Story & Photos By
LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

Joy-Filled Journeys hosted its annual Joy-Filled Easter event on Thursday, March 26, at the Wakulla Springs Lodge.
The event is aimed at giving special needs kids a fun time, and activities included decorating cookies, Easter crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting and prize-filled golden eggs with free meal vouchers from Zaxby’s and Jimmy John’s restaurants.

Donated prom dresses were available at no cost for the upcoming Night of Joy prom happening at the Lodge on Saturday, May 2.
When Elizabeth Gobel picked out her prom dress, she said, “I’m not that fancy but this is a nice dress to dress up for the occasion and I am excited to go and wear it. I’m going to get up super early that morning an put it on; it’s red, sparkly and pretty.”

Susan Scherbarth-Simmons of Lighthouse of the Big Bend in Tallahassee, brought the organizations younger kids to the event to enjoy the event and said, “I love this event. It is lots of hands-on activities and it’s important for the kids to have this.”
Mary Wallace, the organization’s director, said, “It warms my heart how much our county has supported our kids. We are great partners with he Lodge and our volunteers, I just want to say thank you.”

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

With 10 adoptions and five more pending, the Wakulla County Animal Control had a successful Spring Fling Adoption event on Saturday, March 28, at the Wakulla County Animal Adoption Center.
Dogs and cats found their furever homes free of charge and the first 100 pets of Wakulla residents received free microchipping services sponsored by Tallahassee Big Dog Rescue.

Donated by local businesses and supporters, prizes and gift certificates valued at $1,000 were raffled off and music provided by The 7’s and Rockulla was enjoyed along with the day’s beautiful weather. Wakulla Fire Chief Louis Lamarche grilled hotdogs.
Also present at the event was Triple R Horse Rescue, Wakulla Animal Group, PAWS of Wakulla, 4-H, and a host of other volunteers and supporters.
Nova and Justice Clark came with their father, Edward, dressed in a Spiderman costume to promote his Books, Badges and Heroes literacy campaign. The girls said, “It is a fun event, and we like to help promote adoption and we want all the animals to find their puppy homes.”
“This is the second time we have been at this event and it’s a great way to see many animals being adopted; we love it,” said Doug Gilbert and Dawn Reed of Wakulla Animal Group.
Volunteer Jamiya Jurineack was walking dogs around the event and shared, “I came to help walk dogs and all dogs need to find homes that care about them and this is great opportunity for them to find their match.”
Coming to the event after losing their 16-year-old dog, Juliane Ricci and her daughter, April Grams, said, “We came to the event to find a new family member. We are adopting a husky mix named Sky and we are very excited to have her.”
Walter Class, Animal Control Director said, “We are proud of our shelter, and we want people to see all the positive interaction the volunteers, fosters and supporters provide to our animals.”
Class said there are many opportunities for folks to volunteer 7 days a week at the shelter: They can pick their level of participation; they can help socialize, do activities, work in the yard and improve the facility with landscaping.
“Partnerships like these truly change lives, and we are so grateful,” said Class.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

Highlighting community pride and history, Wakulla County 4-H and local partners hosted Wakulla Wonderful to celebrate the county’s 183rd birthday on Saturday, March 14th at the Wakulla UF/IFAS extension office. Wakulla County was officially created on March 11, 1843.

The annual community festival celebrates the founding, history and local heritage of Wakulla County with unique shopping, food and educational experiences – such as tours of the historic Courthouse, the Historical Society Museum (formerly the jail), as well as an illustrated 40-foot History Walk timeline.
Wakulla County’s Planning and Zoning Office provided interactive educational talks such as “Know your floodplain” and “Build your own community.” County Planner Ashley Rowland-Yost said, “This is an opportunity to design your own community, view flood zones and other high-risk areas. Folks will get to see all the different hazards in the county. Overall, this is great education on the topography of Wakulla County.”

