WHS WIND ENSEMBLE AT OPPENHEIMER
Winds perform
A busy weekend on tap: Black History, Mardi Gras and Mudbugs
Staff Report
It’s another of those weekends in Wakulla where you can’t complain that nothing’s happening.
- African American History Festival kicks off on Friday night with the Arthur Andrews Memorial Scholarship Gala at the community center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and will not be available at the door.
- On Saturday, the African American History Festival kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by entertainment and vendors in Hudson Park.
- Mardi Gras, a fundraiser for Friends of the Wakulla County Public Library, will be held at the community center from 6 to 9 p.m. The event features dinner, live jazz and a cash bar. Tickets are $60.
- Mudbugs & Music, a crawfish cookoff to benefit Keep Wakulla County Beautiful and Big Bend Maritime Center, will be held at Woolley Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $20.
And on Sunday: - African-American Read-In Chain will be held at Palaver Tree Theater, 59 Shadeville Road, beginning at 2 p.m.
Here come the House, Senate budgets
By JIM TURNER
News Service of Florida
TALLAHASSEE – Hours after the Senate announced Thursday it would delay the release of its budget to align its timing with the House, the House unveiled its spending plan.
The $113.58 billion House proposal would be about $1 billion less than the current budget.
Carjacking suspect arrested in Wakulla
From WCSO
On Jan. 31, 2026, at approximately 1:18 a.m., the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office received a request for mutual aid from the Tallahassee Police Department regarding a carjacking that had just occurred involving a gray 2014 Acura SUV. The vehicle was reported traveling southbound on Wakulla Springs Highway entering Wakulla County.
On Feb. 1, 2026, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Deputies located and arrested Christopher Kentrell Roberts, 39, on an out-of-county warrant related to a carjacking investigation being conducted by TPD. Roberts was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wakulla County Jail.
Murder under the Moose Big Top
The tenth annual Moose Lodge Murder Mystery was held last weekend, sponsored by Prime Meridian Bank, Panacea Waterfronts, and the Moose Lodge, directed by Herb Donaldson and produced by Kay Gay Cannon featuring: Charlene, Susie Jester, Carole McKay, Kevin Hodnett, Stephanie Strubble, Arthur Hart, Tyler Patrick, Janice Salgado, Kimberly Pelt, Barbara Coppola, Liz Blais, Tracie Singletary, Jeff Cannon, Dodi Sheffield, Denise Crawford, and Gail Passenier. (Photo by Gerald Brown)
Ask Judge Smith: Civil trials explained
By JUDGE LAYNE SMITH
Q. Judge Smith, I am curious about how civil trials work. Can you break them down for me? Sincerely, Gerald
A. Sure. Civil trials follow set patterns, and I can explain their key components. Let’s dive in.
Civil trials start with jury selection. Potential jurors are summoned and questioned by the lawyers and the judge to ensure they can be fair and impartial. Both sides want jurors who will listen to their arguments without bias. Once the jury is selected and sworn, the trial begins.
Rotary Valentines Parade & Festival
Lady War Eagles soar at district
By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent
On February 14th, the FHSAA Girls District 1 Championship was held in Niceville, Florida. Four Lady War Eagles weighed in on Saturday hoping to place in the top four of their respective weight classes and advance to Regionals.
Read More …Scott Klees stepping down
The longtime War Eagle football coach wants to spend more time with family
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
Scott Klees announced this week that he will retire as Wakulla War Eagle football coach.
Klees, who will still be teaching at the high school, said he wants to spend more time with his family.
