By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

Tallahassee State College announced a $27.3 million investment in Wakulla County for a new facility that will expand workforce education and training opportunities while strengthening community resilience.

At a ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21 at Wakulla Environmental Institute, plans were announced for the new Wakulla Workforce Training and Resilence Facility.

The new facility will bring together programs currently offered at the TSC Wakulla Center and expand training in high-demand fields, including healthcare, education, environmental sciences, marine service technologies, construction trades, and more.

Funding for the project, includes more than $17 million in federal funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through the 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program and more than $10 million from Triumph Gulf Coast. An additional $266,000 was raised by the college’s foundation.

Christian Caban, chair of the TSC Board of Trustees, said it is “the largest capital project that TSC has undertaken in Wakulla County,” which drew applause from the crowd of about 50 people in attendance.

Shelly Bell, Vice President for Workforce Development at TSC, noted that in addition to workforce training, the design of the building will allow it to serve as a hurricane shelter up to a Category 3 hurricane.

The two-story building will feature classrooms, specialized laboratories, a healthcare simulation center, conference and community meeting spaces, and advanced instructional technology.

Dr. Henry Mack, Education Commissioner, called the planned facility a “life-transforming opportunity” for Wakulla residents, and noted efforts by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to fund job training without student loans for short-term career and technical education programs.

Jim Murdaugh, president of TSC, bestowed special credit on TSC’s Vice President for Workforce Development and Brendie Hawkins of the college’s grants department for the project.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The police officer who shot a Wakulla man to death outside a Nassau bar in March has an upcoming court date on a murder charge on Sept. 25.

Berneil Pinder, 51, a police superintendent with the Royal Bahamian Police, was off-duty when he shot Cody Castillo, 31, in his truck. Pinder reportedly initially claimed that Castillo had driven towards him in the truck, but a dash cam inside the truck did not show that.
Castillo was from Wakulla and working as a lineman for the Pike Corporation in the Bahamas.
Castillo and other crewmates were eating dinner at Da Plantation Bar and Grill and watching a soccer match when a disturbance began.
After being charged with murder, Pinder was released on $30,000 bond in June with conditions that he wear an ankle monitor and check in with the court three times a week.
Castillo’s death came as he and wife Makayla were to celebrate their first weddding anniversary. She gave birth to their son recently.

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office held its annual memorial to commemorate the Sept. 11 attacks. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon using hijacked airplanes as missiles.

A fourth aircraft crashed in an empty field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought the hijackers. The sheriff’s office ceremony began at 8:30 a.m., the time the first aircraft crashed into one of the towers at the World Trade Center. Above, the sheriff’s office Color Guard lower the flag. At right, students were among the attendees.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Joseph Ronnie Raker was returned to Wakulla County on Saturday, Sept. 5, according to the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.
Raker was wanted as a suspect in a double murder: the bodies of Rebecca Lynn Thomas, 58, and William Luper III, 49, were found in the woods near a home on Otter Creek in Sopchoppy on Aug. 4. Both died as the result of multiple gunshot wounds.
The warrants for murder were issued for Raker on Aug. 5, along with a $10,000 reward for his capture.

An intense manhunt was underway for a couple of weeks until U.S. Marshals and Mexican police captured him on Aug. 13 in Mexico, across the border from Brownsville, Texas.
He was taken to Hidalgo County, Texas, and waived extradition when given a court appearance some days later.
Capt. Brett Surace, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, said Raker was transported by contract agents from Texas to Wakulla.
He was booked into the Wakulla County Jail on Saturday. Surace told The Sun he believed Raker was given a first appearance on the murder charges on Sunday, but the Labor Day holiday made it difficult to confirm.
So far, the sheriff’s office has released no information about the motive in the murders.
In announcing Raker’s capture on Aug. 13, Sheriff Jared Miller anticipated more arrests for those who may have aided Raker in covering up the crime or fleeing from Wakulla.
In a video made by the sheriff’s office and posted to Facebook back in the first week of August, Major Eddie Wester of Criminal Investigations said that an intoxicated person came forward telling deputies that people had been shot at Otter Creek.
Deputies went to the scene, found signs of struggle, and called for a warrant to search. Eventually, two bodies were found on neighboring refuge property hidden by underbrush.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The Wakulla War Eagles improved to 3-0 on the season with a 26-7 win over the Chiles Timberwolves on Friday night.
Head Coach Derek Allen Jr. said the game was notable in that his team cleaned up some of the penalties that had dogged them in their first two games.

