“First strong Mayor of St Petersburg, overall extraordinary, 3 term Mayor and civic leader who will be greatly missed,” his daughter said in a statement.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg’s former mayor, Dave Fischer, died Wednesday morning at the age of 92.

Fischer’s daughter, Susan Fischer McGarry, made the announcement in a social media post.

“My wonderful Dad passed away peacefully this morning at age 92. Nice long life!” Fischer said in the post. “First strong Mayor of St Petersburg, overall extraordinary, 3 term Mayor and civic leader who will be greatly missed. He planted over 10,000 trees in the City, the Tree Czar!”

“He leaves an incredible legacy of philanthropy and development of the City, supporting many organizations relative to education, minorities, children, church, animals and the arts,” the former mayor’s daughter added.

The current mayor of St. Petersburg, Ken Welch also shared a statement on social media lamenting his predecessor’s passing.

“I join the rest of our community in celebrating Mayor David Fischer’s legacy and contributions that helped make our City what it is today,” Welch stated. “He was a dedicated public servant who left lasting impacts on the City of St. Petersburg. From the Rays’ first pitch in St. Pete to redefining the role as Mayor, he led with vision, humility, and a deep love for this community.”

Welch added that Fischer “believed in listening, building relationships, and doing the quiet, steady work that moves a community forward. His work and leadership will forever be a staple in our City’s history and we are all better for it.”

Fischer served as mayor from 1991 to 2001, leading the city for three terms. He was mayor during the inaugural season of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, known today as the Tampa Bay Rays. 

According to the Tampa Bay Times Fischer “came under fire for his handling of civil unrest following a fatal shooting of a Black motorist,” and also helped end the so-called “water wars” in Tampa Bay.