Community leader and visionary ‘Mister Coral Gables' Mark Trowbridge has died at 56

Yahoo

23-02-2025

Mark Trowbridge was known as Mister Coral Gables.
'He was a great connector, and he saw himself as the connector of people in Coral Gables and throughout the community,' Sarah Artecona, Trowbridge's longtime friend said.
Trowbridge served in the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and led as the CEO and president. He elevated the Chamber's profile, championing small businesses, and spearheading events like Burgerliscious and Small Business Saturday. Under his leadership, the Chamber's revenue grew by over 40%.
'For almost 20 years, he poured his heart and soul into the Chamber, transforming it into one of the most influential business organizations in the state,' said Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago in a statement.
Trowbridge, 56, died on Feb. 21 after having survived multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, but having heart complications.
'My heart goes out to all those around the County who were blessed by his fun and loving presence,' Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement. 'His legacy will live on with all the businesses and nonprofits he uplifted.'
Trowbridge's longtime friend and colleague, Sara Hernandez can't imagine a world without him.
'Mark was just a wonderful man and guided me to the point where I became Chair of the Coral Gables Chamber,' said Hernandez.
Hernandez said one of Trowbridge's proudest accomplishments included spearheading Ryder — a major transportation and logistics company — to relocate its headquarters to Coral Gables.
Known for his dry humor, quick wit, and straightforward nature, Trowbridge was a respected mentor with a keen eye for talent. Hernandez fondly remembered his love for history.
'He was a big mentor to many people in the city,' said Hernandez. 'He never sugarcoated anything.'
'He was larger than life,' said Artecona, who worked with him on the Chamber. 'He lived life with a passion. He loved his job. He always wanted to make things better.'
Whether he was walking down the street or enjoying lunch at one of the many local Gables restaurants, it was impossible to walk more than a few steps without someone greeting him, Artecona said.
'Mark was a force of nature — full of energy, kindness, and an unmatched ability to bring people together,' said Lago. 'His friendship was a gift, and his presence was a source of joy and inspiration.'
As he sat down to lunch or strolled through the streets, Mark would often leave with pages of notes — details about people he had met, follow-up conversations, introductions to make, and ways to help others, Artecona said.
'No one loved Coral Gables more than Mark Trowbridge,' said Coral Gables Commissioner Ariel Fernandez in a statement. 'His passion for our business community was unmatched, and his voice carried from South Florida to Tallahassee, always speaking with conviction and heart.'
Trowbridge was an avid Florida Gators fan, having graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelor's and Master of Education degrees in 1990 and 1992.
He moved to South Florida eight weeks before Hurricane Andrew struck in August 1992. He was a longtime resident of Miami Springs.
He had served as president of the national board for the University of Florida Alumni Association and never missed watching a Gators game.
Trowbridge played a key role in Super Bowl LIV in 2020, when the game was played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, serving as Chair of Recognition and Engagement for the volunteer team.
He had consulted on volunteer management and leadership development for organizations like the Orange Bowl Committee, Miami Open, Mayors' Summit of the Americas, and International Pow Wow. Trowbridge also taught Sports Management as an adjunct professor at Barry University and St. Thomas University.
'People loved working with him,' said Artecona. 'He had an enormous personality and a huge sense of humor.'
In 2009, Artecona and Trowbridge placed a bet. She is a big fan of the University of Alabama, and that year they went up against the University of Florida. The loser had to perform the winning team's fight song in front of 300 people. That year, Mark lost. Showing good sportsmanship, he draped an Alabama blanket around himself and sang the Alabama fight song at the Chamber breakfast held monthly at the Biltmore.
'Larger than life in the very best ways — great smile, great laugh, great work,' said David Lawrence Jr., chair of The Children's Movement of Florida and a retired publisher of the Miami Herald.
'Touched everything he tackled with joy — the Gables Chamber, public speaking, Junior League, the University of Florida, and more.'
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been set. Trowbridge is survived by his mother Mary Lou Trowbridge and sister and brother-in-law Tracy Trowbridge Newman and Stan Newman and their sons Ben and Hunter, his nephew Taylor Trowbridge, Taylor's wife Diana Trowbridge, and his sister-in-law Karen Trowbridge.
Donations may made in Trowbridge's honor to the New World Schools of the Arts, The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Foundation, The Children's Trust and SAVE Dade.
Fernandez said he has asked for City Hall to be lit in Burgundy, the color of Multiple Myeloma Awareness, for the week of Feb. 24.
'He left behind a universe of friends,' said Artecona.