Wakulla County Historical Society volunteers Debbie Jay and Rita Sparkman said: “We love this event, we want people to know that the old jail and museum is behind the courthouse, and we have archives of historical records that the public has access to for free. We are present to assist with research, and we offer genealogy as well. If you are interested in family history and Wakulla history, we are happy to help.”
Brent Thurmond of the Wakulla County Historical Center and lecturer of the history education experience said, “I feel like a kid – it’s so exciting to talk about Wakulla history. Because we just completed our March Second-Tuesday History Talk on the Apalachee Indians in relation to Wakulla County timeline, I am excited to share this information with the public now. You can study history for decades and always learn new things and relearn things you forgot!”
During the educational lecture, Thurmond said, “There was evidence of people 10,000 -12,000 years ago in Wakulla Springs. The word Wakulla is from the Apalachee language, and the English translation of the word Wakulla is what they called the river and the springs.” Another piece of interesting information shared by Thurmond was, “There was a petition to create the county’s name to be Apalachee, and they scratched it out and named it our county Wakulla.”

Also available for knowledge digestion was an illustrated 40-foot History Walk timeline titled, “Our Wakulla” which dates from the year 1500 to current. Chris Russell, who attended the lecture commented, “This was outstanding and it’s great to learn about Wakulla’s history, especially about the Apalachee side of it.”
Visitors from Manatee County, Kristi Dole and Linda Dole, traveled to Wakulla to visit family Shelia and Stanley Slayton of Wakulla and to attend the event. They said, “It’s very peaceful here and loaded with history, it’s always great to go to a celebration.”
Rachel Pienta, 4-H Director said, “This is the 7th year hosting this event and we are looking forward to moving back to the courthouse area to bring the event back to the historical center that is rich with local history.”

The Sopchoppy City Commission voted last week to move forward with Rick Ott Performance and Production (ROPP) to upgrade the historic Sopchoppy Theater from an occasional performance venue to a regional arts venue, conference center, and community gathering space.

The city commission met on Monday, March 9.
Ott, owner of Sopchoppy’s From the Heart Studio, will be activating the venue year-round to create a unique conference and event destination to support local artists, strengthen the community while preserving and celebrating the building’s history.
Through utilization of the theater, ROPP will provide venue rental, ticketed events, vendor partnerships, educational programming, and festivals.
Also, by combining professional production capabilities with strong relationships in the regional arts and events community, ROPP will expand the theater’s use beyond occasional performances into a year-round destination for concerts, theater, conferences, and community events.
Mina Sutton of Wakulla Community Theater said WCT can schedule their events with ROPP and will continually provide Wakulla with entertainment.
In another matter, organizers of Sopchoppy’s annual Fourth of July have changed the start time of the morning parade. By moving things to the cooler part of the day, festival-goers can enjoy the festivities without the midday heat. The parade kicks off at 4 p.m. and the Myron B. Hodge City Park opens with fireworks beginning at dark.

Confederate re-enactors fire on the approaching Yankee troops in the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge, held this past weekend.

In the battle in March 1865, Confederates repelled a landing of Union soldiers who crossed the St. Marks River at Natural Bridge. The battle left Tallahassee the only Confederate capitol east of the Mississippi that was not captured during the Civil War.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

Wakulla High School hosted two scholarship signing ceremonies on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the high school.
Stand-outs Auvion Thomas and Wyatt Brown signed with college universities based on stellar athleticism and academics. Both athletes were supported by coaching staff, educational staff, family, and friends present at the event.

