By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Republican candidates for county commissioner district 4 appeared at a forum hosted by The Wakulla Sun last week.
Incumbent Quincee Messersmith and challenger Carrie Hughes shared their views at the event held Tuesday, July 28 at the public library.
Candidates were given 3 minutes to answer questions, but their answers were so brief that not once did either reach the limit and the forum was done after 35 minutes.

A video of the forum can be viewed at The Wakulla Sun website, 
thewakullasun.com.

The forum opened with the candidates introducing themselves.
Messersmith, who has been a county commissioner since 2018, and said she’s kept her vow to be accessible and involved. “Public service is about listening, showing up and making thoughtful decisions,” she said. Growth, she added, presents opportunities as well as challenges.
Hughes has lived in Wakulla County for 20 years, and has 19 years experience in growth management. She stressed she supported “responsible growth” while protecting the character of Wakulla. “I think there’s been a lot of changes and I’m not thrilled with the way things have been going, and the trajectory we’re on,” she said.
Asked about their positions on growth, Hughes stressed she thinks there’s a misperception that she is anti-growth, which is not true, she said, but wants to see growth done in a responsible way. She said she supports impact fees to help pay for growth.
Messersmith acknowledged growth is a big deal and that there are strong feelings. But she said she believes in private property rights: “I’m never gonna tell anybody what they can or can’t do with their property.”
Asked about the proposal to increase the homestead property tax exemption that is set to be on the November ballot to increase homestead exemption – whether they support it, and what changes or cuts to services they would make if it passes – Hughes said she supported meaningful property tax reform, and said she would look at “creative ways to trim the budget without completely wiping things out.”
Messersmith said whether she supports the measure is a personal matter, and said if it passes “cutting amenities is obviously going to be very, very real.”
Water quality was one of the primary topics of reader-submitted questions, especially problems with water quality for Talquin customers. It was acknowledged that county commissioners have no control over the issue, but the candidates were still given the opportunity to respond. Hughes said she supported bringing the parties together to work for a resolution. Messersmith noted the issue involved private parties controlled by the state.
Controversy over Flock license plate readers was the second-most asked question by readers. Messersmith said it’s a matter for the sheriff’s office; Hughes said she is not for or against it, “but if we’re going to have it, we should establish strict policies on access, retention, searches and other things.”

What grade would you give the county administrator: Messersmith defelcted the question, saying job performance rating would be appropriate with the four other county commissioners. Hughes also declined, saying she had a feeling but it wasn’t data-based and “it wouldn’t be fair of me to do that.”
Hughes said she supported more transparency, such as easier access to commission agendas, and the county holding town halls before controversial decisions.
Messersmith said that, with her schedule, she has town hall meetings five days a week meeting and talking to citizens.
Asked what three main issues do you see facing Wakulla, Hughes answered: “Infrastructure is one of the big ones,” and that there was difficulty keeping up with growth. Growth was the second, and the potential impact of the property tax issue.
Messersmith said property tax and it’s impact on the budget, amenities, and people.
Asked what is the main thing they would change about the way Wakulla government operates, Hughes said transparency. “I feel like the citizens feel like they’re not being heard,” she said.
“I think the most important thing I would change about Wakulla County government is there would be more citizen involvement,” Messersmith answered.
In her closing, Hughes said the decisions being made now will affect the future. “I support responsible growth, careful use of taxpayers dollars and listening to citizens before decisions are made.” Hughes said she respected Messersmith’s service to the county and her volunteering, but said she sees the county at a crossroads and a decision needs to be made “if the current approach is what we want for another four years.”
Messermith said in her closing simply that she appreciated the people who turned out and wished more citizens would get involved.
Wakulla Sun Editor William Snowden was moderator, and Rotary Club member Heather Bryan was timekeeper.
A straw poll was held in which audience members voted, and they went 2:1 for Hughes.
The party primary election is Aug. 18. The winner between Messersmith and Hughes will face Democrat Beverly Keister and NPA candidate Patricia Dyzser in the November general election.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Wakulla Classroom Teachers Association president Cassandra Johnson was effusive in her praise of the superintendent and school board in salary negotiations for this year: the offer was an increase for teacher salaries from monies from the Legislature with a match from the district, plus increase in supplements.

“For a veteran teacher like me, I’m getting like an 8% increase,” Johson said.
She said that Superintendent of Schools Rick Myhre made the comment that Wakulla is an A district, and teacher pay should reflect that. “It’s been a really great experience working with Rick,” she said. “We’re heading in the right direction.
Teachers are scheduled to vote this week on whether to ratify the new contract.
Myhre issued a statement that “For the past two years, we have built our budget around the intent of providing competitive raises for all employees while also holding off any increases to health insurance. This was made possible by reducing positions at the district office and closing unnecessary school sites.”
The proposed contract is poised to help relieve some of the “compression” stress after the state set beginning teacher pay at a rate that in some cases exceeded the pay of some veteran teachers.
The base pay is currently $47,500 and set to increase this year to $47,750.
Teachers with more than 10 years experience will receive a Teacher Salary Increase Allocation of $1,800 plus a district increase of $1,200.

