Frederick B. Karl

Frederick Brennan "Fred" Karl (May 14, 1924 – March 7, 2013) was an American politician. A decorated U.S. service member, he began his political career serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1956 to 1964, after which he was elected to the Florida State Senate from 1968 to 1971 and the Florida Supreme Court from 1977 to 1978. Early life Karl was born on May 14, 1924, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to Fred J. Karl and Mary Brennan. He attended Seabreeze High School while working as an usher at a local theatre. After graduation, he enrolled in the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science in 1942. Later that year he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He served in the European Theater of Operations and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He was later awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart medals. In 1949 he received a law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Career Karl ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 1964. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for Volusia County (District 14) in 1956, which he sat until 1964. He was elected to the state senate in 1968 and won an award the year after for "Most Outstanding First Term Member of the Senate". He served in the Senate until 1971.