Zone 8b is going to allow you to grow many things very well. We can help you with pears since it is similar to growing pears inTexas. @k8tpayaso faces similar problems in Texas. @fruitnut can give you wonderful tips on things that do well in that type of climate. Give these pears a chance there
Hood
Florida Home
Orient
Fan-Stil
For dessert type pears try
Ayers
Warren
Many others can be grown there but take time
Leona
Pineapple
Kieffer is a great pear in many ways. Kieffer is resistant to fireblight only in that it doesnt usually die from fireblight. In my experience it gets fireblight regularly.