Beloved St. Pete Icon and Former Mayor David Fischer Passes Away at 92

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — David Fischer, who served as mayor of St. Petersburg for a decade, has passed away at the age of 92.

His daughter, Susan Fischer McGarry, announced his passing on social media on Wednesday, expressing that her beloved father departed peacefully. She remembered him as a “civic leader who will be greatly missed.”

Fischer held the mayoral office from 1991 to 2001, a transformative era for St. Petersburg. During his tenure, he focused on revitalizing the downtown area and investing in cultural projects, as noted by the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch (left) with former Mayor David Fischer (right) (Photo courtesy Mayor Ken Welch)

His legacy includes planting over 10,000 trees across the city and working tirelessly to rejuvenate neglected neighborhoods, aiming to create a more inclusive urban environment. Fischer was also at the helm when the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, now known as the Tampa Bay Rays, played their first season.

“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,” Fischer’s daughter wrote.

Current St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch shared his condolences on social media. Welch called Fischer a “dedicated public servant” and said he “left lasting impacts on the City of St. Petersburg.”

“He led with vision, humility, and a deep love for this community,” Welch said. “He 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.”