Linda Ann McDonald – The Wakulla Sun

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.

River Obscura, Part 2

Posted onSeptember 30, 2026September 30, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

The follow up to Sammy Tedder’s film will premiere in Tallahassee on Oct. 9

Filmmaker Sammy Tedder on the Sopchoppy River.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD Correspondent

Born from front porch creativity and back woods wonder, Sammy Tedder’s “River Obscura: Secrets of a Blackwater River, Episode Two,” is a documentary that proves how dark water keeps a world alive.

St. Marks City Commission holds first budget hearing

Posted onSeptember 23, 2026September 24, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

By LINDA ANN McDONALD Correspondent

City of St. Marks had a busy night recently, holding both the regular monthly commission meeting and the first public hearing on the budget on Sept. 13 at City Hall.

Festival of Joy

Posted onSeptember 23, 2026September 24, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

JOY-FILLED JOURNEY

Saturday was one of the Festivals of Joy for special needs kids held quarterly at Wakulla Springs Lodge, organized by Mary Wallace, who created the non-profit Joy-ful Journeys to support the events. Here, Ethan Pache gets a prize from a ball drop event. (Photo by Linda Ann McDonald)

Rachel McClure does sound therapy

Posted onSeptember 16, 2026September 16, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

Rachel McClure with a drum at Wakulla Springs.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

Sound vibration therapy is a complementary wellness practice that uses specific tones, frequencies, and physical vibrations to help the body shift into a calmer, more regulated state. To put it into perspective, sound is vibration, and those vibrations can influence the nervous system, muscles, and even emotional states.

Threads Through Time fashion show draws crowd

Posted onSeptember 16, 2026September 16, 2026AuthorLinda Ann McDonald

Missy Hyatt, left, as 1776 wife of Patrick Tonyn, governor of British East Florida, and Helga Torbert dressed as a woman in mourning.

Story & Photos By
LINDA ANN McDONALD

In observance of America’s 250th anniversary, the Wakulla County Historical Society paid tribute by hosting a Threads Through Time fashion history show and afternoon tea event on Saturday at the Crawfordville’s Women’s Club.