Wakulla County is taking over billing for its sewer customers who receive water service from the City of Sopchoppy beginning with the June billing cycle.
Sopchoppy had formerly billed its water customers who received county sewer service.
The county issued a press release:

• WHO IS AFFECTED
  City of Sopchoppy water customers with sewer service will be transferred to Wakulla County’s billing system.
• WHAT TO EXPECT
  You do not need to take any action at this time. The County will notify paperless billing customers by email when your new account is ready, the remaining customers will automatically receive your new bills by mail when they are issued.
• WHEN YOU CAN EXPECT THIS CHANGE
  Your first bill issued by the County will be for the June 2026 billing cycle. Bills are issued during the first week of each month and are due on the 20th of each month.
• WHY WE ARE IMPLEMENTING THIS CHANGE
  We are committed to ensuring fair and accurate billing to every customer. This change will improve efficiency and allow us to control costs and maintain lower sewer rates.
• HOW WILL YOUR BILLS BE CALCULATED
  Current Rates: (Customers with a winter months average for 2025/2026 will be billed based on their average.)
  · $42.05 for the first 2,000 gallons
  · $6.31 for each additional 1,000 gallons
• WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS
  · Pay by phone: 850-318-3829
  · Pay online through your customer portal: wakulla.epayub.com
  · Checks may be mailed to:
  Wakulla County Revenue Collections
  P.O. Box 340
  Crawfordville FL 32326
  · Or paid in-person or at the drop box:
  340 Trice Lane
  Crawfordville FL 32327

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 850-745-6508.

Special to The Sun

The Wakulla Economic Development Council was presented with the Rural Deal of the Year award Thursday evening, May 14, 2026, at the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) Annual Conference in Orlando — the highest statewide recognition a rural community can receive for economic development achievement. The award celebrates Wakulla County’s successful recruitment of Point Blank Enterprises, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of body armor and protective equipment for military and law enforcement communities.

The deal represents the single largest economic development achievement in Wakulla County history. Point Blank Enterprises has committed to creating 300 high-wage jobs in the community, supported by a $21.5 million grant incentive package assembled by the Wakulla EDC and its partners — including $13.5 million from Triumph Gulf Coast, $4.5 million from the Florida Department of Commerce Rural Infrastructure Fund, and $3.5 million in Florida Job Growth Grant funding. A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated for Fall 2026, with facility completion targeted for December 2027.
The FEDC Rural Deal of the Year award is presented annually to recognize an outstanding economic development project in a rural Florida community that demonstrates exceptional partnership, innovation, and impact. For Wakulla County — a small, rural community in Northwest Florida — the recognition reflects years of strategic investment in economic development infrastructure, regional collaboration, and a commitment to creating opportunity for local residents.
The project is expected to generate significant economic ripple effects across the region. Point Blank will provide at least 300 jobs offering wages above the county median and create a pipeline of opportunity for graduates of Wakulla High School’s War Eagle Academy career and technical education programs — themselves built in large part through Triumph Gulf Coast investment. Beyond direct impact, the project is expected to generate more than 200 additional indirect and induced jobs and more than $46 million in wages circulating through Wakulla’s local economy, supporting small businesses. In addition, it will generate new tax revenue for Wakulla County to support essential services without increasing the tax burden on residents. The deal reflects the broader vision of the Wakulla EDC: to create meaningful, high-wage careers so that Wakulla County residents can build their futures without leaving home.
“This recognition belongs to every partner who believed in Wakulla County before the finish line was in sight. We are a small, rural community that went up against larger, better-resourced competitors and won — because we had the right team, the right relationships, and a community worth fighting for. We are so proud and deeply grateful.”
— John Shuff, Wakulla EDC Economic Development President

“This award means the world to me personally, because I know what it represents for the families in our community. For years, we have watched our brightest young people leave Wakulla County to find opportunity elsewhere — and that has always broken my heart. What we have accomplished with this project is about so much more than a building or a business. It is about giving our kids a reason to stay, giving our families a foundation to build on, and showing this community that its leaders believe in its future. I am so proud of every partner who helped make this happen, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Wakulla County.”
— Commissioner Quincee Messersmith, Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners

“This award reflects the hard work of an entire community. The Board of County Commissioners is honored to have supported this effort and proud of what Wakulla County has achieved. Three hundred jobs means three hundred families with new opportunities right here at home — and that is what this is all about.”
— David Edwards, County Administrator, Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners

“Wakulla County earned this. The community, the partners, and the leadership team demonstrated at every step that they were serious, prepared, and genuinely committed to a long-term relationship. We are proud to be expanding our operations here and look forward to everything we will build together.”
— Hoyt Schmidt, Point Blank Enterprises

The Wakulla Economic Development Council is a nonprofit public-private partnership dedicated to creating high-wage job opportunities for the residents of Wakulla County, Florida. The EDC is supported by the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners, NG Wade, and a coalition of local businesses and community partners. Economic development services are provided by Beth Cicchetti and Julie Dennis.

