Former Mayor Hans Tanzler services Saturday


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  • | 12:00 p.m. July 26, 2013
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File photo by David Chapman - Former Mayor Hans Tanzler during a 2010 ceremony that designated his name on part of Interstate 295. Tanzler died Thursday at the age of 86. Former state Sen. Steve Wise looks on.
File photo by David Chapman - Former Mayor Hans Tanzler during a 2010 ceremony that designated his name on part of Interstate 295. Tanzler died Thursday at the age of 86. Former state Sen. Steve Wise looks on.
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Hans Tanzler, Jacksonville mayor during its consolidation with Duval County in the late 1960s, died early Thursday morning. He was 86.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Catherdal, 256 E. Church St.

Tanzler was elected mayor in 1967 as a supporter of consolidation, which occurred the following year. He served until 1979.

As mayor, Tanzler used consolidation revenue to revitalize Downtown.

Among the projects were the creation of what is now the Downtown campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville, the construction of a large-scale public health facility and the completion of major commercial construction projects, including the Independent Life building — now known as the Wells Fargo Center.

Tanzler might be most remembered for his efforts to clean up the St. Johns River by implementing sewage treatment and other environmental regulations. 

He dramatically demonstrated the improved water quality by water skiing on the river.

Tanzler was born in Jacksonville and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1945 and attended the University of Florida, where he was a standout player for the men's basketball team.

He earned his bachelor's degree from UF in 1949 and his law degree in 1951.

Before serving as mayor, Tanzler practiced law, eventually becoming a criminal court judge. 

In 1978, Tanzler announced his candidacy for governor of Florida.

He lost in a seven-way Democratic primary eventually won by Bob Graham. The run required him to step down as mayor in January 1979.

City Council President Jake Godbold was appointed to succeed him and served two full terms as mayor.

"Mayor Tanzler led a life dedicated to public service and his legacy will forever be remembered by our citizens and all who had the opportunity to know him," said Mayor Alvin Brown in a statement.

"He guided our city through consolidation, paving the way for much of the success we enjoy today. Mayor Tanzler was a tireless advocate for local education, public health, economic and downtown development and our treasured St. Johns River," Brown said.

Former Mayor John Delaney, president of the University of North Florida, said Tanzler "really saved Jacksonville."

"We probably would have been akin to Detroit at the rate we were going at the time. We wouldn't be who we are today," he said.

Rick Mullaney, former Delaney chief of staff, in a

statement called Tanzler "one of the great unsung heroes of consolidation."

"He was a true statesman. Jacksonville would not have consolidated government today if Hans Tanzler had been opposed to it," he said.

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