If you spent any time watching truTV between 2011 and 2014, you know exactly who Bernice from South Beach Tow is. You probably remember her as the woman who could bench press a small sedan and had zero patience for anyone’s nonsense. She was the breakout star of a show that basically redefined the "guilty pleasure" genre.
But here’s the thing: people still argue about her. Was she real? Was that parking garage fall actually dangerous? And where the heck did she go after the cameras stopped rolling?
Honestly, the story of Lakatriona Brunson—the woman behind the "Bernice" persona—is way more interesting than the scripted chaos of Tremont Towing. She isn't just a TV character; she’s a certified trailblazer who broke real-world records while most of us were busy watching her punch out car windows on cable.
Who is Bernice from South Beach Tow?
The woman we know as Bernice is actually Lakatriona Brunson. Born and raised in Miami, she didn't just stumble into a tow truck one day. She was a powerhouse athlete long before Jennifer Lopez’s production company, Nuyorican Productions, came calling.
At Miami Northwestern Senior High School, she was a standout in track and basketball. Later, she played power forward for Tennessee State University. You can see that athleticism in every episode. When she’s chasing down a disgruntled car owner or hauling a heavy hook, that’s real strength. She even played professional football as a defensive end for the Miami Fury in the Independent Women's Football League.
So, while the show was "dramatized," the physical presence of Lakatriona was 100% authentic. She wasn't just some actor they put in a Tremont shirt; she was a Miami local with the grit to back up the role.
That Infamous Parking Garage Fall
Let’s talk about the moment that broke the internet before "breaking the internet" was even a common phrase.
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In Season 4, there’s a scene where Bernice is trying to repo a car in a parking garage. The owner gets in, starts driving, and Bernice—ever the warrior—clings to the side. Then comes the drop. She falls off the side of the structure, plummeting several stories to the pavement below.
Was it real? Well, sort of.
The show famously carried a disclaimer: "The stories that are portrayed in this program are based on real events." In reality TV speak, that’s a polite way of saying "we’re reenacting things that may or may not have happened, but we’re definitely amping up the drama for the cameras."
Lakatriona has since spoken about the "Bernice" persona in interviews, like her 2019 catch-up with PeopleTV. She’s leaning into the fun of it. The fall was a choreographed stunt, but it cemented her status as a legendary figure. Fans were genuinely worried! For a few weeks, people were Googling if Bernice from South Beach Tow had actually died. She hadn't, obviously. She "recovered" in the next episode and went right back to being the most feared tow truck operator in Florida.
Why the Show Was "Fakery" Done Right
Look, we all knew South Beach Tow wasn't a documentary.
The microphones were a little too clear during high-speed chases. The "random" people getting towed had suspiciously good comedic timing. But Bernice made it work. Her catchphrases, her habit of referring to herself in the third person, and those iconic sunglasses created a character people loved to root for.
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The show focused on the rivalry between Tremont Towing and The Finest Towing. It was basically a soap opera with tow hooks. While critics pointed out the staged nature of the fights, the audience didn't care. They wanted to see Bernice lose her cool.
What most people get wrong about the "Scripting"
It's easy to dismiss the whole thing as fake, but the business—Tremont Towing—was a real operation in Miami. The Ashenoff family (Robert Sr., Robert Jr., and Christie) were real people. Bernice was the "hired gun" that brought the muscle. The scenarios were usually based on things that had happened to drivers in the past, just re-shot with better lighting and more punching.
Where is Lakatriona Brunson Now?
If you think she retired to a beach after the show ended in 2014, you’re wrong.
In 2016, Lakatriona Brunson made actual history. She was named the head football coach at Miami Jackson High School. This made her the first female head football coach in the history of Florida.
Think about that.
She went from being a "reality star" to a legitimate pioneer in a male-dominated sport. She even hired Luther Campbell (Uncle Luke from 2 Live Crew) as her defensive coordinator. It wasn't a stunt; she was there to win. She’s a certified physical education teacher and has spent years mentoring kids in the Miami area.
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Her Current Status in 2026
Lakatriona remains a staple of the Miami community. She’s active on social media and still interacts with fans of the show through platforms like Cameo, where she records videos as Bernice for people who want a good-natured roast. She’s also stayed involved in sports and coaching, proving that the "toughness" we saw on TV was just a reflection of her real-life work ethic.
Key Facts About Bernice (Lakatriona Brunson)
- Real Name: Lakatriona Brunson (often goes by K.K.).
- Birthday: May 15.
- Background: Former pro football player and collegiate basketball star.
- History Maker: First female head coach for a high school football team in Florida.
- TV Legacy: Appeared in over 80 episodes of South Beach Tow.
Why Bernice Still Matters to Fans
We live in an era of "polished" reality TV where everyone looks like an influencer. Bernice was different. She was raw, loud, and unapologetically strong. She represented a version of a "strong female lead" that wasn't about being dainty or "girlbossing" in a suit—she was literally pulling cars out of ditches and taking no crap from anyone.
Even though the show hasn't aired a new episode in over a decade, the clips of Bernice still go viral on TikTok and YouTube. Why? Because there’s something cathartic about watching her deal with the kind of entitled people we all encounter in daily life.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re looking to reconnect with the legend of Bernice, here is how you can actually do it without falling for the clickbait "where are they now" traps:
- Check out the official truTV UK YouTube channel. They’ve uploaded "Best of Bernice" compilations that include full episodes and high-quality versions of the most famous fights.
- Follow Lakatriona Brunson on social media. She often posts updates about her life in Miami and her coaching career. It's the best way to see the "real" her versus the TV character.
- Support local Miami high school athletics. Much of her post-TV life has been dedicated to giving back to the school system that raised her.
- Watch the credits. If you ever re-watch the show, look for the names of the production crew. You'll see how much work went into making those "impromptu" fights look as chaotic as they did.
Bernice from South Beach Tow might have been a character, but Lakatriona Brunson is the real deal. Whether she was "falling" off a garage or leading a football team to a Friday night win, she’s always been a force to be reckoned with.