And while the War Eagles are still a run-first offense, they went to the air more – a couple of long bombs were attempted, but some were overthrown or just off the fingertips of receivers.
“We threw the ball more – about 20 times – but didn’t complete as many,” Coach Allen said.
“We beat a good Chiles team,” he said. “Last year was the first time Chiles beat Wakulla, and we’re glad to put that to an end.”
Quarterback Ashton Brooks went 6 for 17 passing for 67 yards and a touchdown, according to MaxPreps. Coach Allen said he thought that stat was wrong, that Brooks had more attempts and more yardage.
Running back Nigel Cloud carried the ball 11 times for 44 yards.
And Player of the Week Demarkus Roberts had one catch on offense for 36 yards. On defense, he had two picks,

GAME RECAP

After a back-and-forth battle in the first quarter, Chiles scored first after returning a Wakulla kick to the 35. The drive culminated with a pass over the middle in the end zone. Extra point makes it Chiles 7, Wakulla 0 with 2:09 in the 1Q.
In the second quarter, a Wakulla punt was muffed by the Timberwolves and recovered by Wakulla at the 12. Two runs by Nigel Cloud gave Wakulla a first and goal at the 1. A quarterback sneak was stopped by Chiles inches from the goal. Second attempt Brooks was pushed in. Extra point by Colby Carranza was good. Tied at 7 with 7:42 in 2Q.
On the next series, Chiles QB under pressure throws the ball and it’s picked off by Demarkus Roberts. Jaylen Jones comes in as wildcat QB and rushes for a score. Extra point puts Wakulla up 14-7 with 6:24 in 2Q.
Chiles drive stalls, and they line up for a long field goal – it’s a fake and the ball is intercepted by Rayshon St. Hilaire who takes it back 60 yards for a score. PAT no good. Wakulla 20-7 at halftime.
No scoring in the third quarter.
In the 4th, Brooks connected to Demarkus Roberts on a 40-yard pass play. Couple of plays later, Brooks hits receiver Jarrell Randolph in the end zone for a score. Extra point blocked. Wakulla 26-7 with 5:31 left.
Later, Demarkus Roberts has a long punt return to inside the 10, but it’s called back on a sideline infraction.
Wakulla runs the clock down to 2 minutes and punts. Roberts seals the win with his second interception of the night and the War Eagles go into victory formation.

UP NEXT:
PACE PATRIOTS

The War Eagles round out a three game road series traveling to Pace this Friday night. The Patriots are 1-2 and have a running back who is a three or four star commit to South Alabama.
Coach Allen says Pace is physical like Wakulla.
To win, Allen says Wakulla needs to take care of the football, connect on passes and stop the Patriots’ rushing attack.

Players of the week

MVP

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Austin Fairchild was driving his company work truck when a Wakulla County Sheriff’s deputy came up behind him with lights and siren. He moved off the road to let the vehicle pass, but it pulled in behind him.

It was on July 28 at around 3:30 p.m. in front of the courthouse.
Unknown to Fairchild, a Flock camera U.S. 98 at Ochlockonee Bay had hit on the work truck’s tag and it was reported as a stolen vehicle.
Deputy Arturo Cordoba used his loud speaker to order him: “Driver, roll your window down” and “Driver, put your hands out the window.” Fairchild was then told to open the vehicle door and approach him.
Fairchild was alarmed that the deputy had a one hand on his weapon.
Eventually, it was determined that the stop was the result of a misread tag.
But Fairchild was shaken by the incident, and said he now suffers from anxiety and difficulty sleeping. He has filed a complaint with the sheriff’s office.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

It is with great sadness I note the passing of retired Circuit Judge N. Sanders Sauls on Saturday, Aug. 28. He was the circuit judge assigned to Wakulla County for many years.

Back in the old days, I’d sometimes bring one of my three daughters to work with me, usually on court days, and we’d sit in Judge Sauls’ courtroom. My youngest daughter, Harper, misunderstood the judge’s last name and called him “Judge Saucer.”
He gained notoriety in the 2000 election debacle and presided over Gore v. Bush in Leon County. When the Florida Supreme Court rejected his decision, he stepped down from the case without explanation.
A lot of news stories from that time described him as “folksy.” I always thought he was down-to-earth, and didn’t have time for folderol. And he had a wry sense of humor.
I recall one time he ordered bailiffs to take a disruptive defendant and duct tape his mouth shut.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Golden Eagle in Tallahassee at 2 p.m.

William Snowden is the editor and publisher of The Wakulla Sun.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The Wakulla War Eagles got their second victory of the season, a hard-fought 25-19 win over a tough Taylor County Bulldog team.
Head Coach Derek Allen Jr. said it was a “sloppy” game – lots of mistakes and penalties. “Difficult playing in that environment” of Perry. But he was pleased that War Eagle fans packed the stands as well, and credited the fans with helping get the win.
Some of the sloppiness included four unsportsmanlike penalties on Wakulla – with two of those going against Ryheem Moore, receiver and safety, which led to him being ejected.
The first call was after a receiving touchdown. Coach Allen said players get 5 seconds to celebrate and Moore exceeded that limit, according to referees.

