BRACE CEO Dr. Nick Jackson Elected Treasurer For Florida Disaster Organization
May 17, 2026
Dr. Nick Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE), has been elected Treasurer of Florida VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).
The statewide coalition brings together nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations to streamline disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across Florida.
Jackson’s election provides Northwest Florida with a direct voice in statewide coordination ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, according to BRACE. In his new role, he will oversee financial management and help strengthen strategic partnerships and communication between local recovery networks in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and broader state agencies.
“Serving in this leadership role allows us to bring the perspectives and needs of our region into statewide conversations,” Jackson said, emphasizing that strong recovery relies on coordination built long before a storm enters the Gulf.
BRACE continues to lead local emergency volunteer and donation efforts while managing long-term recovery groups across the region.
Ronda Shelby Hilburn
May 11, 2026
Ronda Shelby Hilburn, age 68, entered into eternal rest in Pensacola, Florida on May 4, 2026.
Ronda was a graduate of Tate High School, received an Associate of Science degree in Drafting from Pensacola Junior College, and her Nursing Degree in Omaha, Nebraska. She worked in the medical field for many years, both in Omaha, Nebraska and Pensacola, Florida. Ronda and her husband Terry attended Northridge Church and East Side Assembly of God.
Ronda was preceded in death by her father, Rodney Shelby. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 28 years, Terry Hilburn; mother Lena Trussell; sister Renee Lafont; brother Michael Shelby (Jenny); sisters-in-law Linda Hilburn and Terry Foster (Pat); special cousin Todd Hooper; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ronda will be fondly remembered by her many friends & family, who will especially miss her warm and heartfelt hugs.
The family wishes to offer special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice for the care and support offered to Ronda during this difficult time.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home at 9:00 am, with services immediately following at 10:00 am.
Regional Class Rural Softball Brackets Set
May 2, 2026
FHSAA Rural Division softball brackets have been released with the schedule for Northview and Jay.
Ranked No. 1, Northview (18-5) will host No. 4 Holmes County (8-16) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. Meanwhile, No. 2 Chipley (19-4) will host No. 3 Jay (11-12), also at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 7.
The regional championship will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. If Northview wins, the Lady Chiefs will host, potentially setting up a rematch with Jay.
Regional games are single-elimination.
The state Rural semifinal is May 19, followed by the state championship on May 20, at Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Here’s The Northview Baseball Regional Schedule For Saturday, Possibly Sunday
May 2, 2026
Friday’s game was canceled, leaving the Northview Chiefs with Saturday, and possibly a Sunday game in their quest for a Rural Division semifinal win.
The No. 1 seeded Chiefs (18-8) will host No. 4 Chipley (15-10) at 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. Saturday. If the teams split, a third game will be played at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
A separate ticket will be required for each of Saturday’s games, and the park will be cleared after the first game in accordance with FHSAA rules.
Northview and Chipley met once early in the regular season, with Northview winning 17-3 on February 24.
The Chiefs beat Jay 2-1 on April 17 to claim the district title. Jay will travel to Holmes County for their semifinal game.
Pictured: Northview won the district championship on April 17. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Pearl Juanita Polk
April 30, 2026
Pearl Juanita Polk, age 82, was born on September 28, 1943, to her parents, Hillary and Genevieve Moore, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, April 28, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Roy Polk; her siblings, WC Moore, Edgar Moore, John Moore, and Nancy Davidson; her children, Dewayne Polk and Renee Dortch; and her grandchildren, Jeremy Lollie and Buddy Polk.
Pearl is survived by her children, Danny Polk (Julie), Lisa Carnley (Kevin), and Donnie Polk (Debbie). She was a proud grandmother to Brian Smith (Karen), Shannon Poole (Nick), Darren Polk (Isabella), Brianna Lollie, Justin Lollie (Meagan), Savannah Lollie, Jeremy Carnley, Shelby Miller (Robert), Donnie Lee Polk, and Latisha Kite, as well as Carla Dortch and her nineteen great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.
