Wakulla Springs discussion held

Posted onAuthorLinda Ann McDonald

FSU’s Dr. Joel Trexler talks about ongoing research on the spring

By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent

Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge held a Second Sunday Talk about Wakulla Springs on Jan. 11th at the Leon County Library Main Branch. Approximately 50 people attended the lectures.
Guest speaker Dr. Joel Trexler, director of the Coastal and Marine Laboratory and Professor of Biological Science at FSU, shared information and data regarding ongoing studies regarding research to restore and protect the health and clarity of natural springs, especially Wakulla Springs.

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Longleaf pine planting at Wakulla Springs

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Foundation, state parks and Bass Pro officials at the Wakulla Springs tree planting.

Special to The Sun

Surrounded by iconic natural communities near one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the Florida State Parks Foundation today joined the Florida Park Service and Tallahassee’s Bass Pro Shops store to celebrate an unprecedented milestone for tree and ecosystem restoration in Florida.

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Student of the Week

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Malayne Scribner – 8th grader at Wakulla Middle School

Malayne Scribner

Principal: Amy Bryan
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Wakulla Middle School is pleased to nominate Malayne Scribner for the Wakulla Sun’s Student of the Week. Malayne joined our school mid-year and immediately made a lasting impression. She quickly fit in with her peers and became an integral part of the Wildcat community. Malayne brought her positive energy to the basketball team, where her enthusiasm and team spirit have been invaluable. In the classroom, she is an active participant—always volunteering ideas, collaborating with classmates, and even taking time to tutor others. Her kindness, leadership, and dedication make her a truly wonderful person and an outstanding role model for her peers. Malayne is an asset to WMS and has adjusted well to being a successful Wildcat!

STUDENT OF THE WEEK FEATURES A DIFFERENT SCHOOL EACH WEEK.

WHS teacher wins Directors Chair Award

Posted onAuthorestanton

By KRISSY SANCHEZ
WHS

Last week, Wakulla High School Theatre Teacher Krissy Sanchez was awarded one of two State of Florida Jan McArt Director’s Chair Awards. This is a prestigious award in the world of theatre and is awarded annually to two educators across the State of Florida. The award is named for Jan McArt, a beloved figure in the South Florida theatre community, who formed several theatres and programs throughout the state. This award keeps her memory alive by celebrating and supporting educators who inspire and cultivate the next generation of theatre artists.

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Volunteers remove significant debris at River Cleanup

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Monofilament fishing line collection tube got a much-needed facelift.

By TAMMIE NASON
of KWCB

Keep Wakulla County Beautiful (KWCB) hosted a successful river cleanup this past weekend, bringing together dedicated volunteers to help restore and protect one of Wakulla County’s treasured waterways.
Volunteers worked along the Wakulla River collecting debris on, in, and along the water, removing more trash than at any cleanup since KWCB’s post-Hurricane Michael efforts. Volunteers participated by boat, diving, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and walking the shorelines. Items recovered included numerous cans and bottles, a tire, a cushion, a grill cover, a couple of lost cell phones, and even an entire box of amendment petitions that was dumped, underscoring the continued impact of litter in and on local waterways.

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Human remains identified

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Mason Esquillin

From WCSO

On October 30, 2025, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office initiated a death investigation after skeletal remains were discovered in the area of Curtis Mill Road near Sopchoppy, in unincorporated Wakulla County.
The decedent has been identified as Andrew Mason Esquilin of Asheville, North Carolina. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division are seeking information from anyone who knew or had contact with Esquilin prior to his death.
Anyone with information regarding Esquilin, his movements, or possible associates is asked to contact the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office or Detective Tiffany Spears at 850-745-7184.

Patty Wilbur recognized as a Resource Manager of Year

Posted onAuthorSpecial to The Sun

Patty Wilbur, a biological scientist at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

From DEP News

Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recognized three exceptional land managers as the 2024 Jim Stevenson Resource Managers of the Year.
Selected from the DEP’s Florida Park Service, FDACS’ Florida Forest Service and FWC, this year’s honorees reflect the leadership, innovation and public service that position Florida as a national model for natural resource management. Their work exemplifies how Florida’s resource managers combine expertise, innovation and dedication to protect our lands and wildlife while setting the standard for conservation nationwide.

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