BREAKING: DOUBLE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

Posted onAuthorWilliam SnowdenLeave a comment

On August 2, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m., the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation at 740 Otter Creek Road.

Through an extensive investigation, detectives determined that Rebecca Lynn Thomas, 58, and John William Luper III, 49, died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. Detectives further determined that, following the homicides, the victims’ bodies were transported and concealed in separate locations.

A structure fire also occurred at the Otter Creek Road property. The cause and circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation; however, based on the information currently available, it is being treated as a separate incident from the homicides.

This remains an active and fluid investigation, with multiple investigative teams continuing to gather evidence and follow all available leads. Additional information will be released when it can be shared without compromising the integrity of the investigation.

Controversy over traffic cameras

Posted onAuthorWilliam Snowden

License plate readers, used in Wakulla, draw concern over issues of mass surveillance vs. public safety

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Several citizens have voiced concern about Flock license plate readers set up by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office throughout the county.
The concern by several speakers at county commission meetings is mass surveillance of citizens, and who has access to that data.

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Wakulla Sun to host Congressional candidates

Posted onAuthorStaff Report

Staff Report

The Wakulla Sun has invited all 12 candidates for Congressional District 2 to a gathering on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the public library beginning at 6 p.m.
There are eight Republicans and four Democrats in the party primary to be held Aug. 18. The party winners will face off in the November general election.
The Democrat candidates are Yen Bailey, Brice Barnes, Amanda Marie Green and Nic Zateslo.
Republican candidates are Keith Gross, Lee Jones, Nick Lewis, Luke Murphy, Jim Norton, Evan Power, Austin Rogers, and Audie Rowell.
The Sun has received commitments from most of the candidates to attend.
The Sun will livestream the forum on Facebook and archive the video on our YouTube page.

Quincee Messersmith seeks re-election to BOCC

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

By QUINCEE
MESSERSMITH
Special to The Sun

In 2018 I committed that she would be “accessible” and “involved,” and that I would use my experiences in life, education and work, combined with “listening” and “common sense,” to the issues that come before the Commission.

The Wakulla Sun offers candidates the opportunity to announce their candidacy, and tell voters the issues that are important to them.
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Moose donation for school supplies

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Wakulla Moose Lodge President Kay Cannon and Liz Blias presented a $1,500 check to Amber Allen, assistant principal at Medart Elementary, to assist teachers with purchasing school supplies for students. People don’t realize how much money comes out of a teacher’s pocket to purchase things for their students and this will help.
(Photo submitted)

Joe Williams passes

Posted onAuthorStaff Report

We received word late on Monday that decorated World War II veteran Joe Williams, who was 106, passed away on Saturday, July 25. Williams is seen here in a photo from May 2024 with David Pienta when he went on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Robert Manning recalled as young person calling Williams ‘the Bible Extoller’ for his memory of verses.