On Monday, September 6, 2021, a beloved member of the Monroe County government, Mike Forster, passed due to complications of COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Forster was a dedicated member of his community and the Florida Keys. As an elected official for the Village of Islamorada for 12 years and his recent induction into the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, Forster proved his commitment to the Keys. When the pandemic first began, Forster began offering free meals to the jobless men and women of the foodservice industry and ensured that his community would not starve. Adding on, he also raised money for the victims and families of those impacted by COVID-19. However, Forster was not able to win against his own battle with the deadly coronavirus. 

In response to this great tragedy, Monroe County Mayor, Michelle Coldiron, shared a few words regarding Foster. “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we have lost our beloved colleague,” said Coldiron. “Mike passionately gave his all to the Florida Keys. He considered us all one family”. 

Coldiron continues, “Mike never said, ‘we can’t do it’, but always let’s figure out how we can.’ He passionately fought for all to have a quality of life to sustain living in the Keys with housing, fair wages, and protection of the environment. He showed his love for the Keys environment and people with all of his heart and soul. Rest in Peace, my friend,” explained Coldiron 

Forster touched the lives of many, and the impact of his death surpassed his own community. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the former Florida representative, expressed her sorrow on social media.“Islamorada loses one of the kindest, most loving members of the community. He was a friend to all and gave back everything he could do to those in need. He will be missed dearly”. 

Forster was a member of the Keys who served his community. He gave his all to the citizens of this community and will forever be remembered. In the words of Mike Forster, “We’re better together” and “We need to take care of each other”; in these dark times the community needs to come together to honor the loss of a crucial part of the Keys.