City of North Miami Beach Honors Haitian-American Legacy with Street Renaming: St Fort Drive” Commemorates Evans St Fort and the St Fort Family
In a historic tribute to Haitian-American heritage and community impact, the City of North Miami Beach will officially rename a street block “St Fort Drive” in honor of Evans St Fort and the St Fort family. This significant recognition—the first of its kind for a Haitian family in the city—coincides with Haitian Heritage Month, celebrating a legacy of service, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride.
At the heart of this honor is Evans St Fort, a respected funeral director, entrepreneur, and founder of St. Fort’s Funeral Home, which has served the families of South Florida for over 20 years. His unwavering commitment to dignity, compassion, and community service has made the funeral home a cornerstone of the Haitian-American and broader community.
Born and raised in Florida, Evans St Fort drew inspiration from his Haitian roots and his father’s entrepreneurial spirit. After earning a degree in Mortuary Science, he launched his business at just 25 years old, building it from the ground up. Driven by purpose over profit, he worked tirelessly, often managing every aspect of operations himself, from embalming to grief counseling.
Under his leadership, St Fort’s Funeral Home has expanded to multiple locations and become a critical resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a “last responder,” Evans faced immense challenges, adapting to rapidly evolving safety protocols and service limitations while ensuring families could honor their loved ones with dignity and respect. Beyond his professional achievements, Evans St Fort is a passionate advocate for destigmatizing death and promoting proactive end-of-life planning.
Through annual workshops, public education campaigns, and philanthropic outreach, he fosters open conversations around a traditionally taboo topic—empowering people of all backgrounds to approach death with peace, dignity, and cultural sensitivity.
“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 grateful beyond words and hope this reminds us that our stories and sacrifices can be recognized and remembered with dedication and heart.”
“Naming a street in honor of the St. Fort family is not only about recognizing years of service and impact; it’s about celebrating a legacy that has touched countless lives,” said North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph. “Evans St Fort embodies the spirit of leadership, compassion, and cultural pride that strengthens our city. We are proud to honor his family in this lasting way.”
St Fort Way is more than just a street name—it symbolizes resilience, service, and legacy. This dedication honors not only the accomplishments of Evans St Fort but also the enduring contributions of the entire St. Fort family to the North Miami Beach community.
The renaming also highlights the vital role of Haitian and Black-owned businesses in shaping community history. In the tradition of Black-owned funeral homes, which are regarded as cultural and economic anchors in African American communities, St. Fort’s Funeral Home upholds that legacy while adapting to modern needs. The official street renaming ceremony is scheduled to take place in May as part of the Haitian Heritage Month celebrations.
