Islamorada Renames Founders Dog Park for Late Mangrove Mike Forster

A dedication ceremony in Islamorada on Jan. 18 renamed Founders Dog Park for the late "Mangrove" Mike Forster and unveiled a dog-bone-shaped commemorative bench and plaque recognizing his years of public service and community support. Village officials, members of the Caceres family and local partners gathered to mark the installation, which memorializes Forster's roles as village mayor, county commissioner and restaurateur and highlights his support for local animal rescue and community events.

Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney and village code enforcement officer Paul Minning were among the speakers at the event. The new bench features a back in the shape of a dog bone and sits near the park's central path, where residents and their pets commonly meet. The plaque installed alongside the bench summarizes Forster's contributions to the village and his well-known affection for dogs, reinforcing the connection between the honoree's life and the park's everyday use.

Founders Dog Park is a neighborhood gathering spot for dog owners and visitors, and the renaming represents a symbolic preservation of local civic memory. Forster's career in municipal and county government gives the dedication additional civic weight: naming a public space after a former mayor and county commissioner ties personal legacy to place and offers a physical touchpoint for community history. The involvement of the Caceres family and local partners underscores broad community backing for the tribute.

For local residents, the dedication is both a communal moment and a practical change to a public amenity. The bench and plaque create a focal point within the park that may increase foot traffic by visitors seeking to pay respects, photograph the installation or attend future dog-friendly activities. For nearby small businesses that serve dog owners - such as pet supply outlets, cafes and marinas where people congregate before and after park visits - modest increases in visits are possible when public spaces receive renewed attention, especially during weekends and holidays.

Beyond immediate visitation effects, the renaming signals priorities for local civic culture: recognition of volunteerism, support for animal welfare, and celebration of local entrepreneurs and officials. The dedication also serves as a reminder of continuing community partnerships around animal rescue and events that bring residents together.

Residents can see the bench and plaque at Founders Dog Park in Islamorada; the installation now stands as a lasting tribute to Mangrove Mike Forster and a new landmark for the village's dog-owning community.