Resolution 2021-31888RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31888
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND
QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE, AT ITS SEPTEMBER 20, 2021
MEETING, TO APPROVE THE NAMING OF THE NORTH
SHORE BASEBALL FIELDS, WHICH ARE LOCATED WITHIN
NORTH SHORE PARK AND YOUTH CENTER, IN MEMORY OF
MANNY LAFONT, A VICTIM OF THE SURFSIDE CONDO
COLLAPSE; SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON OCTOBER 27,
2021, PURSUANT TO SECTION 82-503 OF THE CITY CODE,
TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED
NAME BY A 5/7THS VOTE; AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK
TO PROVIDE PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE HEARING
CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 82-
503(a)(5).
WHEREAS, during the July 28, 2021 City Commission meeting, a referral to the
Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee ("NQLC") was made to hold a discussion regarding
naming the North Shore Baseball fields after Manny LaFont, a victim of the Surfiside condo
collapse; and
WHEREAS, at the September 20, 2021 NQLC meeting, the Committee gave a positive
recommendation and supported the request to name the baseball fields after Mr. LaFont; and
WHEREAS, Manny LaFont, father and North Shore Park baseball coach, lost his life at
the age of 54 during the tragic Surfside condo collapse on June 24, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Mr. LaFont was a parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Miami
Beach where his children attended school; and
WHEREAS, North Shore Park was Mr. LaFont's second home, where he coached his
son's baseball team and shared his lifelong passion; and
WHEREAS, Mr. LaFont was known the have deeply cared about the development of
all the athletes he coached and across the field; and
WHEREAS, upon Mr. LaFont's passing, the kind gesture of naming the North Shore
Baseball Fields was proposed, in recognition of Mr. LaFont's dedication to his community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the Neighborhood and Quality of Life
Committee, at its September 20, 2021 meeting, approving the naming of the North Shore Park
Baseball Fields, located within the North Shore Park and Youth Center, in memory of Manny
LaFont, victim of the Surfside Condo Collapse; set a Public Hearing on October 27, 2021,
pursuant to Section 82-503 of the City Code, to consider whether to approve the proposed
name by a 5/7th vote; and direct the City Clerk to provide public notice of the hearing consistent
with the requirements of Section 82-503(a)(5).
PASSED and ADOPTED this 13th day of October 2021.
ATTEST:
OCT 1 5 2021
Rafael . Granado, City Clerk
Dan Gelber, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LANGUAGE AND FOR EXECUTION
City Attorney Q�-
Date
Resolutions - C7 G
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE: October 13, 2021
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE, AT ITS
SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 MEETING, TO APPROVE THE NAMING OF THE
NORTH SHORE BASEBALL FIELDS, WHICH ARE LOCATED WITHIN
NORTH SHORE PARK AND YOUTH CENTER, IN MEMORY OF MANNY
LAFONT, A VICTIM OF THE SURFSIDE CONDO COLLAPSE; SETTING A
PUBLIC HEARING ON OCTOBER 27, 2021, PURSUANT TO SECTION 82-
503 OF THE CITY CODE, TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO APPROVE THE
PROPOSED NAME BYA 5/7TH VOTE; AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK
TO PROVIDE PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE HEARING CONSISTENT WITH
THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 82-503(A)(5).
RECOMMENDATION
The City Administration recommends accepting the recommendation of the Neighborhood and
Quality of Life Committee, at its September 20, 2021 meeting, to approve the naming of the
North Shore Park Baseball Fields, located within the North Shore Park and Youth Center, in
memory of Manny LaFont, victim of the Surfside Condo Collapse; setting a Public Hearing on
October 27, 2021, pursuant to Section 82-503 of the City Code, to consider whether to approve
the proposed name by a 5/7t' vote; and directing the City Clerk to provide public notice of the
hearing consistent with the requirements of Section 82-503(a)(5).
BACKGROUNDIHISTORY
During the July 28, 2021 City Commission meeting, a referral to the Neighborhood and Quality
of Life Committee (" NQLC") was made to hold a discussion regarding naming the North Shore
Baseball fields after Manny LaFont, a victim of the Surfiside condo collapse.
At the September 20, 2021 NQLC meeting, the Committee gave a positive recommendation
and supported the request to name the baseball fields after Mr. LaFont.
ANALYSIS
Manny LaFont, father and North Shore Park baseball coach, lost his life at the age of 54 during
the tragic Surfside condo collapse on June 24, 2021. Mr. LaFont was a parishioner at St.
Patrick Catholic Church in Miami Beach in which his children attended school.
Page 337 of 1095
North Shore Park was his second home as he coached his son's baseball team and shared his
lifelong passion. He was known the have deeply cared about the development for all the athletes
he coached and across the field.
With his passing, the kind gesture of naming the .North Shore Baseball Fields was proposed.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
Applicable Area
North Beach
Is this a "Residents Right
to Know" item, pursuant to
Citv Code Section 2-14?
Yes
Strategic Connection
Non -Applicable
Legislative Trackina
Parks and Recreation
Sponsor
Commissioner Michael Gongora
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Does this item utilize G.O.
Bond Funds?
im
❑ ExhibitA- Referral Memo C4J from July 28, 2021 Commission Meeting
❑ Resolution
Page 338 of 1095
Committee Assignments - C4 C
MIAAAI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Commissioner Michael Gongora
DATE: July 28, 2021
SUBJECT. REFERRAL TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE - DISCUSSION REGARDING NAMING THE NORTH SHORE
BASEBALL FIELDS AFTER MANNY LAFONT, A VICTIM OF THE
SURFSIDE CONDO COLLAPSE.
ANALYSIS
Please place on the July 28 Commission meeting a referral to Neighborhood and Quality of Life
Commitee regarding a discussion of naming the North Shore Baseball Fields after Manny
Lafont, a victim of the Surfide Condo Collapse. Manny LaFont was the proud father of Santi
(10) and Mia (13) who attended St. Patrick Grade School in Miami Beach. A petition which was
started on June 28 has already 1, 713 signatures to petition for the City to name the North
Shore Baseball Fields after Manny Lafont. Please find below the wording from the petition:
"The tragic events in Surfside have affected many and have reached across numerous
communities. From families and friends, neighbors and visitors, parents, sons and daughters
and even coaches. Our own Miami Beach baseball community lost a great friend and coach in
Manny LaFont.
Manny was a fixture at the park, always ready with a heartfelt hello, and generously giving of his
time and knowledge to anyone who asked or needed a little help or encouragement. Myself, and
many others, coached with Manny as our boys and girls developed and grew through the years.
We shared many a laugh, tear and moments of pride as the kids played, all the while with a smile
on his face and a gleam in his eye.
On more occasions than I can remember, Manny would bring Santi for some father and son
practice only to be inundated with questions and pleas for help from other parents. He never
waivered and always gave freely of his time, even if it meant having to stay longer with Santi for
their own time. He touched so many lives, created a joy and love for our sport, and selflessly
gave all whenever ask.
Although Manny has thrown his last baseball, there could be no better way to help preserve our
memories of him and his legacy by dedicating North Shore park baseball fields in his memory.
I n loving memory of Manny Lafont, please help make this happen."
Please feel free to contact Diana Fontani should you need any addition information.
Page 339 of 2092
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right
to Know" item pursuant to
City Code Section 2-14?
Yes
Legislative Tracking
Commissioner Michael Gongora
Does this item utilize G.O.
Bond Funds?
No
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