Her loving spirit lives on through her siblings, Ann Cole, Richard Moore (Sandy), Mark Moore (Pally), and Bobo Moore (Roxanne).
Pearl, who was born in Pensacola, Florida, dedicated her life to her beloved family. As a warm-hearted wife, nurturing mother, and adoring grandmother, she had a unique gift for making everyone feel part of her family. With open arms and a loving spirit, she embraced all who crossed her path, offering her unwavering care and support. Pearl’s nurturing heart and boundless compassion will forever be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A funeral will be held at Faith Chapel North on Monday, May 4. Family visitation is scheduled for 9:30 AM, followed by open visitation at 10 AM. The service will begin at 11 AM and will be officiated by Rev. Ken Johnson, with burial to follow at Jordan Cemetery.
Volunteer Florida Offers Free Grant Writing Training For Nonprofits
March 22, 2026
Volunteer Florida is offering a virtual Grant Writing Certification Program for Florida’s nonprofit organizations April 6 through May 15, 2026. This no-cost, six-week training is open to all nonprofit organizations in Florida and recommended for grant seekers, program directors, as well as executive and board directors. The deadline to register for this training is Monday, March 30 at 4 p.m.
To register for this training, click here.
The deadline to register is Monday, March 30, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Volunteer Florida is offering the Grant Writing Certification Program to better prepare Florida nonprofit organizations for the grant application process and increase their likelihood of selection for grant funding. Participants will engage in weekly informational and workshop sessions that will cover topics ranging from understanding grant criteria to learning best practices from previously successful grant applicants.
“Volunteer Florida is proud to once again offer this no-cost grant writing program to strengthen the capacity of nonprofits across our state,” said Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “By equipping organizations with the tools and knowledge to successfully compete for funding, we are investing in their long-term sustainability and helping them expand their impact in communities throughout Florida.”
Participants who attend and complete all sessions of the training are eligible to receive a certificate of completion, which includes written feedback on a sample grant application. Additionally, Volunteer Florida will award preferential points on an upcoming grant application for any organization that completes the 11-course training. Registration is limited to 75 entities for the series; however, more than one individual from each entity is welcome to register and participate in the sessions.
Grant Writing Certification Program Schedule
All Sessions 1:00PM – 2:30PM EST
Week 1 – Grant Preparation; Monday, April 6 and Friday, April 10
Topics will include researching available grants and assembling a grant writing team.
Week 2 – Logic Models; Monday, April 13 and Friday, April 17
Topics will include logic models and creating an evaluation plan.
Week 3 – Writing Proposals; Monday, April 20 and Friday, April 24
Topics will include understanding grant criteria and compiling proposals.
Week 4 – Budgets; Monday, April 27 and Friday, May 1
Topics will include budget terminology and grant application platforms, such as eGrants.
Week 5 – Best Practices Panel; Monday, May 4
Expert panelists will share best practices for successful grant applications.
Week 6 – Grant Year Overview; Monday, May 11 and Friday, May 15
Topics will include reporting and grant year deliverables.
Presenting the training is Marie Gress, CEO of Kovir, LLC, which provides grant strategy services to increase the capacity of smaller nonprofits with limited resources.
Here’s What To Know As Jay Lady Royals Basketball Heads To The State Final Four
February 22, 2026
It’s been nearly three decades, 28 years in fact, since a Jay High School girls basketball team made the state Final Four in the Rural Division
Last week, the Lady Royals beat Chipley 51-44 to seal the deal.
Jay will travel to UNF Arena at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville for the semifinals on Tuesday, February 24, ahead of the state championship game on Friday, February 27.
The team is seeking help with travel expenses. Donations by cash or check can be made Monday morning at the Jay High School front office.
The Lady Royals last made the Final Four back in 1998.
Want to go?
