Special to The Sun
In Wakulla County, success in 4-H Shooting Sports is built on far more than accurate aim. It grows from discipline, mentorship, safety, and a strong community that believes in its young people. Few stories capture that spirit more clearly than the journey of Emiliano Cadena and the Wakulla County 4-H Shotgun Sharpshooters.
Read More …By TAMMY DASHER
She sits on the edge of her seat, across the table from me, white knuckling her purse straps. The scene was familiar – long years of sitting across a table from pre-K teachers with worried frowns, or from special educators at endless meetings, or maybe the middle school principal when the bullying was so bad.
Read More …
By AL HARTMAN
Hope you all are doing well. There’s a lot going on.
If you haven’t got your turkey yet there’s still some time. Season closes April 26. Where I’ve been going for years turkeys have just disappeared. Foxes, raccoons, coyotes and Florida panthers have wiped them out. Hope your area is holding some.
So time to fish. They are really out there right now. Big trout and big reds are a plenty. Keeper trout are tight, but a few nice ones pop up here and there.
I tried something I heard about that will catch nice reds. I heard that they eat small snakes. So I went to my freshwater tackle box and grabbed a pack of long black rubber bass worms. It works. Not as well as a small or a chunk of a blue crab or surf crabs, but it works.
The team scores second in the state
By BILL TAYLOR
Academic Team Coach
Wakulla High School has something to celebrate. The school’s Academic Team recently finished second in the state of Florida at the 2026 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge, competing against teams from school districts across the entire state.
It is the latest chapter in a proud tradition — the Wakulla Academic Team was founded by the Coastal Optimists Club more than 40 years ago, and has competed in all 39 editions of the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge since the tournament began in 1986.
Principal: Stan Ward
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Blakely is a shining example of what it means to be a model kindergarten student. Each day, she comes to school ready to learn, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a genuine love for learning. Academically, she consistently meets and exceeds expectations, eagerly participating in lessons and taking pride in her work. She shows outstanding citizenship by following classroom rules, showing kindness to her peers, and always being respectful to teachers and classmates. A natural leader, she sets a positive example for others by helping classmates, making thoughtful choices, and encouraging those around her. Her positive attitude, responsibility, and caring nature make her a true star student and a joy to have in the classroom.
Special to The Sun
On Thursday, April 2th, the Wakulla Coastal Optimist Club held their annual Oratorical Contest. The topic for the speech was: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged: My Definition of Community.”
The contest is open to students from 7th through 12th grade.
By REV. DR. BETSY GOEHRIG
Last year I applied to attend the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy to get to know more about our local law enforcement agency. I have been in ministry for 45 years including 15 years as a volunteer Police Chaplain, and we have family who serve in and with law enforcement. I thought it would be interesting to learn more about WCSO.
Read More …The festival is this Saturday in Sopchoppy
Special to The Sun
TA-DA! Presenting the 2026 Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival T-shirt design by local artist, Rachel Mathis.
Queen Lossie and Queen Oleta! Both women represent pioneer families who devoted their lives to raising and supporting their families in the Sopchoppy area.
Local business owners can hear from federal, state and local business support organizations
Special to The Sun
Local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Wakulla and Franklin counties will have a unique opportunity on Friday, April 10 as the Florida Rural Business Resource Tour makes a stop in Crawfordville.
Read More …
Principal: Alena Crawford
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Ja’riya Cole is a fourth-grade student who is a great example of hard work and kindness. She has earned straight A’s all year and stays organized in everything she does. Ja’riya is kind to everyone and is a positive leader to have in the classroom. This year, she won the fourth-grade 4-H Public Speaking Competition, and she also placed third in the school spelling bee. She is an example of what it means to be a successful student!