Celebrating Nora Ned: A Beloved Community Pillar Now Forever Honored

LaBelle, Florida- This afternoon at 2 p.m., the City of LaBelle unveiled the new street sign designating Collier Avenue as Nora’s Lane, honoring the life and legacy of Nora Ned. Family, friends, community members, and city leaders—including Mayor Julie Wilkins—gathered at the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the newly named street to celebrate the moment.

The renaming, made official through a unanimous vote of the LaBelle City Commission earlier this year, recognizes Nora Ned as a beloved and longstanding member of the Ford and Sunset community. For decades, she gave her time, her voice, and her energy to the people of LaBelle, becoming a guiding force whose legacy will live on through the generations she touched.

A Voice for Justice and Equality

Nora Ned was never afraid to speak up for what was right. In June 2020, she addressed the LaBelle City Commission about the urgent need to acknowledge and confront racial inequality. Her words—delivered with honesty, courage, and conviction—were met with applause and respect, leaving a lasting impression on both officials and residents.

She reminded LaBelle that issues of injustice were not abstract or distant but woven into the fabric of everyday life, and she challenged leaders to do better for the next generation. That moment was just one example of her lifelong advocacy for fairness and dignity in Hendry County.

A Lifetime of Dedication to Community

Beyond her public advocacy, Nora Ned was known personally to countless neighbors as a source of encouragement, support, and mentorship. She believed deeply in education, urging young people to push themselves, and she carried that same sense of perseverance into every corner of her community work.

She also became known for her signature phrase, “stay in your lane.” Now, with the naming of Nora’s Lane, the city has given her words a permanent home—one that reflects both her wisdom and her wit.

“Can you imagine what a world it would be if everyone cared for their hometown the way Nora did? If everybody worked to make their community a better place, and loved their town without reservation despite its imperfections? Nora didn’t just love LaBelle—she loved our schools, our sports teams, her church, her family, and each and every one of us,” said Laura Germino, a friend of Nora’s, who was at the ceremony today. “She was an example of love triumphing over hate, and we have to use her as a model to not let division or bitterness take hold. As far as I’m concerned, they could name Main Street after Nora for all the good she’s done to make our lives better and to make this town the beautiful place it is. I’ve known Nora since 2008, and that already feels like a lifetime ago.”

Building a Better Neighborhood

The renaming also shines a light on the work she never stopped pushing forward: improving the roads and infrastructure of her neighborhood. Nora frequently called attention to the shell road conditions and nearby potholes, believing her community deserved the same safe, paved streets as others in LaBelle. Today’s honor carries a hope that the new Nora’s Lane will soon be paved, and the surrounding potholes repaired, fulfilling part of the vision she worked toward.

A Legacy Carried Forward

The unveiling of “Nora’s Lane” is more than just a change in signage. It is a permanent, visible reminder of her enduring influence on LaBelle and Hendry County. Her family, who gathered proudly under the new street sign today, carry forward her values and her example.

As one community member put it: “Nora was the heart of this neighborhood. Naming this street for her makes sure no one ever forgets the difference she made.”

With the renaming of Collier Avenue, LaBelle has ensured that every passerby will know the name of a woman who gave so much to her city. Nora’s Lane now stands as a symbol of resilience, love, and commitment to justice—a legacy that her family and community will carry on for years to come.

Family’s Thanks

The gratitude was shared publicly.

“The family of Nora Ned would like to thank the Fordson/Sunset Community for your presence and support at the ‘Nora’s Lane’ sign installation. They would like to express a special thank you to the Fordson/Sunset Community Board and the LaBelle city officials for your efforts in making this possible. It is greatly appreciated. Peace & Blessings!”

Editor’s note: This statement was originally shared by the Fordson/Sunset Community Facebook page on behalf of the Ned family.