A Sopchoppy man was killed in single-vehicle crash on Tuesday, Aug. 4, just before 11 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to FHP, the truck was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 319 and was negotiating a left curve near Dickson Street and failed to make the curve and traveled onto the shoulder of the roadway and overcorrected – the truck went across both of the lanes of 319 and onto the eastern shoulder and began overturning.
The driver, a 34-year-old man, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. He was reported as not wearing a seatbelt.
FHP was assisted on scene by Wakulla Fire Rescue and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.

The Wakulla Sun has invited all 12 candidates for Congressional District 2 to a gathering on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the public library beginning at 6 p.m.
There are eight Republicans and four Democrats in the party primary to be held Aug. 18. The party winners will face off in the November general election.
The Democrat candidates are Yen Bailey, Brice Barnes, Amanda Marie Green and Nic Zateslo.
Republican candidates are Keith Gross, Lee Jones, Nick Lewis, Luke Murphy, Jim Norton, Evan Power, Austin Rogers, and Audie Rowell.
The Sun has received commitments from most of the candidates to attend.
The Sun will livestream the forum on Facebook and archive the video on our YouTube page.

We received word late on Monday that decorated World War II veteran Joe Williams, who was 106, passed away on Saturday, July 25. Williams is seen here in a photo from May 2024 with David Pienta when he went on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Robert Manning recalled as young person calling Williams ‘the Bible Extoller’ for his memory of verses.

A three-car crash on U.S. Highway 319 near Songbird Avenue resulted in only minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

On Thursday, July 9, around 6 a.m., a Jeep Compass driven by a 29-year-old Tallahassee woman crossed into the northbound lane and hit a Mitsubishi Eclipse, driven by a 49-year-old Crawfordville woman. The Jeep then hit a Toyota Camry driven by a 31-year-old Crawfordville man, according to FHP.
The Mitsubishi spun 180 degrees in the roadway and the Toyota ended up in a ditch. The Jeep stopped on the grass shoulder facing south.

The Wakulla Sun will host a candidate forum for the two Republican candidates for the county commission seat – incumbent Quincee Messersmith and challenger Carrie Hughes – on July 28 at the public library beginning at 6 p.m.
Additionally, the Sun is inviting the candidates for Congress, Republicans and Democrats, to appear at the forum to introduce themselves and speak on their views.
The Sun will livestream the forum on our YouTube page.
The primary election day is Aug. 18.

Staff Report

Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park and Wakulla Environmental Institute will present a program on the Sunfish, the underwater robot that has been 3-D mapping the underground cave system of Wakulla Springs.

The mapping of 45-miles of the cave system will be shown at WEI, 170 Preservation Way, on Friday, July 10 from 1 to 5 p.m.
State Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, is also scheduled to speak on how the Legislature and universities are partnering with the researchers conducting the work.
The scientists will be on hand to show the tools they use to explore the cave system.

Fourth of July celebrations are set for St. Marks and Sopchoppy on Saturday:

• Sopchoppy Fourth of July Festival will begin with the annual parade at 4 p.m. through downtown, then music and fireworks at the City Park.
• St. Marks Fourth of July Celebration will be held beginning at 4 p.m. with vendors and food trucks. Fireworks over the river at dark.

Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park and Wakulla Environmental Institute will present a program on the Sunfish, the underwater robot that has been 3-D mapping the underground cave system of Wakulla Springs.

The mapping of 45-miles of the cave system will be shown at WEI, 170 Preservation Way, on Friday, July 10 from 1 to 5 p.m.
State Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, is also scheduled to speak on how the Legislature and universities are partnering with the researchers conducting the work.
The scientists will be on hand to show the tools they use to explore the cave system.

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management will be hosting its 2026 Preparedness Expo at the new Emergency Operations Center on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to noon, Emergency Management Director Jennifer Nagy announced.

It’s being billed as a morning of preparedness, education, and community connection for a safer Wakulla.
This event will also provide the public with a unique opportunity to get a sneak peek of the new EOC prior to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and move-in, which are scheduled for July, Nagy said.
In addition to preparedness tips, the event will also feature touch-a-truck and emergency vehicle displays, a chance to meet First Responders, and hands-on activities for all ages.
There will also be exhibitors on hand.