The second foul came after referees met with both coaches and warned there was lots of unsportsmanlike conduct. Right after that, Moore made a tackle on the scrambling Bulldog quarterback and appeared to flex as he stood up, drawing a flag and ejection.
The game was notable as well in seeing Coach Allen’s rushing attack with multiple running backs. Quarterback Ashton Brooks shared time with Jaylen Jones, who played quarterback for Coach Allen last season in Blountstown, and RB Danny Godbolt came in and ran a wildcat play.
With the game on the line in the 4th quarter, the War Eagles up by 6 points, they took over with about 4 minutes left.
“I told the boys we only need one or two first downs to run out the clock,” Coach Allen said.
And that’s what they did.
The team combined rushing totaled 281 yards. Offensive player of the week was RB Nigel Cloud who gained 90 yards on 17 carries, including a touchdown.
QB Brooks was named MVP of the week, going 10 of 13 passing for 158 yards and a TD.
Defensive player was linebacker Cedric Hicks who had 3 tackles and a forced fumble.
A special teams player was Jaylen Jones with a blocked PAT and a tackle. (He also scored an offensive touchdown.)

GAME RECAP

Wakulla took the opening kickoff and the first drive stalled behind numerous penalties. On the punt, the ball sailed over the punter’s head and was a scoop and score by the Bulldogs. Extra point was blocked. Taylor up 6-0.
Taylor tried an onside kick, but Wakulla recovered it at midfield. The War Eagle drive was feeding running back Nigel Cloud, who completed the drive with a touchdown run, dragging defenders into the end zone with him. War Eagles go for 2 point conversion but come up short. Tied at 6.
Bulldogs couldn’t move the ball and punted. Wakulla takes the punt at the 45 and drive down and score on a 10-yard TD pass to Rhyeem Moore. He’s called for unsportsmanlike on celebration. Extra point missed. Wakulla 12-6.
Bulldog next drive: long pass to inside the 20. Couple of plays later it’s first and goal at the 4. Halfback pass for a score. PAT good. Taylor up 13-12.
On Wakulla’s next drive, they get a 27-yard field goal by kicker Colby Carrranza to take a 15-13 lead.
Bulldog fumble on their next drive, but Wakulla can’t move the ball. Punt from deep in their own territory goes off the side of the punter’s foot, downed at 25. Bulldogs take advantage of the short field and score on a touchdown pass. Extra point no good. Taylor up 19-15 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Jaylen Jones as QB scores on a rushing touchdown. Extra point makes it 22-19.
In the 4th quarter, Carranza added a 30-yard field goal to make it Wakulla 25-19 with 6 minutes remaining.
Bulldogs forced to punt on their next possesion and Wakulla ran the ball to run out the clock. Final: Wakulla 25, Taylor 19.
While it was sloppy, Allen said “It’s always good to find a win.”
War Eagles are 2-0 on the young season.

UP NEXT: CHILES
TIMBERWOLVES

Wakulla travels to Tallahassee this Friday night to play the Chiles Timberwolves.
Coach Allen noted Chiles is 1-1. He noted they won their first game by 50 points and then were locked in a 14-14 tie with Florida High last week before falling in the second half 24-14.
“They’re no pushover,” Allen said, addding that his War Eagles would have to play more fundamental football.
“We’ve got to play more disciplined,” he said.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The county administration released a plan last week that looks at how the county government would reduce costs if Amendment 3 passes in November.
Amendment 3 is the property tax plan proposed by the state Legislature that would increase Homestead Exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 the following year.

The proposal would have devastating conequences on Wakulla County’s budget, which is dependent on property taxes to pay for general services. The county anticipates a $5.5 million impact to revenues the first year.
How County Administrator David Edwards and Assistant Administrator Somer Pell propose to deal with this was outlined in a 172-page report released on Thursday, Aug. 20, just before noon.
“As a fiscally constrained county, careful long-term planning is essential,” according to a press release announcing the plan. “This plan reflects the County’s commitment to fiscal responsibility as we prepare for potential changes in available resources. Opportunities for public engagement to be announced shortly.”
The press release notes that the priority is to “protect mandated services that the County is required by state or federal law” over services that are authorized by law but not required.
The highest priority, the plan states, is to protect public safety – through the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and Wakulla Fire Rescue and other services.
Some “amenity services,” while they “significantly enhance the community,” would be reduced to focus on core government services.
To that end, the county would have a hiring freeze and seek to achieve reductions in staff through attrition.

