By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

The Wakulla Lady War Eagles softball team fell 14-7 to Eustis in the state semi-final, a game away from playing for the 3A state title.

The game was played on Thursday, May 21, in Longwood, and the five seniors of the team still had time to make it back to walk for graduation with their classmates.
A special graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday morning for the five seniors before the team left for the playoffs – and they also visited other district schools before traveling.
They finished with a 25-6 record.

Wakulla County is taking over billing for its sewer customers who receive water service from the City of Sopchoppy beginning with the June billing cycle.
Sopchoppy had formerly billed its water customers who received county sewer service.
The county issued a press release:

• WHO IS AFFECTED
  City of Sopchoppy water customers with sewer service will be transferred to Wakulla County’s billing system.
• WHAT TO EXPECT
  You do not need to take any action at this time. The County will notify paperless billing customers by email when your new account is ready, the remaining customers will automatically receive your new bills by mail when they are issued.
• WHEN YOU CAN EXPECT THIS CHANGE
  Your first bill issued by the County will be for the June 2026 billing cycle. Bills are issued during the first week of each month and are due on the 20th of each month.
• WHY WE ARE IMPLEMENTING THIS CHANGE
  We are committed to ensuring fair and accurate billing to every customer. This change will improve efficiency and allow us to control costs and maintain lower sewer rates.
• HOW WILL YOUR BILLS BE CALCULATED
  Current Rates: (Customers with a winter months average for 2025/2026 will be billed based on their average.)
  · $42.05 for the first 2,000 gallons
  · $6.31 for each additional 1,000 gallons
• WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS
  · Pay by phone: 850-318-3829
  · Pay online through your customer portal: wakulla.epayub.com
  · Checks may be mailed to:
  Wakulla County Revenue Collections
  P.O. Box 340
  Crawfordville FL 32326
  · Or paid in-person or at the drop box:
  340 Trice Lane
  Crawfordville FL 32327

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 850-745-6508.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars placed a wreath for fallen soldiers and lowered the flag to half-staff as part of a Memorial Day ceremony held Monday, May 25, at the courthouse, in an event organized by Veterans Service Officer Winston Murphy.

They speaker was U.S. Navy veteran and former Supervisor of Elections Henry ‘Buddy’ Wells, who recently returned from an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Wells spoke of pausing to reflect on the sacrifice of fellow Americans to preserve freedom. Murphy read the names of Wakulla’s War Dead. (Photo by William Snowden)

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.

The deal represents the single largest economic development achievement in Wakulla County history. Point Blank Enterprises has committed to creating 300 high-wage jobs in the community, supported by a $21.5 million grant incentive package assembled by the Wakulla EDC and its partners — including $13.5 million from Triumph Gulf Coast, $4.5 million from the Florida Department of Commerce Rural Infrastructure Fund, and $3.5 million in Florida Job Growth Grant funding. A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated for Fall 2026, with facility completion targeted for December 2027.
The FEDC Rural Deal of the Year award is presented annually to recognize an outstanding economic development project in a rural Florida community that demonstrates exceptional partnership, innovation, and impact. For Wakulla County — a small, rural community in Northwest Florida — the recognition reflects years of strategic investment in economic development infrastructure, regional collaboration, and a commitment to creating opportunity for local residents.
The project is expected to generate significant economic ripple effects across the region. Point Blank will provide at least 300 jobs offering wages above the county median and create a pipeline of opportunity for graduates of Wakulla High School’s War Eagle Academy career and technical education programs — themselves built in large part through Triumph Gulf Coast investment. Beyond direct impact, the project is expected to generate more than 200 additional indirect and induced jobs and more than $46 million in wages circulating through Wakulla’s local economy, supporting small businesses. In addition, it will generate new tax revenue for Wakulla County to support essential services without increasing the tax burden on residents. The deal reflects the broader vision of the Wakulla EDC: to create meaningful, high-wage careers so that Wakulla County residents can build their futures without leaving home.
“This recognition belongs to every partner who believed in Wakulla County before the finish line was in sight. We are a small, rural community that went up against larger, better-resourced competitors and won — because we had the right team, the right relationships, and a community worth fighting for. We are so proud and deeply grateful.”
— John Shuff, Wakulla EDC Economic Development President

