Russian couple become U.S. citizens

When Olga Batova visited Gulf Breeze 21 years ago, she was the first Russian many locals had ever met.

It was just after the fall of the Soviet Union and people were interested to hear an inside perspective of what living in Communist Russia was like.

“I was going to schools and rotary clubs giving speeches about Russia and my impression of America,” she said. “It was a popular topic and people would ask me ‘What you think about Gorbachev?’ and ‘What do you think about Yeltzin?’” It was the friendships Batova made on that initial trip that kept her visiting for years and ultimately lead her to immigrate and become a part of the Gulf Breeze community. 

For the complete story, see the Nov. 29 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.