Year: 2026

Raker returned to Wakulla

Posted onAuthorWilliam Snowden

Wanted for a double homicide in Sopchoppy, he was captured in Mexico on Aug. 13, taken to Texas, and returned to Wakulla County on Saturday

Raker was captured in Mexico, across the border from Brownsville, Texas.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Joseph Ronnie Raker was returned to Wakulla County on Saturday, Sept. 5, according to the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.
Raker was wanted as a suspect in a double murder: the bodies of Rebecca Lynn Thomas, 58, and William Luper III, 49, were found in the woods near a home on Otter Creek in Sopchoppy on Aug. 4. Both died as the result of multiple gunshot wounds.
The warrants for murder were issued for Raker on Aug. 5, along with a $10,000 reward for his capture.

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Welcome to Sopchoppy

Posted onAuthorLinda Ann McDonald

(Photo by Linda Ann McDonald)

Sopchoppy has a new welcome sign to greet visitors and identify the City of Sopchoppy. Creating a sense of pride for the community, local artist Rachell Mathis of Sol Eclectica, and Bri Miley of Signs By Bri in Crawfordville, worked together to create Sopchoppy’s new attractive entrance to the city.

Philip Rosier is a seafood cook

Posted onAuthorLinda Ann McDonald

Philip Rosier with the catch of the day.

By LINDA ANN
McDONALD
Correspondent

Wakulla County’s seafood restaurants are famous for their authentic “fresh off the boat” seafood dining experiences and unforgettable sunsets.
With experience gained by cooking seafood within several local restaurants, under several skilled chefs for many years, Philip Rosier absorbed these “fresh off the boat” experiences and created his own individual flare within the kitchen.
Rosier consistently chases experiences, embraces learning and growing within the kitchen, all in effort to perfect his culinary skills and deliver fantastic meals to all customers.

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Youth Leadership Summit invites teens to connect

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Special to The Sun

For one day this fall, the UF/IFAS Extension facility in Crawfordville will become a hands-on leadership lab where young people can test ideas, practice new skills and discover how their voices can strengthen their communities. The 2026 Big Bend Youth Leadership Summit will welcome all Wakulla County youth ages 11 to 18 on Oct. 12. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate.

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