Long time Florida public servant Fred Karl dies - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

Long time Florida public servant Fred Karl dies

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Fred Karl Fred Karl

Family members report, long time public servant Fred Karl has passed away. Karl was 88 years old. Former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio says Karl's wife Mercedes and his devoted family were at his side when he died.

Karl served as a Florida Supreme Court justice. He was elected to the state legislator. He also served as the Tampa City Attorney and as the Hillsborough County Attorney, as well as working as the Hillsborough County Administrator.

Karl also was the President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital and was a decorated war veteran.

During World War II, Karl was in the U.S. Army and fought in the battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Silver Star, and a Bronze star for valor in combat. He also earned a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat.

Pam Iorio says, "Fred Karl was born to be a public servant. He tackled issues with a sense of fairness, respect and honesty, always reflecting his personal and professional high standards. His values and character were shaped in large part by his generation that viewed duty, sacrifice and civic engagement as necessary components of a full and meaningful life.

Fred has left a significant legacy to our state, county and city. For me, he has been a friend and a mentor who always generously shared his wisdom and support. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched and shaped."

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