North Shore Park Baseball Fields to Honor Surfside Victim

(Miami Beach, FL) Mar 8, 2022 -

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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