Frederick B. Karl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick B. Karl
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Justice Frederick B. Karl, c. 1977
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| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 14th district |
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| In office 1956–1964 |
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| Member of the Florida Senate from the 14th district |
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| In office 1968–1971 |
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| Justice of the Florida Supreme Court | |
| In office January 4, 1977 – April 5, 1978 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 14, 1924 Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Died | March 7, 2013 (aged 88) Tampa, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | Cynthia Anne, Frederick B Jr (Rick), Mary Theresa, James Brooker |
| Alma mater | University of Florida, Stetson University College of Law |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Bulge |
Frederick Brennan "Fred" Karl (May 14, 1924 – March 7, 2013) was an important American politician. He was a brave decorated soldier who later served in Florida's government. He started his political journey in the Florida House of Representatives from 1956 to 1964. After that, he was elected to the Florida Senate from 1968 to 1971. He also served as a Justice on the Florida Supreme Court from 1977 to 1978.
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Early Life and Military Service
Fred Karl was born on May 14, 1924, in Daytona Beach, Florida. His parents were Fred J. Karl and Mary Brennan. He went to Seabreeze High School and worked as an usher at a local movie theater. After finishing high school, he studied at the University of Florida and earned a science degree in 1942.
Later that same year, he joined the United States Army as a second lieutenant. He served in Europe during World War II and was injured in the famous Battle of the Bulge. For his bravery, he received several important medals. These included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. After the war, he went to Stetson University College of Law and earned his law degree in 1949.
Political Career in Florida
Fred Karl began his political career by being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1956. He represented Volusia County (District 14) and served there until 1964. In 1964, he ran for Governor but was not elected.
He was later elected to the Florida Senate in 1968. The very next year, he won an award for being the "Most Outstanding First Term Member of the Senate." He continued to serve in the Senate until 1971.
Serving on the Supreme Court
In 1977, Fred Karl became the last person to be elected as a Justice to the Florida Supreme Court. He served on the court for one year. In April 1978, he retired from the court and went back to working as a private lawyer.
After this, he held many important roles. He was the attorney for the Volusia County School Board and the District Attorney for Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach. He also served as the Chief Legal Officer and then the County Administrator for Hillsborough County, Florida. In 1994, he was chosen to lead Tampa General Hospital.
In 2004, when he was 80 years old, Karl was appointed as the Interim City Attorney for Tampa, Florida. He also became an advisor to the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority. Besides his official roles, Karl was very active in his community. He was part of many groups like the Rotary Club of Tampa and the United Way of Hillsborough County. He retired from public life for the final time later on.
Personal Life and Legacy
Fred Karl enjoyed many hobbies, including boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing. In 2010, he wrote a book about his life called The 57 Club: My Four Decades in Florida Politics.
He was married to Faye Brooker Karl from 1948 until their divorce in 1971. They had four children together. He then married Mercedes Jensen Proctor in August 1971.
Awards and Honors
Fred Karl received many awards for his contributions. In 2004, he won the Ralph A. Marsicano Award. This award is given each year in Florida to someone who has made big contributions to law over a long time. The mayor of Tampa, Pam Iorio, even declared April 18, 2008, as Frederick B. Karl Day in Tampa, Florida. A government building in Hillsborough County, Florida is also named after him.
His Passing
Fred Karl passed away at his home in Tampa when he was 88 years old.
