The late Frederick B. Karl, author of “Python Tales: World War II Memories of a Young Soldier.”
The Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County Inc. welcome the family and friends of former county administrator, Frederick B. Karl, to a reception to celebrate his legacy and the publication of Python Tales: World War II Memories of a Young Soldier.
The reception will be held Thursday, May 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the John F. Germany Public Library, Kotler Art Gallery, on the 2nd floor of 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa.
Karl served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s European Theater of Operations during World War II, and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He was later awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart medals. Karl often said his war experiences as a tank commander during the Battle of the Bulge helped shape the rest of his life and spurred him into public service. That career in public service spanned more than 50 years and included all three branches of state government, as well as city and county governments.
In 2010, Karl published his autobiography, The 57 Club: My Four Decades in Florida Politics. When Karl finally began writing Python Tales in 2012, he noted that most of the men and women actively involved in World War II had gone to a better place. Sadly, Karl joined these valiant men and women on March 7, 2013, at the age of 89. At the time of his death, Python Tales was unfinished. His dedicated friends and family members completed Python Tales and are now proud to present it as a tribute to Mr. Karl’s legacy.
In each and every facet of his public life, Karl made a difference in people’s lives. By tempering the power of politics with high ethical standards and integrity, he became known as a problem-solver who saw to it that government worked for the good of the people and treated everyone with fairness and respect.
Proceeds from the sale of Python Tales: World War II Memories of a Young Soldier will benefit the Frederick B. Karl Scholarship for Veterans at Stetson University College of Law.
For more information, contact the Friends of the Library at 813-273-3616 or ileyj@hillsboroughcounty.org.