• It’s proposed that the public library would be reduced to four days a week, and programs reduced.
• The Veterans Service Officer position, currently part-time, would be cut and seek to outsource that role to the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars, with $10,000 from the county to help pay for it.
• Stop offering county recreation sports leagues, and shift that to athletic associations like the Cal Ripkin Assocation. The county would still maintain the Medart Rec Park.
• Reduce services to certain county parks by locking bathrooms, removing trash cans and disconnecting utlities at Azalea, Hickory and Guy E. Revell Conservation parks in Crawfordville, Shell Point Beach Park in Shell Point, Woolley Park in Panacea, and Mash Island Park in Ochlockonee Bay.
  Facilities would remain open and available for continued rental opportunities as long as they remain financially self-supporting at Hudson Park and the Community Center in Crawfordville; and the Newport Park, Panacea Community Center and Medart Rec Park.
• Reduce Animal Control to emergency calls only – no call-outs for strays – and either close the Adoption Center, or have another organization take it over.
• Privatize county probation office, which oversees probation for misdemeanor offenders.
• As for the Wakulla Airport, the grass airstrip at Tarpine, the county would either seek to have the Tarpine Homeowners Association take it over or else close it.
• The plan would also see the county seek to get rid of some properties that cost money for maintenance – the Old Courthouse, for example, which is the headquarters of the Wakulla Chamber of Commerce; and the Old Jail, which is a historical museum operated by the Wakulla County Historical Society.
  The Old Jail, for which the county pays for utilities, insurance, plan suggests transferring to the historical society; and look at a long term lease or transfer of the Old Courthouse to the Chamber.
  The full report is available on the county’s website, mywakulla.com

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Former County Commissioner Mike Kemp filed a federal lawsuit last week against the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and named individually Wakulla Detective Chris Ormerod, claiming the detective was biased in his investigation that led to two felony criminal charges against Kemp.

Kemp was charged with using a public record to harass and tampering with a witness, both felonies, for providing the voter ID of a Wakulla resident to the administrator of Wakulla Citizens Page as they sought to identify an anonymous troll known by the name “Thunder Lightening” (sic) who was highly critical of them.
A third person, Deputy Don Newsome, was charged with aiding Kemp by providing information.
Kemp’s lawsuit, filed by attorney Anthony Sabatini, a former representative at the Florida House, claims that Detective Ormerod was out to get Kemp, and that his investigation of the matter was biased against Kemp.
The lawsuit claims Kemp was falsely arrested without probable cause by Detective Ormerod and the sheriff’s office “in response to his political expression and discussion of information connected to a public political dispute.”
The lawsuit also claims that Kemp’s status as a reserve deputy with the agency was exculpatory as far as his dealings with Newsome. (The presiding judge in the felony case, Jeremiah Hawkes, dismissed that contention in a hearing, noting that Kemp was not communicating with Newsome on official business related to the sheriff’s office.) Kemp retired as major with the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office before running for county commission.
Kemp’s lawsuit claims that Ormerod’s conduct was “intentional, malicious, reckless and/or undertaken with callous indifference to Kemp’s federally protected rights.” It seeks compenstory and punitive damages against Ormerod as an individual.
The Facebook page administrator, Becky Whaley, and Deputy Newsome entered a deferred prosecution with the state to drop the charges in exchange for admissions and an agreement to testify against Kemp.
Circuit Judge Hawkes dismissed the charge of use of a public record to harass finding that Kemp was within his rights as a candidate to respond to political speech on the internet from a critic. The state attorney’s office appealed the decision – and it is still pending at the 1st District Court of Appeal.
The tampering charge was dropped days before Kemp was to stand trial.
When Thunder Lightening account posted something about his wife being nearly hit by a speeding white panel truck, Kemp asked Newsome to look up the case. It was, however, a different case and a different victim. County Commissioner Ralph Thomas provided the voter ID to Kemp from WebElect, an app for Republican elected officials to use for campaigns.
Kemp began responding to Thunder Lightening posts by referring to him as Craig Rawlings – the wrong name for the person behind the account.
At one point, Whaley, outraged over a posting by Thunder Lightening, asked Kemp to send her the name again as she was “about to bust him out.” Kemp sent her the voter ID but advised her not to put all the info out there.
But she did, and soon Craig Rawlings’ wife was communicating with Whaley to take the information down and eventually filed a complaint with the sheriff’s office.
Because it dealt with an elected official, Ormerod’s investigative report went up to State Attorney Jack Campbell and others for review. Because Kemp was up for re-election, Campbell ordered his office to hold off on arrests until after the vote. Kemp lost his election to Valerie Russell.
Kemp was represented in his felony case by Tallahassee defense attorney Steven Webster.
Craig Rawlings and his wife have filed a federal lawsuit of their own against Kemp, Whaley and Newsome, claiming to have suffered emotional distress and other harms as a result of the their actions. That case is being handled by Tallahassee attorney Marie Mattox.