Thomas will be pursuing a business management degree while playing cornerback and defensive back positions for the St. Thomas Bobcats football team. St. Thomas University is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Bobcats are members of the Sun Conference, fielding its team in the TSC since 2022. The Bobcats play their home games at AutoNation Field in Miami Gardens.
“It’s a big pick up for St. Thomas,” said Wakulla War Eagle Defensive Coordinator Grady Guess. “He’s good. He’s been with us on the high school track team as well. He is a 3-year varsity start who is coachable, dedicated, committed and I’m happy to see him go.”
“Auvion was picked right off the bat, he has fought through injuries and he’s an exceptional athlete,” said Head Coach Scott Klees.
“I want to thank my family and coaches for helping me get this far,” said Thomas. “It’s great to represent Wakulla County.”
Thomas’ brother, Anthony Blake, said, “I’ve always looked up to him; he is my hero.”
Tracy Blake, Thomas’ mother, said, “This is very exciting and I am very happy for my son.”
Thomas’ youngest brother, Aireston Blake, said, “This is just what he does.”
Jordan Barnes, a friend of Thomas, said, “He is a great person, and I wish him the best.”
Brown, pursuing a sports management degree, was recruited by Webber International University.
Webber International University is a private, not-for-profit university located in Babson Park in Polk County. The university competes in the NAIA and primarily in the Sun Conference.
Playing the position of tight end, Brown was recognized by Coach Klees as “a phenomenal worker who is fast and who played really physical this year. He’s a hyper player and was great at the high school level and I’m sure the folks at Webber University will like him.”
Brown was supported by his parents, Herb and Mary Brown.
“I want to thank my coaches and tell my parents I love them and thank you for the support, if it were not for them, I couldn’t of done this,” said Brown.
Karlos Williams, former FSU football athlete, worked directly with Brown by training with him at the Wakulla Rec Park. “He is definitely dedicated to football, and I honestly believe if I had more time with him to train, he would be playing division 1 football,” said Williams.
Brown said, “I want to thank Coach Klees for always being there for me and it will be great to represent Wakulla in college.”
Brown’s parents said, “We are excited for him. He did the work in school and in the field and we are very proud of him.”

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

After 36 years of practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Faith Hughes, DVM has reached the finish line. Dr. Hughes announced she will be retiring at the end of July.
Originally from Bainbridge, Georgia, Hughes graduated University of Auburn in 1990, landing her first job as a DVM at Haines Road Animal Clinic in St. Petersburg. Two years later, she moved back to Bainbridge and worked for Allied Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Tallahassee.

