From Tow Truck Brawler To Trailblazing Coach: 7 Shocking Facts About South Beach Tow's Bernice (Lakatriona Brunson) In 2025

Few reality TV stars have managed to pivot their on-screen persona into a monumental, real-life career as successfully as Bernice from truTV's South Beach Tow. As of December 15, 2025, the woman known for her no-nonsense attitude and incredible strength while repossessing vehicles is now celebrated for a completely different, and far more impactful, role: a trailblazing high school football coach in Miami. Fans who remember her explosive antics at Tremont Towing are often stunned to learn about the quiet dedication and historical achievement of her life today, a journey that has cemented her status as a true Florida icon.

The character of Bernice, played by the formidable Lakatriona Brunson, became an instant cultural phenomenon due to her dramatic confrontations with vehicle owners and her larger-than-life presence. While the show was known for its dramatized reenactments, Brunson's real-life story is one of genuine athletic talent, commitment to education, and breaking barriers, proving that the powerhouse energy she displayed on television was merely a fraction of her true potential.

The Unforgettable Woman Behind the Wheel: Lakatriona Brunson's Full Biography

Lakatriona Brunson's life story is a fascinating blend of athletic prowess, dedication to teaching, and unexpected stardom. She is far more than just the fiery tow truck operator fans remember.

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• Full Name: Lakatriona Brunson
• Known As: Bernice (from South Beach Tow)
• Date of Birth: Information is not publicly confirmed, but she was born in the 1970s.
• Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S.
• High School: Miami Northwest High School (Graduated in 1995)
• College: Tennessee State University (Attended)
• Primary Careers: Actress, Athlete, Teacher, and High School Head Football Coach.
• Notable TV Role: Bernice, the tow truck operator/assistant manager on truTV's South Beach Tow (2011–2014).
• Historical Achievement: First female high school head football coach in the state of Florida.

Brunson’s athletic background is key to understanding her powerful presence. She was a dedicated athlete during her time at Miami Northwest High School and continued her sports journey at Tennessee State. This foundation in competitive sports laid the groundwork for the discipline and drive she would later apply to both her acting career and her groundbreaking coaching role.

From Tow Yard Brawler to Trailblazing Coach: Bernice’s Real-Life Career Transformation

The biggest and most inspiring update on Lakatriona Brunson’s life post-South Beach Tow is her monumental career shift into high school athletics. This transition from reality TV personality to a respected leader on the field is a testament to her commitment to her community and her true passion for sports.

The Historic Head Coaching Role at Miami Jackson High School

In 2017, Lakatriona Brunson made history by being named the Head Football Coach at Miami Jackson High School. This appointment was not just a career change; it was a societal milestone, as she became the first woman to hold a high school head football coaching position in the state of Florida. She has been serving in this role since 2017 and continues to lead the team, focusing on instilling discipline and respect in her young athletes.

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Her coaching philosophy is rooted in her own experiences, emphasizing respect for teammates and opponents alike. She has often stated that the tough exterior seen on South Beach Tow is a character, while her real-life work as a teacher and coach is about nurturing talent and building character in young men. Her efforts have drawn attention from across the country, highlighting her as a positive role model who shattered a significant gender barrier in American sports.

The coaching staff at Miami Jackson High School also included former 2 Live Crew rapper Luther Campbell, a partnership that brought further publicity and unique local flavor to the program. This collaboration underscored Brunson's ability to navigate different worlds, from entertainment to education and sports.

Bernice’s Life Beyond Tremont Towing

While the character Bernice was synonymous with the drama of Tremont Towing, Lakatriona Brunson is primarily a dedicated educator. Before and during her time on television, she worked as a teacher. Her background in education and sports is the foundation of her current, long-term career.

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The show South Beach Tow, which ran from 2011 to 2014, was notorious for its highly dramatized and often outlandish scenarios. Bernice's most memorable moments—like flipping cars with her bare hands or engaging in screaming matches—were part of the show's entertainment factor, not a reflection of her day-to-day personality. Off-set, Brunson is described as a calm and professional individual, a stark contrast to her on-screen persona.

Today, in addition to her coaching duties, Brunson maintains a connection with her fanbase through platforms like Cameo, where she records personalized video messages. This allows her to capitalize on her celebrity status while keeping her main focus on her impactful work in the Miami school system.

The Legacy of Bernice: Separating Reality TV from Real-Life Accomplishments

The enduring fascination with Bernice lies in the massive gap between the reality TV character and the accomplished woman who plays her. Her journey offers a powerful lesson in reinvention and the power of a multifaceted career.

The Reality Behind the "Reality" Show

South Beach Tow, along with other truTV shows of its era, was a "docu-drama," meaning the events were highly scripted, choreographed, and edited for maximum entertainment. Bernice’s character was intentionally written as a powerhouse, the anchor of the show’s most viral scenes. This theatricality contributed to the show's success but obscured Brunson’s true identity as a professional teacher and coach. The show was eventually canceled after four seasons, with many fans feeling that Bernice was the main reason the show was a success in the first place.

The show's main cast, including Dave Kosgrove, Christie Ashenoff, and Robert Ashenoff Jr., were all part of the Tremont Towing narrative, but Bernice (Lakatriona Brunson) was the unquestionable fan favorite. Her ability to deliver comedic timing and physical intimidation made her scenes legendary in reality TV history.

Net Worth and Career Value in 2025

While specific, verifiable net worth figures for Lakatriona Brunson are often speculative and unreliable—a common issue for reality TV stars—her career value is substantial due to her diverse income streams. She has earned money from:

• Acting/Reality TV: Her four seasons on a popular truTV show.
• Education: Her salary as a high school teacher and coach.
• Endorsements/Appearances: Public speaking, appearances, and personalized content through platforms like Cameo.

Her value to the community, however, is immeasurable. By breaking the gender barrier in Florida high school football coaching, she has created a legacy that far outweighs any television residuals or endorsement deals, inspiring countless young female athletes to pursue their passions in male-dominated fields.

In conclusion, the woman the world knows as Bernice, Lakatriona Brunson, has successfully leveraged her celebrity into a career of genuine impact. She remains a powerful, relevant, and inspirational figure in 2025, not for her ability to tow a car, but for her dedication to coaching and shaping the next generation of athletes.