Non-instructional staff are also set to receive pay increases.
Johnson said the WCTA and the district also revisited supplements – stipends that teachers are paid for extra-curricular student activities like clubs and coaching.
Johnson now faces the challenge of making sure the WCTA has the support of teachers because the union must meet a 50% participation threshold in certification and recertification elections and petition for recertification if fewer than 60% of eligible members pay dues.
Dues are less than $70 a month for the 10-month work year.
Johnson worried that if the union loses teacher representation then the teachers lose the contract and some of the benefits they ensure, such as guaranteed lunch, planning time, and perks such as being able to bank sick time.
In a written statement to the Sun, Myhre wrote: “When questioned during my campaign, ‘How will you address concerns about teacher and staff compensation and benefits?’ my answer was always simple, you prioritize it. For the past two years, we have built our budget around the intent of providing competitive raises for all employees while also holding off any increases to health insurance. This was made possible by reducing positions at the district office and closing unnecessary school sites.
“While we have improved our state ranking in the average salary of almost all job roles within the district” Myhre wrote, “we still fall below the comparable level of academic outcomes our staff are providing to our students. We know that our staff aren’t in this field for the money, but it is difficult to keep our best staff when they could be compensated better for doing the same job somewhere else. This is why it has been such an important part of my administration to raise all staff salaries, and we are continuing that trend in this year’s budget.
“Additionally, we will be humbly asking our community for an additional millage on the November ballot to further support our staff with raises they deserve,” Myhre said. “I have made, and will continue to make, as many cuts as possible to divert funding to staff and students, but there is a theorical limit we are nearing without cutting necessary services which support students.
“The slight increase we are requesting will not take us to the top of the salary rankings, but will be a clear sign of support for those who so often put our children’s needs above their own,” Myhre said.

By AUDIE ROWELL
Special to The Sun

I am running for Congress in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District and I am a six-generation Floridian from right here in the Big Bend/Panhandle area. I am not a political insider, a lawyer or a career politician. I have been a public servant who has served Florida’s 2nd congressional district for nearly 40 years as a law enforcement officer, retiring as Chief Deputy.

The Wakulla Sun offers candidates the opportunity to announce their candidacy, and tell voters the issues that are important to them.

As a lifelong public servant, I have spent my career showing up for my community day in and day out, and I intend to bring that same commitment to Washington. The people of Florida’s 2nd District do not need another politician. They need a neighbor, someone who knows these counties, knows these communities, and knows what it takes to get things done for real people living real lives.
On the issues I am clear and I do not waver.