Where: CSI Companies Court at UNF Arena (University of North Florida in Jacksonville)
Host: University of North Florida Athletics
Facility Information: Spectator Information | Clear Bag Policy
Event Schedule & Specific Dates: click here
Admission: $15 per day if purchased in advance, and $18 if purchased day of via GoFan
- Limited number of Premium VIP ticket options available each day
Parking: fee included in the cost of admission (Parking in Lot 18)
- Additional Parking & Shuttle Route if needed
Lodging: click here
Live Webcasts: NFHS Network
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fl rests bread
February 6, 2026
Jay Man Charged With 15 Counts Of Animal Cruelty; 53 Animals Seized (((((((( UNBLUR )))))
February 5, 2026
A Jay man has been charged with animal cruelty after dozens of animals were seized from his farm, at least one of which was euthanized.
Charles Robert Higbee, age 54 of Bell Creek Road, was charged with 10 counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty and five additional misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) and Santa Rosa County Animal Control investigated severe neglect on a farm owned by Higbee.
OALE said investigators discovered emaciated cattle and goats without food or water, poultry starving in filthy pens, and a longhorn cow trapped in a hole. The longhorn was later euthanized due to extreme suffering.
In total, 53 animals were seized:
- 12 cattle
- 31 poultry
- 6 goats
- 1 sheep
- 3 equine
Five poultry carcasses were also located.
Veterinary exams confirmed severe malnutrition and dehydration, investigators said.
Higbee was released from the Santa Rosa County Jail on a $55,000 bond.
Susan Jeanette ‘Sue’ Schneider
February 2, 2026
Susan Jeanette “Sue” Schneider, age 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on January 29,2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Mississippi, from complications of pneumonia. Sue was born on October 23, 1960, the youngest of six children, in Atmore, Alabama, to Raymond and Margaret (Mininger) Schneider. She enjoyed her many nieces and nephews, several of them being close to her age. Always a lover of snow, she enjoyed many trips to Ontario for family visits. At the age of 14, she gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized on April 14, 1974, by Minister Wilbert Peters, beginning a lifelong walk of faith. Since God’s plan for her did not include children of her own, she found fulfillment in caring for several children in the community, loving them as her own. Sue delighted in taking family and friends on fun outings; shopping and eating out were a couple of her favorite pastimes. Baking pound cakes and coffee cakes for others was her specialty; they were delicious even when they “flopped.”
After her parents passed away, Sue made her home at the Oakwood Retirement Community in Brooksville, Mississippi, in the spring of 2017. She made a multitude of new friends there; fellow residents and staff were dear to her. Aunt Sue was an “Aunt” to many in addition to her own dear nieces and nephews. She had an empathetic heart and cared deeply for her family and friends. She delighted in calling family members on their birthdays to sing “Happy Birthday,” even as it became increasingly difficult for her to do so as her lung condition progressed.
One of the most cherished experiences Sue often shared was a dream in which she saw the clouds roll back and felt herself rise up to meet Jesus. As she approached Him, she said, “My Jesus, how I love You,” and He wrapped His arms around her. This moment brought her peace and became a source of strength during her trials. She treasured this experience deeply as a precious reminder of God’s love for her. Listening to singing was a source of great comfort to her. One of her favorite hymns was “I Love to Steal Awhile Away.” Another beloved song, “Jesus Loves Me,” was sung to her by her family during her hospitalization. As she was leaving this world, family members stood around her bedside, singing the songs she loved – hymns that brought comfort and filled the room with love and sweet surrender.
She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: her sisters, Sally and Robert Toews, Kingsville, Ontario; Polly and Lyle Wiebe, Kirkton, Ontario; Rose and Carlos Koehn, Walnut Hill, Florida; her brother, Royce and Marilyn Schneider, Walnut Hill, Florida; sister-in-law Donna Schneider, Brooksville, Mississippi; along with many dear nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts. Preceding her in death were her parents, Raymond and Margaret Schneider, her brother, Kale Schneider; one nephew, and three great-nephews.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Sue Schneider will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at The Walnut Hill Mennonite Church with Minister Brian Decker officiating. Interment will follow in the Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
Many thanks to the Oakwood staff for their untiring love and care extended to Sue and her family. Also, the expertise of the medical team at Baptist Memorial Hospital will not soon be forgotten.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.