For the month of October, the Keys Weekly Newspapers are partnering with United Way of Collier and the Keys to remember and honor the life of Mike Forster. A business owner and community advocate, Forster led the effort to feed the Florida Keys in the days following Hurricane Irma and throughout the COVID pandemic. He served on various boards, including the United Way, and went on mission trips to Uganda to serve the hundreds of children living in orphanages.
An Islamorada councilman and Monroe County commissioner, Forster passed away on Sept. 6, 2021 at the age of 61 following a battle with COVID. Forster’s good will and generosity has inspired many Keys residents to carry on the spirit of giving and kindness to the island chain and those in need. In continuing the legacy of Forster, United Way of Collier & the Keys and the Keys Weekly Newspapers are highlighting some of the folks in the island chain that continue to pay it forward to help their neighbors.
Visit UWCollierKeys.org/BeLikeMike to learn more about the various ways to get involved.
THIS WEEK’S “BE LIKE MIKE” FEATURES: PAUL DAVIS
Paul Davis is simply an unstoppable force when it comes to creating opportunities for children and adults alike to enjoy their lives in Marathon through sports and recreation. This former teacher and coach at Key West High School (2005-2012) and Marathon High School (2014-2018) now serves as Marathon’s parks and recreation director. A graduate of Leadership Monroe County, he is heavily involved with the Marathon Rec Center and Presents in Paradise and is always searching for new events and avenues to improve Marathon’s recreational offerings.
- What inspires you to give back to the community? I’ve always wanted to be a positive influence in people’s lives ever since I was in high school playing sports. Knowing God has blessed me with everything I need and me being able to give back what was given to me inspires me to try and be the best servant leader I can be for my community.
- What’s the most enjoyable part about helping your community and neighbors? The most enjoyable part is seeing people enjoying life. Being able to create memories for families and visitors to our great city brings me great joy. Life is too short to stress the small stuff, so I want to be able to make others enjoy life and each other’s company.
- What kind of impact did Mike Forster have on your life or your community? I really didn’t know Mike personally, but from what I read about him, he was a very caring and compassionate person who would do anything to help anyone in need. He was definitely a servant leader who inspired many.
