Former Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Hazouri dies at 76

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville native and political powerhouse Tommy Hazouri has died.

The 76-year-old local icon has served the Jacksonville community for several years.

He attended Jacksonville University where he received his bachelor’s degree in history and government.

In 1974, he became a member of the Florida House of Representatives, where he served for 12 years, before becoming the mayor of Jacksonville from 1987 to 1991.

During his time as mayor, he led an effort to eliminate tolls from the city’s roads and bridges and implemented an anti-odor ordinance to relieve the city of its foul odor.

From 2004 to 2012, he also served as a Duval County School Board member before serving Jacksonville again as an at-large city council member of group 3.

He resided in Jacksonville’s Mandarin neighborhood where he was a member of Mandarin Presbyterian Church and an honorary member of the San Jose Rotary Club.

He leaves behind his wife Carol, who spent more than 40 years as an elementary school teacher in Duval County, and their son, Tommy Hazouri Jr.

Official statement from the City of Jacksonville:

“It is with profound sadness that the Hazouri family announces the passing of our devoted husband and loving father, Tommy Hazouri, on Saturday, September 11, 2021. A son of Jacksonville, Tommy spent a lifetime helping his neighbors build a better community. Those who knew him understood he could not have had it any other way. He spent his final days at peace surrounded by his family and friends; and in typical Tommy fashion, there was no shortage of laughing, reminiscing, and holding loved ones close. He is survived by his wife Carol and son Tommy Jr. Tommy lived his life with a certain mantra in mind. In times of intense fury, overwhelming sorrow, or unpredictable turmoil, he always insisted people put differences aside and come together. This optimism was especially important to him in recent years. As we grieve Tommy’s passing with the Jacksonville community, we ask that you honor his memory by doing something good today for someone with whom you may have had a quarrel or a disagreement. There are infinite opportunities to help each other in our daily lives, but only a finite number of days to do it. We will miss Tommy dearly, but we know his legacy will live on through the people — and the city — he loved so much.”

One of our city’s greatest leaders and proudest Democrats, City Councilman and former Mayor Tommy Hazouri, has passed today,” wrote Duval Democrats Chair Daniel Henry. “Tommy exuded class, integrity, dignity, a fighter spirit, and a love for our city. Duval Dems and the residents of Jacksonville are forever grateful for his dedicated service to our community. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family. Rest in Power.”

In a Twitter post, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry referred to Hazouri as a true Jacksonville champion.

“Tommy, I will always value your friendship, leadership, and passion for our community. You will be dearly missed. Godspeed, my friend. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with your family, Curry wrote.

Jacksonville University President Tim Cost released the following statement about the death of JU alumnus Tommy Hazouri:

“Jacksonville University lost a beloved member of our Dolphin family today. Tommy Hazouri was a dear friend, a dynamic leader, and a tireless public servant. He loved Jacksonville, the community where he was born and raised, and he committed his life’s work to improving it. Tommy never met a stranger; his authenticity and warm conversation allowed him to connect with people everywhere he went. He was also a standout student on the Jacksonville University campus, serving as our student body president before graduating in 1966. As a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Jacksonville mayor, school board member, and City Council member, Tommy always advocated for our city and for his alma mater. We proudly honored him with the Jacksonville University Distinguished Alumni Award of Excellence in 1987, and he was an engaged supporter of our campus for many decades. As we keep the Hazouri family in our thoughts during this difficult time, our Dolphin family will forever remember Tommy Hazouri as a devoted friend and a passionate champion of Jacksonville.”

©2021 Cox Media Group