• Our Values: I believe we should stay grounded in the values our country was founded on. That being our Christian/family values, our Constitutional values, our Capitalist values, and our Constitutional Republic values. All of our values are under attack by socialism, communism and woke ideology and these must be eradicated from our culture. I will stand strong and be vocal against the disease that has infected our country.
• Our Veterans: Veteran’s Affairs (VA) is the biggest socialist program within the US Government. The men and women who served in the Armed Forces, are given government mandates on where to go, when to go and who to see when they need medical care. This leads to long wait lines, poor quality care and even no medical care. Our veterans need choices. Instead of 25-30,000 doctors working for the VA in specific locations, we need 300,000 approved physicians working throughout the country. Veterans should be able to choose their own doctor in the location they want. VA government mandates must end.
• Farmers: Farmers are an essential part of North Florida. Not only do they provide food and agriculture to Americans across the country, but they also provide jobs for working class families. My time in congress will be about ensuring farming is not a dying industry but rather a thriving occupation passed down for many generations.
• Taxes: Our seniors have worked their entire lives, and they deserve to keep what they earned. I will fight to eliminate federal income tax on all retirement accounts, whether its social security, 401k or a defined retirement benefit plan the government has no business taxing money that hardworking Americans already paid into. I also support no federal income tax on the first $30,000, permanent no tax on tips up to $30,0000, elimination of the inheritance tax, and raising the minimum capital gains tax.
• Immigration: If you follow the process coming into this country, then you deserve a process going out, however if you don’t follow the process, you only deserve two things: a set of handcuffs and a trip back to the border. I will always fight to ensure ICE is fully funded.
• SAVE America Act: The world is not eligible to vote in our elections. The socialists/communists need this to fail because they don’t have enough Americans to vote for them. The socialists and communists have hijacked the Democratic party and now they want to hijack America. This needs to pass congress now.
• Government Spending: Have you ever heard of the US government cutting spending? Well, neither have I. As long as government exists it will spend money. The number one function of government is public safety. That’s our military, courts, law enforcement, corrections, fire/EMS. I will always ensure they are fully funded and supported.
  All other forms of government are up for debate as to either reduce, restrict or eliminate. When government doesn’t exist, it can’t spend money. I will always be an advocate for reducing, restricting or eliminating government.
• Our Children: Our children deserve to be protected. I fully support efforts to keep woke ideology out of our schools and to ensure parental rights in education. Parents should always have the first and final say in what their children are taught. That is not a political position. That is common sense.
• Data Centers/AI: I support communities that do not want data centers. I encourage communities to have their planning and development order in place now and take in the following considerations. 1. Data centers not allowed in a place that affects property values (residential and commercial) or quality of life. 2. Must generate their own power and not allowed to connect to an existing power grid. 3. Required to use a closed loop cooling system. 4. Required to cover public safety costs related to data centers (i.e. fire department).
  If we don’t control AI, AI will control us. We must have strong legislation to ensure there is an ethical approach to AI.
• 2nd Amendment: You can take my gun when you pry it from my cold dead hands. I believe in the Second Amendment without compromise.
• Term Limits: I have signed a 6 year congressional term limit agreement.
• Endorsements: I am proud to have earned the endorsements of 20+ leaders from Walton County to Taylor County.
  I know the culture and challenges of Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. It’s not just where I live, this is my home and I am ready to serve this district.
  I humbly ask for your vote.
• Audie Rowell is a candidate for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. His website is www.audieforflorida.com and he can be reached at (850) 797-4504.

Greetings Wakulla County,

All communities provide public education, but few support and cherish their schools the way Wakulla County does. Perhaps that is because, for so many of us, these schools helped shape who we are, and we have purposefully chosen to raise our children here as well.

This atmosphere is also what attracts our new residents to our community, the expectation of excellence. As I visit classrooms and attend school programs, the true source of our success is clear: our staff. From bus drivers and paraprofessionals to secretaries, custodians, administrators, and teachers, our team shares a common purpose – the children of this community. The commitment and resolve they show each day are a testament to their excellence.
On Aug. 10, our doors reopen for the 2026-27 school year. We know there will be challenges along the way, and we will not shy away from them. We will face them, learn from them, and grow stronger because of them. We are coming off an exceptional year of student achievement, yet no school believes it has reached its peak. Each school spent the summer planning ways to better serve students and families. In the year ahead, you will see improvements in technology, facilities, communication, safety, and overall culture and climate.
While some districts across the state and nation may speak from a place of despair, Wakulla County’s mindset is different. We are eager to embrace opportunities for growth and confident in our ability to keep improving.
Thanks to the leadership of the School Board and district staff, we are in a stable financial position and focused on opportunities to move our district closer to the very top in Florida.
Still, we understand that success is not defined by metrics alone. On Aug. 3rd, we welcomed back teachers and staff not only with remarks from adults, but with a student-led pep rally. This intentional change helped re-center our purpose: a connected school community. Seeing students cheer for the teachers who have helped them grow – and seeing the pride on those teachers’ faces – was truly inspiring.
The first days of school will be long. Traffic patterns will need time to adjust, and buses may run late, but it will all be worth it.
After a long summer, our community will once again feel as it should—alive with the daily experiences our teachers and schools provide for our students.
As always, thank you for your unwavering support of the Wakulla County School District. Together, we share the responsibility of protecting and strengthening this community for the next generation of students.
God bless,

Rick Myhre
Superintendent

Public schools

CRAWFORDVILLE
ELEMENTARY
School day: 8:55 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Alena Crawford, Principal
alena.crawford@wcsb.us
Lindsey Sparkman, Asst principal
lindsay.sparkman@wcsb.us
379 Arran Road,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850 926-3641

MEDART ELEMENTARY
School day: 8:55 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Stan Ward, Principal,
stanley.ward@wcsb.us
Amber Allen, Asst. principal,
amber.allen@wcsb.us
Lauren Baker, Associate Dean
lauren.baker@wcsb.us
2558 Coastal Hwy.,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850) 962-4881

RIVERSINK ELEMENTARY
School day: 8:55 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Louis Hernandez, Principal,
louis.hernandez@wcsb.us
Lesley Jamison, Asst Principal
lesley.jamison@wcsb.us
530 Lonnie Raker Lane,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-2664