“This award means the world to me personally, because I know what it represents for the families in our community. For years, we have watched our brightest young people leave Wakulla County to find opportunity elsewhere — and that has always broken my heart. What we have accomplished with this project is about so much more than a building or a business. It is about giving our kids a reason to stay, giving our families a foundation to build on, and showing this community that its leaders believe in its future. I am so proud of every partner who helped make this happen, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Wakulla County.”
— Commissioner Quincee Messersmith, Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners

“This award reflects the hard work of an entire community. The Board of County Commissioners is honored to have supported this effort and proud of what Wakulla County has achieved. Three hundred jobs means three hundred families with new opportunities right here at home — and that is what this is all about.”
— David Edwards, County Administrator, Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners

“Wakulla County earned this. The community, the partners, and the leadership team demonstrated at every step that they were serious, prepared, and genuinely committed to a long-term relationship. We are proud to be expanding our operations here and look forward to everything we will build together.”
— Hoyt Schmidt, Point Blank Enterprises

The Wakulla Economic Development Council is a nonprofit public-private partnership dedicated to creating high-wage job opportunities for the residents of Wakulla County, Florida. The EDC is supported by the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners, NG Wade, and a coalition of local businesses and community partners. Economic development services are provided by Beth Cicchetti and Julie Dennis.

On Friday, the Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller hosted the department’s annual Law Day at the community center. (Photos by Lynda Kinsey)

The event is opportunity to bring together the community over lunch, catered by Posey’s this year, and present awards to some of the agency’s employees. This year’s Civilian Employee of the Year was Desiree Willis; Communications Employee of the Year was Keara McAnally; William Bennett was Correction Officer of the Year; and Sgt. Wade Wright was Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. County Judge Brian Miller, at left, gave opening remarks and noted that working law enforcement in Wakulla is different from a big city: Deputies see people they’ve arrested at the rec park. Judge Miller said he’s seen people who’ve been before him in court at the Walmart. The judge praised the service of those at the sheriff’s office, and noted when he first started as Wakulla’s chief prosecutor for the state attorney’s office, he had read Luke 12, which includes the line: ‘For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’

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.

“Time Travel into Florida 1776” is Theater with a Mission’s birthday present to America, designed to carry you back to the USA’s first birthday in ways that tantalize your taste buds, stir your feet, challenge your brain, and reconnect you with your roots. Like the milestone birthday party it is, you’ll find cake & ice cream, songs & dances, surprises and special effects – all with an authentic Revolutionary twist.
Because Florida stayed loyal to Great Britain during the Revolutionary War, the cake & ice cream – one of George Washington’s favorite treats – will honor the 38th birthday of George III, the first King of England from the German House of Hanover who spoke English as his first language. Wait till you see King George’s cake, majestically unfurling a royal coat of arms on all four sides! Wait till you taste the ice cream, hand-scooped by Tallahassee’s own Lofty Pursuits!
Because songs and social dances were as important as military maneuvers to the Revolution, you can move to marches that moved our founding fathers, including “Yankee Doodle” and “God Save the King,” watch minuets that our founding mothers danced, re-created by Atlanta Historic Dance, and step into a Pursuit of Happiness Costume Ball, where you dress up as any character who catches your fancy from history. At the Ball, you’ll learn dances from 1776 under the expert instruction of Susan de Guardiola, who is internationally famous for showing people how to have a ball while we dance dances that our great-great-great grandparents loved.
Because parades and breaking news were as thrilling then as they are now, this birthday bash will feature residents of Wakulla County marching with the Suwannee River Fife & Drum, inviting you to hoist a flag and join the parade. There’ll be horsemen galloping in with news flashes about threats to Florida’s freedom from Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And Sons of the American Revolution will teach you how to drill with the militia to Keep Florida Free. You can witness a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s death-defying speech “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” and hear the latest draft of the Declaration of Independence!
It’s the party of two and a half centuries, and you’re invited! Visit TheaterwithaMission.com for a full schedule of events and a link to let us know you’re coming. Spread the word to family and friends about Time Travel into Florida 1776, May 29-31, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee.

