North-Shore-Park-Baseball-Fields-to-Honor-Surfside-Victim-003
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 Press Release
Melissa Berthier, Email: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
Matt Kenny, Email: mattkenny@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2022
North Shore Park Baseball Fields to Honor Surfside Victim
— Manny Lafont cared deeply about his youth baseball players —
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach will honor the memory of the late Manny Lafont
by dedicating the baseball fields at North Shore Park in his honor on Sunday, March 13 at 12
p.m. The 54-year-old coach and father was killed in the June 24, 2021 collapse of the
Champlain Towers South condominium in nearby Surfside.
“Manny was a beloved member of our community and cared deeply about every child he
coached in youth baseball at North Shore Park,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said. “His
memory will continue to inspire young people to excel in sports and in life for years to come.”
The community proposed renaming the baseball fields in Lafont’s honor following his death
and it was subsequently approved by the Miami Beach City Commission.
A plaque will be placed on a pedestal in the batting cage area where Lafont spent much of his
time as a baseball coach, including for his own son.
“Coach Lafont personified the spirit of community service through his many hours on the
baseball diamond,” explained former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora, who
sponsored the measure. “This is a well-deserved honor for someone who was loved and
respected by parents and children alike.”
The ceremony will include remarks by Lafont’s family as well as by Miami Beach officials and
will be followed by an afternoon of youth baseball.
WHAT: Dedication of North Shore Park baseball fields
WHEN: Sunday, March 13 at 12 p.m.
WHERE: North Shore Park, 501 72 St., Miami Beach
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