A steady bout of rain held off as community members gathered for a dedication of the Founders Dog Park to the late “Mangrove” Mike Forster on Jan. 18.
“I talked to him about the rain,” Paul Minning said about his friend in Forster. “I said, ‘Give us a break,’ and he did.”
Skies above the park cleared a bit as village officials and local residents witnessed a special dog park dedication to Forster, the former village mayor, county commissioner and restaurateur who provided for the community in times of need. Forster passed away on Sept. 6, 2021 following a battle with COVID-19.
Outside the gate to the dog park, attendees saw a new bench with a dog-bone-shaped back to honor Forster. Across from the bench, a plaque was installed dedicating the park to Forster, his love for dogs and his generosity for the community. The additions to the dog park in Forster’s honor were installed by Islamorada Brick Company.
Minning, the village’s code enforcement officer, was the driving force behind dedicating the dog park to his close friend. An unemployed charter boat operator with a criminal justice background, Minning was inspired by Forster to work for the village after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I love serving this community and now I have the privilege of running the code enforcement department. And I have Mike to thank for that,” he said.
Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney assisted Minning in getting the dog park dedicated to Forster. Kicking off the ceremony, she fondly remembered her interactions with Forster at his restaurant.
The two were partners in various endeavors, and Mahoney said Forster’s the reason she’s had a successful animal rescue.
“He came to every one of my tournaments. He fished my tournaments and he never, ever stopped supporting me and caring for me as a person,” she said.
Mahoney recalled the one year Forster was scheduled to be at her Poor Girls Sailfish tournament, but ended up going to Louisiana to pick up two new pups, Henry and Ms. Joy.
“He called from the airport and said, ‘Okay, I’ve got two dogs now and I don’t have time to go home, so they’re coming to the tournament to give out the trophy,’” she recalled. “Right when the trophies are being given out, Mangrove comes bursting in the doors with two puppies underneath his arms.”
The dogs, now 6, have been in the care of Paul and Michelle Caceres since Forster’s passing. Michelle said a friendship early on with Forster grew into something deeper: family. She noted how Forster left an indelible mark on the community. At the center of his life were his fur babies.
“They were not just pets to him — they were his kids, his constant companions and a reflection of the love he gave so freely,” Michelle said. “Being entrusted with the privilege of carrying on his legacy through them is something I hold with immense gratitude. Through Henry and Ms. Joy, Mike’s spirit continues to live on in the most beautiful way.”
Minning said he spent the past four years advocating for the dog park to be dedicated in Forster’s honor.
“We finally made it happen. And it took Sharon Mahoney to make it happen. It took Roger Young (owner of Islamorada Brick Company) to make this happen and the right council that we finally have in line and the right manager to make it happen.”
Mahoney said nothing can take away what Forster did for the community during the days after Hurricane Irma and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mahoney ended up staying in the animal clinic with Dr. Bob Foley, his wife and two others during the Category 4 storm. Once it all passed, they took in and rescued all sorts of animals. She said Forster showed up every day to help feed the animals and the people.
“He went above and beyond by day three or four after Irma,” Mahoney said.
Minning said Forster was quite the character. The two fished in the backcountry. Forster even coordinated Minning’s surprise 50th birthday.
“He was a great guy. He’s one of a kind,” he said, “He’ll never be replaced.”
With the ceremony concluded, a ribbon was cut to officially dedicate the park to the late Forster. From there, Henry and Ms. Joy went running in to enjoy the spacious dog park.
The United Way of Collier and the Keys was on hand to collect nonperishable food. Pizza courtesy of Italian Food Co. was handed out to attendees, and healthy dog treats were given to furry friends in attendance by Ho-made Doggie Delectables and owner Heidi Hungling. Music was played during the event by Bill Silver.
