The late “Mangrove” Mike Forster’s contributions aided the community through warm meals shortly after Hurricane Irma and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The former Islamorada mayor and county commissioner who loved fishing and his dogs will receive a special honor at Founders Park on Sunday, Jan. 18 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m..
The Village of Islamorada and United Way of Collier and the Keys will hold a ceremony to dedicate the local dog park in honor of Forster, who passed away on Sept. 6, 2021 following a battle with COVID-19. The dog lover owned a number of furry friends through the years, including several vizslas, a breed he favored. He left behind brother-and-sister duo Henry and Ms. Joy, named in memory of the late Capt. Hank and Joy Brown. They’re now in the care of the Caceres family in Key Largo.
Local community members, and their furry friends, are invited to the dedication at the dog park. A dog bone bench and plaque are being placed at the spacious dog park, located across the way from the beach at Founders. Food trucks, live music and a nonperishable food drive to support local pantries are among the activities.
The dog park’s dedication to Forster was made possible thanks to the work of village code enforcement officer Paul Minning, Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney and other community members.
Forster spent most of his years living in Islamorada, yet served those in need throughout the Upper Keys and eventually throughout the Florida Keys. After stints at several Upper Keys restaurants including Pilot House and Melon’s, Mike opened the popular Mangrove Mike’s Café and Catering in 1998.
Long an Islamorada resident, he moved to Key Largo in 2020. In his downtime, he enjoyed fishing and boating, and knew how not to be found somewhere in Florida Bay.
Those wishing to contribute can visit Centennial Bank and ask to contribute to the Mangrove Mike Dedication account. For more information on the dedication event, call Mahoney at 305-304-5262.
