Century Correctional Inmate Serving Time For Homicide Assaulted Officer, FDC Says
September 6, 2026
A Century Correctional Institution inmate assaulted a correctional officer recently, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Inmate Dwayne A. Collins assaulted a correctional officer by grabbing the officer, FDC said. Staff members were not injured.
Collisn was serving a 30-year sentence for a 2013 Highlands County conviction for homicide, negligent manslaughter. He was previously set for release in 2041.
Vicki Lambert
September 3, 2026
Vicki Lambert was born on September 29, 1961, in Panama City and passed away on August 31, 2026, in Cantonment.
She lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and the many people whose lives she touched with her gentle spirit. Vicki was a woman who found joy in serving others, and she carried herself with a warmth that made others feel welcomed, comforted, and cared for. Her life reflected the Christian values she held dear, and she sought to show love through her actions, her words, and her steadfast presence.
Vicki worked as a self-employed cosmetologist, and she took pride in helping others feel their best. Through her work, she not only shared her skill and talent, but also offered kindness, encouragement, and a listening ear. She understood the importance of making others feel seen and valued, and she used her gift to bring beauty and confidence into the lives of many. Her clients and friends alike will remember her for the compassion she showed and the genuine care she extended so freely.
Her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved deeply and faithfully. She is preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Johns; her father, Joe Johns; her father-in-law, Roderick Lambert; and her mother-in-law, Jeanne Lambert. Their memory remained close to her heart throughout her life. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, George Lambert. Together they created a home filled with devotion and cherished memories.
She is also survived by her son, Hunter Lambert, and his wife Amanda; her daughter, Jennaree Purdie and her husband Brandon; her granddaughters, Lillie Lambert and Juliette Purdie; her sisters, Frankie Johns and Joleen Perkins and her husband Chris; and her stepfather, Jerry Chestnut. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she treasured the time they shared together. Vicki especially loved spending time with her granddaughters, who brought great joy and light into her life. Her face would brighten at the mention of them, and she delighted in every moment she was able to share with them.
Vicki enjoyed the simple blessings of life and found peace in the beauty of God’s creation. She loved helping others, tending to her garden, going to the mountains, and watching the hummingbirds on the porch. These quiet pleasures reflected her gentle nature and her appreciation for the world around her. She found comfort in peaceful moments and in the beauty of everyday life, and she often embraced those moments with gratitude and grace.
Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. She believed in the goodness of God, the power of prayer, and the promise of eternal life. In both joyful and difficult seasons, she leaned on her faith and remained steadfast in her trust in the Lord. Those who knew Vicki will remember her as someone who lived with a servant’s heart, a tender spirit, and a deep love for her family and her Savior.
Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the legacy Vicki Lambert leaves behind is one of love, kindness, and faith. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for the way she cared for others, the grace with which she lived, and the Christian witness she carried throughout her life. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she served so faithfully.
Rescinded: Boil Water Notice Continues For Neighborhood West Of Chemstrand Road
August 7, 2026
Update: This could water notice was lifted on Sunday morning, August 9.
A boil water notice is in effect for residents in the area that includes portions of the area around Orby and Ronda streets west of Chemstrand Road.
Specifically, the boil water notice includes:
- 401-501 Ronda St.
- 11500-11509 Lou St.
- 303-387 Nowlin St.
- 300, 400, 414 and 415 Orby St.
- 11100-11133 Daniel St.
The boil water notice follows an water outage due to broken 6-inch water main on Friday.
Residents located in the specified PBWN area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use 8 drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water (let sit for 30 minutes), for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Bacteriological sampling has been initiated, and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours.
ECUA crews completed the repair work and have flushed out the lines. Residents within the PBWN area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at 850-476-0480 for assistance.
This story will be updated when the boil water notice is lifted.
Cmdr. Robert A. Shirer
July 20, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cmdr. Robert A. Shirer, who died on July 19, 2026, after a long and arduous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Bob was born to Robert Fisher Shirer and Mary Jo Harris Shirer in Lafayette, Indiana. At thirteen, he moved from Nebraska to Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Peachtree High School in 1978, obtained a B.S. in Education from the University of Georgia in 1982, and earned his M.E. in Instructional Technology from the University of West Florida. Bob earned his “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator in 1983 in Pensacola, FL, where he met the love of his life, Leigh Robin Williams. They married in 1984 and embarked on a life of adventure that included many friends, laughter, tears, and exciting tales of travels, twists, and turns on their journey together. Bob and Leigh were blessed with three children, Rachel Kathleen Shirer Weber (Charles), Ross Evan Shirer, and Robyn Olivia Shirer Stanford (Ryan).
As a Naval Officer, Bob was a willing participant to history, serving on the USS John F. Kennedy during the First Gulf War. The day after September 11, Cmdr. Shirer was recalled to active duty, serving with the Bureau of Naval Personnel where he retired after 29 years of service to his country. In addition, he worked for numerous defense contractors and faithfully attended St. Luke UMC in Pensacola, FL, where he taught Sunday School for 21 years.
Bob and his family always enjoyed camping with numerous friends and family members and always heralded the beginning of their “camping season” with an “end of summer” party. Leigh is planning to hold an “End of Bob’s Summer” Celebration of Life in the home that they shared with their children for the past 34 years later, so we hope (like the songs says) to “See You in September”!
Cmdr. Shirer will be remembered for the life he lived, the relationships he built, and the memories he shared with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind family and loved ones who will cherish his memory and carry forward the lessons, love, and laughter he shared throughout his life. No man ever told a “Dad Joke” like Sweet Old Bob!
Blue Wahoos, Barons Postponed in Pensacola
June 17, 2026
Tuesday’s game at Blue Wahoos Stadium between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Birmingham Barons has been postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, June 17, with a pair of seven-inning games beginning at 4:05 p.m. Game two will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
Fans planning to attend Tuesday’s postponed game can exchange their tickets for a future 2026 regular season home game of equal or lesser value at the Blue Wahoos Stadium ticket office. As stated on tickets, no refunds will be given, according to the Wahoos.
Fans with tickets to Wednesday’s regularly scheduled game will gain admittance to both games in the doubleheader, in the seats they have been assigned. Gates open at 3 p.m.
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.