mayor of St. Petersburg at age 92, passed away. Serving from 1991 to 2001, he was the city’s first strong Mayor and longest-serving leader. Known for his environmental initiatives, philanthropy, and community impact, Fischer’s legacy includes planting over 18,000 trees and championing significant city accomplishments.
St. Petersburg mourns the loss of former Mayor David Fischer, who passed away at the age of 92. Fischer served as Mayor from 1991 until 2001, holding the distinction of being the city’s first strong Mayor. Over his three terms in office, he became the longest-serving Mayor in St. Petersburg’s history.
Fischer’s death was announced by his daughter, Susan Fischer McGarry, who described him as “extraordinary.” He leaves behind a significant legacy in St. Petersburg, which includes planting over 18,000 trees, earning him the nickname “tree czar.” His commitment to enhancing the city’s environment was one of many contributions to the community.
Throughout his career, Fischer was known for his philanthropy and support of various organizations that focused on education, minorities, children, the arts, and animal welfare. His tenure as Mayor was marked by several major accomplishments, including the city’s successful bid to host the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during their inaugural season. Fischer played a crucial role in resolving the long-standing “water wars” – a contentious issue affecting the region, which led to the establishment of Tampa Bay Water.
Former Mayor Rick Baker spoke highly of Fischer, referring to him as a “dear friend and a great mentor.” The impact of Fischer’s leadership and vision is evident in the community’s ongoing development and the initiatives he championed.
Fischer was born in Evanston, Illinois, and spent part of his childhood in New York. He attended Duke University in the mid-1950s and served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force late in the 1950s, showcasing his commitment to service. Before relocating to St. Petersburg in 1960, he briefly worked on Wall Street. His political career began with a stint on the City Council from 1975 to 1979 prior to ascending to the Mayor’s office.
Fischer was preceded in death by his wife, Margo, a former state lawmaker who passed away in 2005. His death has elicited a wave of tributes on social media, with many expressing condolences and praising his contributions to the community of St. Petersburg.
David Fischer’s legacy will be remembered not only through the trees he planted and the policies he implemented but also through the lives he touched through his philanthropic endeavors and personal relationships. His leadership and dedication to the city remain a cornerstone of St. Petersburg’s progress.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics
- WTSP
- St. Pete Catalyst
- WFLA
- Watermark Online
- Wikipedia: David Fischer (politician)
- Google Search: David Fischer St. Petersburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: David Fischer
- Google News: David Fischer St. Petersburg
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.