This year, the United States turns 250, and you’re invited to celebrate. On May 29-31, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee, you can join Theater with a Mission for a birthday party that’s been 250 years in the making. It’s free, it’s family-friendly, and it’s three days of once-in-a-lifetime fun.

“Time Travel into Florida 1776” is Theater with a Mission’s birthday present to America, designed to carry you back to the USA’s first birthday in ways that tantalize your taste buds, stir your feet, challenge your brain, and reconnect you with your roots. Like the milestone birthday party it is, you’ll find cake & ice cream, songs & dances, surprises and special effects – all with an authentic Revolutionary twist.
Because Florida stayed loyal to Great Britain during the Revolutionary War, the cake & ice cream – one of George Washington’s favorite treats – will honor the 38th birthday of George III, the first King of England from the German House of Hanover who spoke English as his first language. Wait till you see King George’s cake, majestically unfurling a royal coat of arms on all four sides! Wait till you taste the ice cream, hand-scooped by Tallahassee’s own Lofty Pursuits!
Because songs and social dances were as important as military maneuvers to the Revolution, you can move to marches that moved our founding fathers, including “Yankee Doodle” and “God Save the King,” watch minuets that our founding mothers danced, re-created by Atlanta Historic Dance, and step into a Pursuit of Happiness Costume Ball, where you dress up as any character who catches your fancy from history. At the Ball, you’ll learn dances from 1776 under the expert instruction of Susan de Guardiola, who is internationally famous for showing people how to have a ball while we dance dances that our great-great-great grandparents loved.
Because parades and breaking news were as thrilling then as they are now, this birthday bash will feature residents of Wakulla County marching with the Suwannee River Fife & Drum, inviting you to hoist a flag and join the parade. There’ll be horsemen galloping in with news flashes about threats to Florida’s freedom from Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And Sons of the American Revolution will teach you how to drill with the militia to Keep Florida Free. You can witness a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s death-defying speech “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” and hear the latest draft of the Declaration of Independence!
It’s the party of two and a half centuries, and you’re invited! Visit TheaterwithaMission.com for a full schedule of events and a link to let us know you’re coming. Spread the word to family and friends about Time Travel into Florida 1776, May 29-31, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee.

By JUDGE LAYNE SMITH

Q. Judge Smith, how does one become a U.S. citizen? What are some of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship? Thank you, Katherine
A. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides two pathways to becoming a citizen at birth, and a pathway for those born abroad:

• Birthright citizenship based on the location of one’s birth: Unless modified by pending federal litigation, anyone born within the territory of the United States, including its territories, is automatically a U.S. citizen. A case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court may tighten this pathway.
• Acquisition of citizenship based one or both parent’s citizenship: Anyone born outside the United States to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, subject to certain residency requirements for the parent, is also a citizen at birth.
• Naturalization: For foreigners, the path involves a legal process. Eligible foreign nationals must hold a Green Card for several years, show good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony.

RIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF CITIZENSHIP

The U.S. Constitution and federal laws shield and empower citizens with unique rights. Here are some examples:
Right to Vote: The power to participate in federal elections to choose national leaders.
Freedom of Expression & Religion: The right to speak freely, protest peacefully, and practice any religion without government interference. The right of a free press.
Fair Criminal Trials: The right to counsel and a prompt, public trial by an impartial jury.
“Natural Born” Citizens May Run for President Presidential candidates must be born within the territory of the United States.
U.S. Passport & Protection The right to travel abroad with government protection and assistance from U.S. embassies worldwide.
Federal Employment Eligibility for some federal government jobs requires citizenship for security reasons.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP

Citizen rights do not exist in a vacuum. The law requires certain things from citizens, in return. Here are some examples:
Mandatory Legal Obligations

• Obey the Law: Every citizen should respect and abide by federal, state, and local laws.
• Pay Taxes: Filing honest income tax returns and paying federal, state, and local taxes funds our national infrastructure, defense, and service needs.
• Jury Service: If summoned, citizens should show up for jury service and serve if selected.
• National Defense: Male citizens aged 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service System and serve if drafted.

