North Miami Beach to rename street 'St. Fort Drive' to honor Haitian-American legacy

In a celebration of Haitian-American heritage and community impact, the City of North Miami Beach will officially rename a street “St. Fort Drive” in honor of Evans St. Fort and the St. Fort family.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 31, at 3 PM at 16480 NE 19th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33162—a meaningful date during Haitian Heritage Month that underscores a legacy rooted in service, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride.

At the heart of this tribute is Evans St. Fort, a respected funeral director, entrepreneur, and founder of St. Fort’s Funeral Home, which has served South Florida families with compassion and professionalism for over two decades. A Florida native with deep Haitian roots, Evans founded the business at just 25, drawing inspiration from his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and a mission grounded in dignity over profit. After earning a degree in Mortuary Science, he launched the funeral home from the ground up—often personally handling every aspect of the business, from embalming to grief counseling.

Under his leadership, St. Fort’s Funeral Home has grown into a multi-location enterprise and became a vital community resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a “last responder,” Evans navigated unprecedented challenges to ensure that families could honor their loved ones with respect and care. His advocacy extends beyond funerary services—he actively works to destigmatize conversations around death and promote proactive end-of-life planning through workshops, public education, and community outreach.

“This gesture is deeply humbling for my family and me,” said Evans St. Fort. “To have our name permanently etched into the fabric of this city is an incredible honor. We are beyond grateful and hope this serves as a reminder that our stories and sacrifices matter—and can be remembered with heart and purpose.”

North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph echoed the sentiment:

“Renaming a street in honor of the St. Fort family not only recognizes years of service and impact; it also celebrates a legacy that has touched countless lives. Evans St Fort exemplifies the leadership, compassion, and cultural pride that strengthen our city. We take pride in honoring his family in this lasting way.”

“St. Fort Drive” is more than just a street name—it’s a symbol of resilience, community service, and generational legacy. The dedication reflects both the accomplishments of Evans St. Fort and the lasting contributions of the entire St Fort family to North Miami Beach and beyond.

The renaming of the street highlights not only the personal achievements of Evans St. Fort, but also the broader historical role of Haitian and Black-owned businesses in South Florida. Funeral homes like St. Fort’s have long served as cornerstones in Black communities—places that provide more than just services, offering support, advocacy, and continuity in times of loss.

Founded in 1980, St. Fort’s Funeral Home now operates multiple locations across the region. Known for its personalized care and culturally grounded approach, it continues to serve families in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties. The family-run business played a particularly critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting quickly to help grieving families maintain dignity and tradition under difficult circumstances.

Saturday’s street renaming places that work—and the legacy behind it—into the public record.