At Fort Myers’ North Law Firm, work is a family affair for patriarch Joe North. He runs the firm with his wife, Benita, the firm’s promotions manager; their attorney son; and Joe’s father, who serves as a guiding force, offering sage wisdom. Joe’s tween grandsons are set to continue the legacy. While it’s all hands on deck in the office, behind-the-scenes community work fuels the North dynasty.
Joe grew up in Dunbar, where the sun-drenched streets echo the vibrancy of collective living. “The community is like a circle,” he says. “Everyone contributes to keep it going; we all benefit from its strength and unity.”
Known affectionately as the ‘Unofficial Mayor of Fort Myers’ and the ‘Senator of Dunbar,’ Joe embodies the neighborhood’s ethos. His contributions range from sponsoring events like the Haitian American Community Coalition scholarship gala and the City of Palms Classic basketball tournament since 2016 to lending his digital billboards for Lee County high schoolers to celebrate accomplishments.
Initially, Joe was taken aback by the honorary titles. But, he soon recognized the monikers as signs of respect from his neighbors. Joe doesn’t take the designations lightly. “I feel a deep sense of responsibility to live up to these titles,” he shares. “They carry weight, and I want to honor them by making a positive impact.”
In 2022, Joe was granted a key to the City of Fort Myers to commemorate his standing. The North name graces Dunbar High School’s football field, and the city recently announced plans to rename his childhood home’s Barton Street after him. Through all the accolades, the native son doesn’t see himself as a benefactor but as a member of a supportive ecosystem where success is shared and reciprocated. “None of what I’ve done [could have been accomplished] without the support of the community,” he says.
Looking ahead, the personal injury attorney is helping develop a new cultural center in Roberto Clemente Park with the Lee County Black History Society. Joe donated $100,000 last year as a catalyst for the long-planned $20 million project to reignite Dunbar’s rich artistic legacy and cement the neighborhood’s place in Fort Myers’ history. “We need to raise awareness and secure support for these institutions,” Joe says. “Their preservation is crucial for maintaining our cultural heritage.” —Nikki Miller-Ka