CIVIC & MORAL
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stay Informed: Citizens should keep up with local, state, and national issues to make educated decisions.
• Vote Wisely: Participating in the democratic process by casting informed votes.
  • Respect Others: Democracy thrives on good manners and the respectful exchange of ideas.

The Bottom Line: Citizenship is more than a legal status recorded on birth certificates and naturalization papers. Think of it as a contract between the federal government and the people it governs.
Be on the lookout for my next column, “A Sprint through the Bill of Rights.”

The Honorable J. Layne Smith is the Circuit Judge assigned to Wakulla County, Florida, a bestselling author, and a public speaker.

GRADUATION FOR CHAMBER CLASS

The second class of Leadership Wakulla graduated in a ceremony held on Tuesday, May 12 at the community center. The program is designed to teach a group about what’s going on in the county, from tourism to education to the justice system and more. This year’s graduates were James Lewis, Molly Jones BoWell, Alex Gonzalez, Kaitlyn Wilson, Kellie Wilsey, Novella L. Franklin, Samatha Kennedy, Tina Torrance and Tina Messer. (Photo by William Snowden)

Principal: Josh Sandgren

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Makena is an exceptional student who consistently earns top marks in advanced coursework and demonstrates excellence in the school’s band program. In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, she has gone above and beyond by dedicating her time to tutoring fellow students in science. Through one-on-one support and encouragement, Makena has worked diligently to help her classmates better understand key scientific concepts in preparation for the 8th grade science assessment. Her leadership, commitment, and willingness to help others make her truly deserving of recognition as Student of the Week.

Special to The Sun

The Future Leaders of Wakulla (FLOW) Club has announced its newly elected officers for the 2026–2027 club year, continuing to build momentum as a youth leadership organization that brings together young people from across Wakulla County.

FLOW is a collaborative partnership between Wakulla County 4-H and the Wakulla County Coalition for Youth (WCCY) and is open to youth ages 11–18. Now entering its third year, the club focuses on leadership development, civic engagement, and youth voice through hands-on activities and meaningful community involvement.
Officer elections were held Monday, April 18, at the Wakulla Extension Office, with Wakulla Supervisor of Elections Joe Morgan and his staff administering the process. Ballots were prepared in advance by the Supervisor of Elections Office, and youth candidates delivered speeches prior to voting.
Participants cast paper ballots and fed them through a real election machine, giving members a rare, hands-on experience with the democratic process. The evening also served as an equipment test for the elections office.
“Having the opportunity to teach our youth about elections and the process we go through to make sure they are run smoothly, fairly, and transparently is one of the most valuable assets we can have in an elections office,” Morgan said. “Our youth will have opportunities to be leaders one day, and it is up to all of us to guide them so they can be successful.”
Officers Elected for the 2026–2027 were:

• President: Emily Zak
• Vice President: Gage Hand
• Secretary: Ehulani Lopez-Logan
• Treasurer: Joe Hand
• Historian: Dakota Williams
• Sergeant at Arms: Lauretta Compton
• Parliamentarian: Edison Zak
• Reporter: Destyn Kohn
• Recreation Leader: Kynthia Yoshioka
  Newly elected president Emily Zak said she is eager to help lead the club into the next year.
  “I’m really excited to be ending this club year on a strong note with our community pride project and sunset social dance on May 16,” Zak said. “I enjoyed working with all the members this year and I’m looking forward to what we can do next year.”

Special to The Sun

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Ducks Unlimited announced the recipients of its 2026 National Scholarship Program. Applications were reviewed by a volunteer selection committee appointed by the Advisory Senior Vice President to the National Youth Engagement Committee.

A total of 61 scholarships were awarded nationwide, and Fletcher Brown, son of Josh and Ginni Brown, was awarded a $500 scholarship. Fletcher was also one of only three students from Florida to receive a scholarship at the national level.
Fletcher, the Wakulla Ducks Unlimited Committee is incredibly proud of you and this outstanding accomplishment. We are thankful for future generations of students like you who continue to support wetland conservation and the mission of Ducks Unlimited.

The Wakulla War Eagles, under new coach Derek Allen, traveled to Chiles to play halves against Tallahassee schools Lincoln and Rickards on Thursday. Photos by Ken Fields

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Spring 2026 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.

• Taylor Pierini of Crawfordville
• Tiffany Trudell of Crawfordville
  Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
  Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 93-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH.