[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MIKE FORSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of former Monroe County Commissioner Mike Forster. Commissioner 
Forster's unwavering sense of conviction and outstanding public service 
to his community earned him respect and admiration from those who knew 
him and anyone he crossed paths with.
  Mike Forster was first elected to office in the Village of Islamorada 
where he served for twelve years. Before becoming commissioner, he 
served as mayor twice, vice mayor twice, and served on the Islamorada 
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
  A man of dignity and integrity, commissioner Mike Forster was an 
exemplary role model for many. His grand contributions cannot be 
measured. From Uganda to the Florida Keys, he was always attentive to 
his community and gave it his all. He earnestly fought to ensure that 
anyone he met had a quality of life.
  He rose to the challenge. When it was needed, he stepped up to the 
plate. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided free 
meals to servers, bartenders, cooks, bussers, and other Florida Keys 
residents involved in the hospitality industry out of his restaurant. 
During Hurricane Irma, he led efforts to assist those who were ill and 
help their families when the community underwent disasters.
  Commissioner Mike Forster will be remembered for his lifelong 
charitable contributions to the Florida Keys and his genuine character. 
It was a pleasure knowing Commissioner Forster. He will be profoundly 
missed.

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