Travel Host ~ Mangrove Mike

The January/February 2010 issue of the Florida Keys/Key West Travel Host magazine features a special “Chair Chat” with owner Mike Forster, a.k.a. Mangrove Mike.  

Mike reveals his secret passion for educating and preserving the History of the Conch’s.  Having collected dozen’s of historic photos from the early pioneer days - most of the early fishing guides along with famous fans of Islamorada fishing including the late great Ted Williams – Mike offers a series of “Conch Life” t-shirts at his local establishments.

Mike, who has long been an involved member of the Upper Keys community, also had a hand in keeping “Betsy the Lobster” part of the Florida Keys scenic highway.  After going into hiding upon the closure of Treasure Village, “Betsy” made the move across US 1 to the Rainbarrel Artisans Village where Mike is an investor and owner of “Wassup Dawg”, serving Nathan’s hotdogs and Edy’s icecream.

Eastman Kodak determined the giant detailed biologically accurate crustacean as the secondmost photographed icon of the Florida Keys behind Key West’s Southernmost Point.

In addition to the “Chair Chat” feature, Mike also appears on the Florida Keys “hot shots” page with Rhonda and Pam (center) as a celebrity client along with Lyndsey McGlasson, Steve Rubin and Sheila Tilman.

TravelHost is America’s #1 travel magazine featuring dining, shopping, area attractions and real estate for visitors to the Florida Keys.  Each edition of TravelHost magazine is locally owned and managed and proudly displayed at finer lodgings in over 1.4 million guest rooms across the nation.  To advertise locally, contact Rhonda or Pam at 305-295-6629.