Mangrove Mike’s, Brutus Seafood, Sweet Savannah’s, First State Bank of the Florida Keys, and Marathon councilmen John Bartus, Mark Senmartin and Luis Gonzales collaborated to bring free hot meals to the Marathon community. CONTRIBUTED

Local restaurants team up for free lunches throughout the Keys

April 5, 2020

On Saturday, Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster, owner of Mangrove Mike’s, teamed up with Brutus Seafood and Sweet Savannahs to hand out free meals to the community in Marathon.

Forster has been giving away free lunches for anyone in need, and estimates that he’s fed 5,000 people since March 20 at his Upper Keys restaurant. With this effort, he expanded to Marathon.

Hot lunches were served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brutus Seafood’s parking lot. Demand was high, with over 500 lunches distributed in the first hour alone. In total all 530 meals were distributed to grateful families and community members.

Mangrove Mike’s, Brutus Seafood, Sweet Savannah’s, First State Bank of the Florida Keys, and Marathon councilmen John Bartus, Mark Senmartin and Luis Gonzales collaborated to bring free hot meals to the Marathon community. CONTRIBUTED

To support the cause, drop off a check to any First State Bank location in the name of Mangrove Mike’s Endeavors Paying Forward or to Mangrove Mike’s Cafe located at 82200 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada between 9 a.m. to noon. Donations are also accepted over the phone, by calling 305-664-8022. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 1459, Islamorada, Florida 33036. To donate online, visit mangrovemikesendeavors.com.