“At the time, I also did some relief work on the side for Forest Animal Hospital,” Hughes recalled. “The whole staff back then – which was Tammy Vernon, Margaret Williams, Massie Williams, Patty Elsner, and Karol Porter Chapman – decided I was the one for a job with them and called me to work. I was happy to come; it didn’t bother me at all; what’s there not to love about Wakulla? I feel in love with the seafood, I was a good fit, I am a small-town girl, and I was just a good fit for Wakulla.”
Officially in 1993, Hughes began her career in Wakulla at Forest Animal Hospital with Dr. Jolly Rogers, ultimately moving to Wakulla County. Hughes said, “The first place in which I lived in here was a two-story unfinished rental house surrounded by a creek, close by Michael Drive; this was full on Wakulla County, and I loved it.”
In 2008, after changing management several times throughout the years, Forest Animal Hospital is now VCA Wakulla Animal Hospital. Hughes was promoted to Medical Director in 2008.
Hughes was also active in the Wakulla community, volunteering her professional services as volunteer Medical Director and running the CHAT adoption center at the animal shelter. You could also find Hughes fundraising at PAWS dog washes and active with the Trap and Release (TNR) events.
Hughes credits her outdoors country raising as what sparked her interest in animals and the decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
“As a child, I grew up in the country in Bainbridge. My father took me hunting and fishing and I was his birddog in the dove field, retrieving his birds for him,” she says. “He finally got a lab to do that instead of me,” she says with a laugh.
“I discovered I enjoyed anatomy from the experiences I had cleaning birds and fish. I was a tomboy and in school, I enjoyed science and math. I thank God it all worked out becoming a veterinarian because I did not have a back up plan if I was not accepted in vet school. I was that determined.”
Discussing the demands of being a veterinarian, she says:b “I feel when someone brings in their pet, it’s my job to explain all their options. I know some people will do everything possible, but some must be practical, it’s called the spectrum of care. It doesn’t matter if someone brings in their prized hunting dog or a chihuahua that can’t use the steps in bed at night, the family is offered all the same care.
“Working in a Wakulla where everyone knows everybody, I like seeing family members and their pets and the generations of family and pets.
“I enjoy putting Wakulla family trees together and I like to keep up with my patients on Facebook. I get on there and wish the pets happy birthday.”
Retirement is a new beginning, a time to enjoy life, pursue dreams, and embrace freedom. “This is not goodbye, this is see you later,” Hughes says. She will still volunteer and do some relief work.
Moving forward, Hughes said, “I have good people that will take care of everyone; I’m sure. For those of you who remember Dr. DeLeo, he is coming back to join the VCA team.”
Hughes looks forward to traveling with her husband of 30 years, Bobby Inlow, to all the National Parks and her first destination is the Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky. As for traveling abroad, Hughes said, “I am good with the mainland, I’ll stay here; there is just so much to see here in the U.S.”
Hughes looks forward to arts and crafts projects with her cricut machine and working on fused glass.
Hughes shared that her daughter Sammie is the fourth in line of Sammies starting with her grandfather, Walter Samuel, who was called Sammie. “The first born daughter is my mother, Sammie Angelyn Hughes, the second is myself, Sammie Faith Hughes, and my first and only daughter is Sammie Elizabeth Inlow.”
Hughes owns two dogs, both local rescues, Scruffy and Doodlebug and a cat Johnny who was adopted when CHAT was running the adoption center.
Many know Hughes’ support for her alma mater, Auburn University. Hughes proudly wants to share a loud “War Eagle!” upon embarking on her retirement. (War Eagle is a greeting or salutation among the Auburn family.)
Cheers to the next chapter, Dr. Hughes.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

After being discovered on social media for his musical talent, Wakulla native Madden Metcalf has signed a record deal with Freddy Wexler, a Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer, and MCA Records.
Metcalf’s first single, “IDWK” came out in November 2025. Metcalf released his next single, “Like My Hometown” on Jan. 26th. Metcalf has been playing guitar and singing since he was 7 years old.

“Like My Hometown is about sometimes you get to know someone on the molecular level, when you know someone miles more than just surface level,” he said. “I have always loved Panacea, and I wanted to share that connection in my song.
“Growing up, we always had music playing, everywhere,” he said. “My dad plays guitar and his playlist genres jump all over the place, from Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash to east coast rap.”
Metcalf’s parents are Eddie Metcalf and Heidi Granthum.
Speaking of musical influences, Metcalf said, “I was with my dad at a Riley Green concert in Tallahassee. I saw him entertaining the crowd and I knew I wanted to be a part of that; I want to entertain.”
Freddy Wexler is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur who’s made a significant impact in the music industry. He’s worked with top artists like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and more.
“Madden has all the things you can’t teach – great instincts, authenticity, charisma, star power,” says Wexler. “He’s also someone with an infectious sense of gratitude. It makes you want to move a mountain for him. I’m incredibly excited to work with MCA as we help Madden build something real and lasting.”
“Madden has a clear voice and uncommon level of conviction for someone so early in his career,” said Mike Harris, President and CEO of MCA. “His music reflects real life, real place, and really identity-and that’s the foundation of what makes an artist stand out. We’re proud to be his label home and help amplify what he’s building.”
“I still can’t believe that a Gulf Coast kid from a small fishing town of about a thousand people gets an opportunity like this.” Metcalf adds. “I’m just incredibly thankful to God, to my family, to my team, and to everyone who’s been with me from the start.”
“I just signed with MCA, and it’s been a wild year. I will not forget Wakulla County, hopefully I can buy a house on Surf Road, drink an ice-cold drink at Tropical Trader with head on shrimp.” said Metcalf.