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.
Read More …Staff Report
A 15-year-old boy in a stolen Toyota pickup collided with an SUV while being pursued by law enforcement last week, and the truck rolled into a utility pole and took out a chainlink fence, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
The wreck happened on Wednesday, Jan. 21, off Spring Creek Highway around 7 a.m.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent
On Friday, Jan. 23rd, the Wakulla High wrestling team defeated Baker County 64-15 to win the Region 1A dual championship in Kissimmee.
The dual against the Wildcats was mostly a display of domination by Wakulla, as the War Eagles had 8 pins and two technical falls throughout the dual.
Contact us to advertise in one of our Quality Publications. THE WAKULLA SUN (our Weekly Newspaper), WAKULLA NEIGHBOR (our FREE Monthly publication going to ALL Homes in Wakulla County) and GULF COAST BREEZE (our Annual Visitors Guide to Wakulla County).