World War II
PFC Joseph Anderson
Tech Sgt. Idus F. Coleman
Sgt. Lawrence E. Council
PFC Tobard E. Clover Jr.
Lt. William H. Green
PFC Waldon G. Grimes
Cpl. John Hardcastle
PFC Arthur Johnson
PFC Edgar M. Pigott
Pvt. Guy Strickland
Columbus M. Woolley (no rank given)

Vietnam
Staff Sgt. Arthur Lee Andrews

Gulf Wars
CPO Matthew Bourgeois
Sgt. Javier Garcia
Lance Cpl. Charles Hanson Jr.
Sgt. First Class Mary Mitchell Taylor

Also recognized was Col. Cecil H. Bolton, Wakulla’s only known Medal of Honor winner. Col. Bolton received the award during World War II.

The full list of Wakulla’s war dead was read by Veteran Service Officer Winston Murphy at the Memorial Day observance. It includes the names of more than 60 local men killed in the Civil War.

This list of war dead was compiled by local resident Andrew Riddle, and there were several additions to this year’s list for new names for World War I, World War II and the Gulf Wars.

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:

• Birthright citizenship based on the location of one’s birth: Unless modified by pending federal litigation, anyone born within the territory of the United States, including its territories, is automatically a U.S. citizen. A case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court may tighten this pathway.
• Acquisition of citizenship based one or both parent’s citizenship: Anyone born outside the United States to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, subject to certain residency requirements for the parent, is also a citizen at birth.
• Naturalization: For foreigners, the path involves a legal process. Eligible foreign nationals must hold a Green Card for several years, show good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony.

RIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF CITIZENSHIP

The U.S. Constitution and federal laws shield and empower citizens with unique rights. Here are some examples:
Right to Vote: The power to participate in federal elections to choose national leaders.
Freedom of Expression & Religion: The right to speak freely, protest peacefully, and practice any religion without government interference. The right of a free press.
Fair Criminal Trials: The right to counsel and a prompt, public trial by an impartial jury.
“Natural Born” Citizens May Run for President Presidential candidates must be born within the territory of the United States.
U.S. Passport & Protection The right to travel abroad with government protection and assistance from U.S. embassies worldwide.
Federal Employment Eligibility for some federal government jobs requires citizenship for security reasons.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP

Citizen rights do not exist in a vacuum. The law requires certain things from citizens, in return. Here are some examples:
Mandatory Legal Obligations

• Obey the Law: Every citizen should respect and abide by federal, state, and local laws.
• Pay Taxes: Filing honest income tax returns and paying federal, state, and local taxes funds our national infrastructure, defense, and service needs.
• Jury Service: If summoned, citizens should show up for jury service and serve if selected.
• National Defense: Male citizens aged 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service System and serve if drafted.

CIVIC & MORAL
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stay Informed: Citizens should keep up with local, state, and national issues to make educated decisions.
• Vote Wisely: Participating in the democratic process by casting informed votes.
  • Respect Others: Democracy thrives on good manners and the respectful exchange of ideas.

The Bottom Line: Citizenship is more than a legal status recorded on birth certificates and naturalization papers. Think of it as a contract between the federal government and the people it governs.
Be on the lookout for my next column, “A Sprint through the Bill of Rights.”

The Honorable J. Layne Smith is the Circuit Judge assigned to Wakulla County, Florida, a bestselling author, and a public speaker.