Tampa philanthropist, mayoral candidate David Straz has died

HOMOSASSA, Fla. (AP) — A retired banker and wealthy philanthropist who lost his bid to be mayor of Tampa earlier this year has died.

Seventy-six-year-old David Straz was found dead Monday near Homosassa, about 75 miles (117 kilometers) north of Tampa. According to the Tampa Bay Times, his spokesman Jarrod Holbrook says Straz was on a fishing trip with close friends when he was found.

Jane Castor beat Straz earlier this year in a runoff. The mayor said on Twitter, “I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Straz. David’s indelible contributions to this city will be a part of our cultural fabric for decades to come.”

The Times says that before politics, Straz made a name for himself through charitable works including donating tens of millions of dollars to the city’s performing arts center on the banks of the Hillsborough River in 2009.

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