Special to The Sun – Page 10

Volunteers remove significant debris at River Cleanup

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Monofilament fishing line collection tube got a much-needed facelift.

By TAMMIE NASON
of KWCB

Keep Wakulla County Beautiful (KWCB) hosted a successful river cleanup this past weekend, bringing together dedicated volunteers to help restore and protect one of Wakulla County’s treasured waterways.
Volunteers worked along the Wakulla River collecting debris on, in, and along the water, removing more trash than at any cleanup since KWCB’s post-Hurricane Michael efforts. Volunteers participated by boat, diving, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and walking the shorelines. Items recovered included numerous cans and bottles, a tire, a cushion, a grill cover, a couple of lost cell phones, and even an entire box of amendment petitions that was dumped, underscoring the continued impact of litter in and on local waterways.

Human remains identified

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

From WCSO

On October 30, 2025, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office initiated a death investigation after skeletal remains were discovered in the area of Curtis Mill Road near Sopchoppy, in unincorporated Wakulla County.
The decedent has been identified as Andrew Mason Esquilin of Asheville, North Carolina. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division are seeking information from anyone who knew or had contact with Esquilin prior to his death.
Anyone with information regarding Esquilin, his movements, or possible associates is asked to contact the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office or Detective Tiffany Spears at 850-745-7184.

Patty Wilbur recognized as a Resource Manager of Year

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 28, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Patty Wilbur, a biological scientist at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

From DEP News

Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recognized three exceptional land managers as the 2024 Jim Stevenson Resource Managers of the Year.
Selected from the DEP’s Florida Park Service, FDACS’ Florida Forest Service and FWC, this year’s honorees reflect the leadership, innovation and public service that position Florida as a national model for natural resource management. Their work exemplifies how Florida’s resource managers combine expertise, innovation and dedication to protect our lands and wildlife while setting the standard for conservation nationwide.

Wrestling team wins 1A Region-1 Dual Championship

Posted onJanuary 28, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Gavin Mitchell works to turn Baker County’s Kristian Chancey. PHOTOS BY JENNIFER THAXTON

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

On Friday, Jan. 23rd, the Wakulla High wrestling team defeated Baker County 64-15 to win the Region 1A dual championship in Kissimmee.
The dual against the Wildcats was mostly a display of domination by Wakulla, as the War Eagles had 8 pins and two technical falls throughout the dual.

Wakulla graduation rate is top in state

Posted onJanuary 21, 2026January 20, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Special to The Sun

Wakulla County Schools have once again set the standard for student success, earning the highest graduation rate in the state of Florida for the 2024–25 school year at an impressive 97.6%, according to newly released data from the Florida Department of Education.

Donor gives property to Pregnancy Center

Posted onJanuary 21, 2026January 20, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

The donated building, across from the courthouse..

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

A donor who wishes to remain anonymous has donated property to the Pregnancy Center.
Pam Pilkington, director of the non-profit organization, could not be any more thankful.
The donated property is located where Wakulla Life, is currently housed.

Students perform at All-State

Posted onJanuary 21, 2026January 20, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Students Bradley McGuffey, Tate Glass, Jeremiah Dissmore and band director Matthew Spindler were in Tampa last week and the students performed on Saturday at the Tampa Convention Center.
Bradley and Tate performed in the All-State Concert Band which consists of 9-10th grade students from Florida. Jeremiah performed in the All-State Symphonic Band which consisted of 11-12th grade students from Florida!

New Chamber officers, board for 2026 is sworn-in

Posted onJanuary 21, 2026January 20, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

New officers and board members for the Wakulla Chamber of Commerce were sworn-in on Tuesday, Jan. 13, by Wakulla County Judge Brian Miller. The meeting was held at Wakulla High School’s new vocational wing where culinary arts students served breakfast. The new officers, seated, are Tonya James, Katie Taff, Niraj Patel, Megan Smith, Frank Messersmith and Jessica Revell. (Photo by Heather Bryan of the Chamber)

Natalie Brattain, Wakulla student at Embry-Riddle, named outstanding aerospace student

Posted onJanuary 21, 2026January 27, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Natalie Brattain working in a lab in the College of Arts and Sciences on April 25, 2025. (Bernard Wilchusky/Embry-Riddle)

Special to The Sun

Wakulla County native Natalie Brattain has been named to the Aviation Week Network 20 Twenties Class of 2026, which recognizes outstanding aerospace-focused university students. Aviation Week, the leading source for aerospace news, recognized Natalie, who is a senior majoring in Aerospace Physiology, for her research to design ways to protect astronaut health.

Crawfordville Arbor Day Celebration breaks records

Posted onJanuary 21, 2026January 20, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Jeff and Casey Tirums, above, with trees.
(Photo by Claudia Ferren)

By LYNN ARTZ

The 22nd annual Crawfordville Arbor Day Celebration was the grandest yet. More than 1,000 people signed in or received a ticket to each get a free tree on Saturday, Jan. 17.
At least 2,000 native trees found homes. With grant funding from the National Wildlife Federation, the Wakulla County Garden Club gave away nearly 900 trees in 1-gallon pots. The Florida Forest Service provided 130 pot-grown trees along with 1,000 pine seedlings. Two Florida Native Plant Society Chapters also contributed trees.

Conner and Rodney Howe with a Rusty Blackhaw (Photo by Claudia Ferren)