Wakulla County Worker Bees: We See You, We Hear You

To the dedicated county employees of Wakulla County: our community sees you. You’re the ones keeping our coastal home thriving—processing permits at the clerk’s office, staffing our libraries, maintaining our parks, and ensuring our elections run smoothly. You’re the heartbeat of Wakulla, preserving our springs, beaches, and small-town charm with quiet pride. From all of us—taxpayers, residents, and neighbors—thank you. Your hard work is the foundation of our community, and it deserves to be celebrated.

But your efforts are being overshadowed by the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and top administrators, whose self-interest and mismanagement drain our trust and resources. This isn’t about you, the workers who serve with heart. It’s about a leadership culture that wastes taxpayer dollars, rewards insiders, and settles countless employee lawsuits without a fight—only to carry on with the same old song and dance.

County Employees: Wakulla’s True Strength
You, the county workers, are the backbone of our community. Whether you’re helping a resident navigate a government process, clearing roads after a storm, or safeguarding our votes, your work matters. These aren’t just jobs—they’re the threads that hold Wakulla together. You live here, raise families here, and understand what makes our county special. Every time you go above and beyond, you build trust and strengthen our community’s spirit. Your local knowledge and commitment are Wakulla’s greatest assets.

The Top Brass: Wasting Taxpayer Dollars, Dodging Accountability
So why does Wakulla County government often feel like it’s falling short? The answer lies with the BOCC and top administrators, who prioritize their own agendas over the community’s needs. Instead of empowering the workers who know Wakulla best, they waste taxpayer money on outside consultants—often from beyond our county—ignoring the expertise right here at home. Your voices, the ones that could guide smarter decisions, are sidelined in favor of outsiders with no stake in our future.

Then there’s the cronyism. It’s not always outright illegal—carefully skirting Florida’s statutes—but it’s felt across the county. Family ties and insider connections too often influence hiring and promotions, leaving hardworking employees questioning whether merit matters as much as who you know. This undermines morale and erodes trust, a direct result of leadership that values loyalty to the inner circle over loyalty to Wakulla.

Most troubling is the BOCC’s habit of settling employee civil suits with taxpayer money (if you want to know how that works, check out this blog: . Over the past 15 years, Wakulla County has faced numerous lawsuits tied to workplace disputes—claims of unfair treatment, retaliation, and other grievances. These cases point to a pattern: a leadership culture that fails to support its workers, fostering environments where employees feel undervalued or silenced. Instead of addressing these issues or defending their practices, the county quietly settles, shelling out millions in taxpayer dollars without a fight. Then it’s business as usual—no changes, no accountability, just the same processes and the same leadership failures. Our community isn’t interested in the day-to-day grind of county operations; we want to know how the top dogs spend our bucks—and why they keep paying for their mistakes with our money.

The idea of DOGE—smart, efficient government—could transform Wakulla. Not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution: a county that cuts waste, trusts its workers, and spends taxpayer money wisely. Imagine a Wakulla where your expertise is valued, your departments are fully staffed, and your leaders listen to you instead of hiring outsiders. That’s the government our community deserves, but it’s out of reach when the BOCC and administrators cling to wasteful habits and protect their own interests.

The Problem Is Leadership, Not Workers
Let’s be clear: Wakulla’s challenges aren’t because of county employees. You’re the solution, not the problem. The issue lies with the top brass—leaders who waste taxpayer money on consultants, let cronyism fester, and settle lawsuits without fixing the root causes. When the BOCC and administrators fail to lead with integrity, you’re left picking up the pieces—handling frustrated residents, understaffed offices, and the fallout of their mismanagement. Our community’s frustration isn’t with your work; it’s with a leadership culture that puts itself first and pushes you aside.

A Call to Celebrate Wakulla’s Workers
This message is for you, the Wakulla County employees who make our community better every day. Our community stands with you, celebrating your dedication and calling out the BOCC for failing you. It’s time for the BOCC and administrators to stop wasting our tax dollars on outside consultants and lawsuit settlements. End the cronyism that undermines fairness. Invest in our workers—value their expertise, hire enough staff, and create a workplace where speaking up is welcomed, not punished.

To county employees: Keep shining. Your work keeps Wakulla’s springs clear, our beaches inviting, and our community proud. You’re the heart of this county, and your efforts outshine the failures of those above you.

To taxpayers: Next time you interact with a county worker, say thank you. They’re doing the real work, often despite leadership’s shortcomings. Hold the BOCC accountable—demand elected officials who trust local workers, spend our money wisely, and stop settling lawsuits without change. Together, our community can build a Wakulla County government that works for all of us.