Linda Ann McDonald – The Wakulla Sun

Ashley Schilling disciplinary hearing is held

Posted onNovember 5, 2026November 5, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

ashleyschilling_fmt — Sopchoppy City Clerk
Ashley Schilling

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

A special meeting to consider Sopchoppy City Clerk Ashley Schilling’s appeal of disciplinary action was held at Sopchoppy City Hall on Monday, Nov. 2.
Following deliberations, the Sopchoppy City Council voted to uphold the proposed disciplinary action. The council’s final verdict stated: “Written Reprimand as Proposed is Upheld.”
The disciplinary matter stemmed from an incident during an August budget hearing. During a discussion regarding the Public Works Department, Schilling reportedly became upset, left the meeting, and directed a vulgar epithet toward Seth Green, the city’s Public Works Director.

David Harvey

Posted onNovember 4, 2026November 4, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

By LINDA ANN McDONALD

Although retired, Sheriff David Harvey’s love for and involvement in Wakulla County have not ended. Today, he remains an active voice in the community through The David Harvey Show, a radio show and podcast, where he discusses local issues with guests, shares stories, and promotes everything that makes Wakulla County special.

Billy Dean in Sopchoppy

Posted onOctober 29, 2026October 29, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

‘90 Minutes of ‘90s Country’ performed at the refurbished venue

Billy Dean performing at the Sopchoppy Theater on Saturday night.

Story by
LINDA ANN McDONALD
Photos by
GERALD BROWN

“Life has been bought back into the ol’ Sopchoppy Theater!” fans said.
Following a short transition period after the Sopchoppy Opry closed its doors, the Sopchoppy Theater and Conference Center hosted “90 Minutes of ‘90s Country” on Saturday night, bringing local audiences together for an evening of nostalgic country music.

Sopchoppy drama

Posted onOctober 21, 2026October 21, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

Public Works Director defends himself against accusations of misogyny

By LINDA ANN McDONALD Correspondent

At last week’s Sopchoppy City Council meeting, Martha Evans, a former longtime Sopchoppy council member who had to resign the post when her daughter, Ashley Schilling, was promoted to city clerk, voiced concerns about the level of professionalism and conduct demonstrated by members of the council.

Feathers & Fur masked ball

Posted onOctober 21, 2026October 21, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

Florida Wild Mammal Association holds an elegant fundraiser

Revelers at the Feathers & Fur Masquerade Ball under a moonlit canopy.

Story by
LINDA ANN McDONALD
Photos by
GERALD BROWN

Florida Wild Mammal Association (FWMA) held its annual fundraising event Feathers and Fur Masquerade Ball – Moonlight in the Wild at the Historic Sopchoppy Gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 17.
More than 150 guests were on hand to celebrate, with elaborate forest-themed decorations that turned the Sopchoppy Gym into a moonlit canopy.

New St. Marks city commissioner is appointed

Posted onOctober 14, 2026October 14, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

Jeff Gentry is welcomed by City Attorney Bill Garner. Jeff Gentry is welcomed by City Attorney Bill Garner.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD

The City of St. Marks appointed Jeff Gentry to the City Commission by unanimous vote.

St. Marks commissioner, businessman John Gunter dies

Posted onOctober 8, 2026October 8, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

The City of St. Marks mourns the passing of long time City Commissioner and community pillar, John Gunter, who passed away on Sept. 28. He was 69.

Dr. Chuck Hess speaks to Native Plant Society

Posted onOctober 8, 2026October 8, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

The Sarracenia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society welcomed former County Commissioner and retired forestry biologist Dr. Chuck Hess for an evening presentation at the Wakulla County Library, on Sept. 15th.

Artistic swimmers perform at Wakulla Springs

Posted onOctober 8, 2026October 8, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

The Serinas Artistic Swimmers prepare to perform.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

The Tallahassee Serinas Artistic Swimming Team showcased their award-winning athleticism as they performed in the waters of Wakulla Springs on Saturday, an event hosted by the Friends of Wakulla Springs.
The athletes, ranging in age from 9 to 17 years old, included Baelynn Bixler, Elena Gelhardt, Elyse Gelhardt, Clara Hunter, Julia Hunter, Emma Rinehart, Jasper Brooks and Zoë Fisher.

Jesse Rice is hunting Lionfish

Posted onOctober 8, 2026October 8, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

By LINDA ANN
McDONALD

Combining the fun of diving and fishing with the responsibility of protecting Wakulla’s ecological and marine resources is exactly why Jesse Rice targets invasive lionfish.
Lionfish are predatory reef fish. They eat native fish, which can reduce native populations and have negative effects on the overall reef habitat and health as they can eliminate species that serve important ecological roles such as fish that keep algae in check on the reefs. Lionfish also compete for food with native predatory fish such as grouper and snapper.
As the owner of Trident restaurant, Rice turns an invasive predator into a culinary highlight by transforming his catch into delicious, Gulf-to-table meals.