“We lost everything in Hurricane Ivan,” said Santa Rosa County Judge Robert Hilliard, whose family suffered the total loss of their home during the catastrophe. Hilliard was serving as a Santa Rosa County Commissioner in 2004 when the devastating storm surge flooded ashore, knocking down utility poles, leaving citizens in the dark and without the ability to send or receive emergency communication.

Local author Michael Byars Lewis has been recognized at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for his first novel, “Surly Bonds.” Lewis, who is also a professional pilot, traveled to New York City May 29 to accept his award as a finalist in the first novel category.

Gulf Breeze Hospital said goodbye to its administrator of eight years with warm wishes and fond memories at a retirement reception on June 13. Robert “Bob” Harriman was honored by colleagues and family for his tenacity and leadership of Gulf Breeze Hospital and the Andrews Institute of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.