Former Mayor David Fischer, St. Petersburg’s longest-serving mayor, a consummate gentleman, efficient administrator, and the epitome of quiet strength with an excellent sense of humor, died on Oct. 22 at the age of 92.
BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor
ST. PETERSBURG — I was deeply saddened to hear that St. Petersburg’s first strong mayor, David Fischer, who served from 1991 to 2001, died on the morning of Oct. 22. He previously served on city council from 1975 to 1979. Mayor Fischer was St. Petersburg’s longest-serving mayor, a consummate gentleman, efficient administrator, and the epitome of quiet strength with an excellent sense of humor. He appointed me chief of police on Aug. 5, 1997.
Contrary to what some believe, a strong mayor should be pushy, vociferous, and uncompromising. Mayor Fischer was just the opposite. A graduate of Duke University and a fighter pilot, he used his intelligence and military discipline to guide his careful caretaking of the city’s infrastructure, aesthetics, waterfront, and managed growth. He created the Business Development Center to spur economic growth in South St. Pete and to improve housing and infrastructure through his tree planting.
Mayor Fischer was known as the Tree Czar and reportedly planted more than 18,000 trees throughout the city. He openly expressed his belief on both the north and south sides of Central Avenue that the government has a responsibility to lift people up and empower them. He would always say, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” His administration was the rising tide.
Mayor Fischer was firmly committed to social justice and appointed me to ensure that city residents, in general and South St. Pete specifically, were treated with dignity and respect. He insisted that police shootings and acts of malpractice must be eliminated. Some who did not understand his management style argued that while he appointed me, he did not support me. On the contrary, I had Mayor Fischer’s total confidence and support.
Unlike the Biblical parable of David and Goliath, David Fischer did not carry stones, real or political, for the expressed purpose of slaying Goliath Davis. He allowed me to manage the police department within the parameters of justice, respect for citizens and the law, and accountability for all engaged in the public safety enterprise. He stood with me through the Weed and Seed and Chunky Sunday controversies, even as others advised him to distance himself.
As a strong mayor, Fischer led the City of St. Petersburg during one of the most turbulent times in its history, and his quiet but strong style, anchored by pillars of compassion, fairness, and managed growth, was just what we needed. He presided during a period of racial unrest and the acquisition of the St. Petersburg Devil Rays baseball team.
When I retired from the St. Petersburg Police Department in 2001 and joined Rick Baker’s administration as Deputy Mayor for Midtown Economic Development, I adopted the tag line “Continuing the Progress” in honor of Mayor Fischer and the work he did to settle the city, improve its infrastructure, and seed economic development in south St. Pete. I was able to build on his work and strengthen Midtown, based on recommendations from Midtown and city residents during focus group meetings.
I take this opportunity to once again thank Mayor Fischer for his vision, humility, contributions, service to the city, and his unwavering faith in me. David and Goliath, two firsts in St Petersburg’s history, were a great team. I also thank his daughter, Susan, and the family for sharing their loved one with 250,000 or more people, and extend heartfelt condolences from all of us on the loss of their loved one. He leaves an indelible mark on the City of St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, and the nation. I thank you, Mayor Fischer, and salute you for your service to our country as a military pilot.
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