SHADEVILLE ELEMENTARY
School day: 8:55 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Eden Rodgers, Principal
eden.rodgers@wcsb.us
Sarojanie Samlal, Asst Principal
sarojanie.samlal @wcsb.us
45 Warrior Way,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-7155

RIVERSPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL
School day: 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Josh Sandgren, Principal,
joshua.sandgren@wcsb.us
Bethany Pafford, Asst Principal
bethany.pafford@wcsb
Kyle Marks, Associate Dean of Discipline
Charlotte McCormick, Associate Dean of Student Affairs,
charlotte.mccormick@wcsb.org
kyle.marks@wcsb.us
800 Spring Creek Hwy.,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-2300

WAKULLA MIDDLE SCHOOL
School day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
Amy Bryan, Principal,
amy.bryan@wcsb.us
Jessica Prichard, Asst principal,
jessica.mckenzie-prichard@wcsb.us
Elizabeth Andrews, Associate Dean of Discipline
elizabeth.andrews@ wcsb.org
Karrie Jones, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
karrie.jones@ wcsb.org
22 Jean Drive,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-7143

WAKULLA HIGH SCHOOL
School day: 7:15 a.m. to 2:01 p.m.
Michele Falk, Principal,
sabrina.falk@wcsb.us
Jessica Mates, Asst. principal,
jessica.mates@wcsb.us
Kerry Prosser, Asst. principal,
kerry.prosser@wcsb.us
Carissa Frazier, Asst principal
Tolar Griffin, Asst. principal
tolar.griffin@wcsb.us
3237 Coastal Hwy.,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-7125
Grades: 9-12

WAKULLA INSTITUTE
School day: 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Vickie Tillman, Prinicpal
susan.tillman@wcsb.us
Katherine Spivey, Asst. principal
69 Arran Road,
Crawfordville FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-0065
Multi Purpose Campus
Dropout Programs – Second Chance Alternative High School
Adult/Community Education

Administration Changes:

• Tim Wheeler (former principal of Shadeville Elementary) is the new District Administrator of Athletics at Wakulla High School
• Eden Rodgers (former Assistant Principal at Shadeville Elementary) is the new Principal at Shadeville Elementary
• Sarojanie Samlal is the new Assistant Principal at Shadeville Elementary.

Wakulla High School
Chris Beverly
Taylor Brown
Tim Colman
Sierra Crawford
Todd Day
James Hicks
Kari McGuire
Jordan Morris
Blake Pareton
Amadeo (Paxton) Tomaini
Shon`Lemichiel Valvano
Roy Tomlinson

Shadeville Elementary School
Bethany Carey
Andrew Maldonado
Marsha Marchant
Noah Parramore
Kobi Rasch
Da’Sha Rich
Emily Rowland
Dylan Scotti
Sarah Testerman

Crawfordville Elementary School (CES)
Victoria Beck
Madilyn Brock
Heather Clark
Cassidy Davis
Kasey Fox
Ashley Gatchell
Alexandra McClendon
Sandra Renno
Kirsten Smith

Riversink Elementary School
Ralissa Andrews
Ta’Shieka Crump
Kimberly Dodson
Madison Parenti
Samantha Sherman
Lainey Smith

Medart Elementary School
Karli Dowell
Courtney Kinsey
Ava Lawhon
Prudence Rivera
Catherine Strutz
Rebecca Taff Simmons

From FWC News

Characterized by their long, flattened, toothed rostrum, often referred to as “the saw,” the smalltooth sawfish is the only species of sawfish found in Florida.

FWC biologists have been studying this endangered species for over two decades, tagging and sampling mostly juveniles in the Caloosahatchee River, Peace River, Charlotte Harbor, and St. Lucie River. They recently tagged the 1,000th sawfish as part of this research.
“Back when we started this work over 20 years ago, the thought of tagging a thousand sawfish wasn’t a goal,” said project lead Dr. Gregg Poulakis. “We just wanted to learn as much as we could to help promote recovery, since the species is only found in Florida and the western Bahamas these days. A thousand is certainly a milestone to appreciate, but there’s a lot more to do.”
By collecting fin samples, biologists can learn more about the biology and ecology of the smalltooth sawfish, including population health and stability.
Learn more about FWRI’s Sawfish Research on our website, MyFWC.com/Research.

Through an extensive investigation, detectives determined that Rebecca Lynn Thomas, 58, and John William Luper III, 49, died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. Detectives further determined that, following the homicides, the victims’ bodies were transported and concealed in separate locations.

A structure fire also occurred at the Otter Creek Road property. The cause and circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation; however, based on the information currently available, it is being treated as a separate incident from the homicides.

This remains an active and fluid investigation, with multiple investigative teams continuing to gather evidence and follow all available leads. Additional information will be released when it can be shared without compromising the integrity of the investigation.