Special to The Sun – Page 2

Point Blank project honored as ‘Rural Deal of the Year’

Posted onMay 27, 2026May 26, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Wakulla Economic Development Coordinators Julie Dennis and Beth Chichetti

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.

Celebrating America’s 250th

Posted onMay 27, 2026May 26, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Special to The Sun

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.

Ask Judge Smith: U.S. Citizenship

Posted onMay 27, 2026May 26, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

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:

Leadership Wakulla

Posted onMay 20, 2026May 19, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

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)

Makena Glassner – 8th grader at Riversprings Middle School

Posted onMay 20, 2026May 19, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

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.

4-H FLOW elects leaders

Posted onMay 20, 2026May 19, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Most of the 4-H FLOW leaders pictured with Election Supervisor Joe Morgan.

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.

Ducks Unlimited scholarship

Posted onMay 20, 2026May 19, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

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.

Spring football jamboree held

Posted onMay 20, 2026May 20, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

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

Two named to President’s List

Posted onMay 20, 2026May 19, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Special to The Sun

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.

Ask Judge Smith: Out with the old and in with the new

Posted onMay 20, 2026May 19, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

By JUDGE LAYNE SMITH

Years ago, I wrote three newspaper columns with “Independence Day” in-mind. I share them now in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday.
This is part three of three:
The Revolutionary War began in 1775 and ended in 1783. It spanned over 8 years (101 months). During that time, many American soldiers received little to no pay for their military service. After the war ended, Congress couldn’t satisfy the nation’s war debts, including soldiers’ back pay. Chronically short of funds, the federal government caused runaway inflation by over-circulating worthless paper money. Farmers were hit hard, and many lost their farms to foreclosures.