South Beach Community Park in Melbourne Beach Renamed for the Late Brevard Commissioner Nancy Higgs
By Space Coast Daily // October 17, 2024
Served three, four-year terms on the Brevard County Commission
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The family and friends of former Brevard County Commissioner Nancy Higgs gathered Wednesday for a ceremony at the newly re-named Nancy Higgs Park and Nancy Higgs Community Center to honor her life, legacy, and service to Brevard County.
The park and community center were previously named South Beach Community Park and South Beach Community Center, respectively.
District 4 Commissioner Rob Feltner spoke in honor of Mrs. Higgs, and read the resolution passed by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners on August 27.
Former Commissioner Higgs was a resident of Brevard County for 44 years and served as a Brevard County Commissioner from 1992 to 2004.
During her time of public service, she received numerous awards, some of which include the Children’s Home Society Legislator of the Year, the 1,000 Friends of Florida Community Steward Award, and the Sierra Club Lifetime Achievement Award. She also served as a board member of the Marine Resources Council, the Barrier Island Preservation and Protection Association, and was well known in her community as a strong advocate for the Indian River Lagoon.
Nancy Higgs Park is open to all citizens and visitors to enjoy, and is located at 500 Old Florida Trail, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951.
Former Brevard County Commissioner Nancy Noel Higgs Passed Away Peacefully July 10
Former Commissioner Higgs passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, at the Market Street Viera memory care facility, after her valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born on June 15, 1949, in Orlando, Florida, the daughter of William J. and Gretchen Williams Noel.
She spent her childhood swimming in the lakes of Central Florida enjoying golfing, boating, fishing, sports, and making many life-long friends. Along with her older sister, Nicki, Nancy was raised by her mother after the unexpected death of her father in 1958.
Nancy attended Orange County Public Schools graduating from Boone High School in 1967, where she served as president of her class and participated in many school activities.
She next attended FSU, graduating in 1971 earning a BA in Religion with a Minor in Government, and later in 1973 a MS in Counselor Education. Nancy served as a student Senator and was president of her sorority, Delta Delta Delta.
At FSU, Nancy reconnected with Patrick “Pat” Higgs. They had met earlier in their Orlando hometown and were married in 1972. Nancy and Pat had a lifetime marriage and partnership that lasted more than 50 years.
While Nancy lived a life of service, her family ranked as her most important responsibility and accomplishment.
Settling in Brevard County, Nancy and Pat were partners in several business ventures ranging from a construction company to companies that provided training for adults and youth for the US Department of Labor.
One of the companies they co-founded was renowned nationally for the development and administration of public employment and training programs for at-risk youth. It provided a wide range of life/work skills training throughout the United States.
In 1992 Nancy decided to run for the District 3 Commissioner seat on the Brevard County Commission. She won that election and served for three, four-year terms.
Nancy was known for her passion for the environment, the support of her constituents, and her remarkable ability to get things done by finding common ground with people of all political preferences. She served as Chair of the Commission during the memorable hurricane season of 2004.
After her tenure as a county commissioner, Nancy sought new challenges. From 2009 – 2011, she was the Manager for the Barefoot Bay Recreation District. She also established Education Solutions International, a new company specializing in GED completion for young adults lacking a high school diploma.
Throughout her career, Nancy served on the board of directors of numerous different organizations. These groups ranged from homeowners’ associations, government related boards, environmental preservation organizations, hospitals, and even a community theater group. She was recognized for her work with many awards.
A few that were especially meaningful to her were the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sierra Club of Brevard County, the Special Service Award from the Martin Luther King Coalition and the Legislator of the Year award from the Children’s Home Society of Brevard County.
An avid runner, Nancy achieved the thrill of a lifetime by competing in and completing the Boston Marathon in 2017 in under six hours. She was a curious, lifelong learner, with a can-do and humble attitude.
She was at home in any group, treating all she met with dignity and respect. Nancy strived to make the world a better place for us all and she will be remembered fondly by those who knew her.
The family especially thanks all those who so lovingly cared for Nancy during her stay at Market Street Viera. Additionally, special thanks go to all her devoted caregivers, as well as the staff at Vitas Hospice.
Nancy was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Patrick Higgs; their children: Alan Higgs (Jason) of Atlanta, GA, and Matthew Higgs of Big Stone Gap, VA; her sister Nicki Vaughan (David) currently of Melbourne, FL; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Donations in memory of Nancy may be made to Vitas Hospice of Rockledge, FL and the Florida Wildlife Hospital in Palm Shores, FL.
A celebration of Nancy’s life took place on August 20, 2024 at Honest John’s Fish Camp in South Melbourne Beach.
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