Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2023

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment.

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

· Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

· Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

· Reckless driving (F3)

· One count DUI with property damage (M1)

· One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Update on Last Night’s Fatal Crash on ABC Rd.

Traffic

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May 25, 2025

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Update on Last Night’s Fatal Crash on ABC Rd.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has released the following statement regard to last night’s fatal traffic crash on ABC Road:

Around 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 24^th, the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a homemade go kart being struck by a Hyundai Elantra on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Rd (ABC Rd) in Bartow. A 33-year-old man who lives in the area was operating the go kart with a 38-year-old male passenger, traveling west on ABC Road. As he slowed down to turn left onto a private driveway, the go kart was struck from behind by the Hyundai being driven west by a 21-year-old Lakeland woman. The driver was completely ejected and the passenger was partially ejected, significantly injuring the driver and fatally injuring the passenger. The driver of the Hyundai was not injured and remained at the scene. The go kart driver was airlifted to a local hospital, where he is in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Studio 60: Pottery Camp For Teens Opens Registration for July 14-18

Maria Iannucci

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May 25, 2025

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Studio 60: Pottery Camp For Teens Opens Registration for July 14-18

Get ready to unleash your teen’s creativity at Studio 60, an exclusive pottery camp hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Council.

This hands-on, teens-only camp (ages 13-18) runs from July 14–18, 2025, from 9 AM–1 PM, and is dedicated to the art of pottery.

Work with professional ceramic artists, explore new techniques and create your own pottery pieces in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you’re an experienced potter or a complete beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and connect with fellow young artists.

Studio 60: Pottery Camp is located at Lake Wales Arts Council,
1099 Highway 60 East, Lake Wales. Cost for non-members: $175. Cost for members: $140.

For more information, visit https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/buy-tickets?pg=selectevent&eid=153914&edid=0

Traffic Alert – Fatal Collision On Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Rd

Lake Wales

carl

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May 24, 2025

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Traffic Alert – Fatal Collision On Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Rd

One Dead, One Critically Injured in Go Kart Collision on ABC Road in Bartow

BARTOW, Fla. — A crash involving a homemade go kart and a Hyundai Elantra left one man dead and another critically injured Saturday night in Bartow.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 9:20 p.m. on May 24 reporting the collision on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road (ABC Road). According to officials, a 33-year-old local man was operating the go kart with a 38-year-old male passenger, traveling westbound on ABC Road.

As the go kart slowed to turn left onto a private driveway, it was struck from behind by a Hyundai Elantra, also traveling west, and driven by a 21-year-old woman from Lakeland.

The impact ejected the go kart’s driver completely and partially ejected the passenger. The driver sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The passenger was fatally injured in the crash.

The driver of the Hyundai was not injured and remained at the scene.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing

Juneteenth Events Coming to Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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May 24, 2025

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By Capers Gay

Several events celebrating Juneteenth are coming to Lake Wales. The June 19th holiday is meant to commemorate the abolishing of slavery and will have a couple events around the same time.

The first is Freedom Fest. Organized by the Juneteenth Lake Wales LLC, Freedom Fest is designed to not only educate people, but also bring them together. The organization’s president, Sara Jones explained, “Engaging as a community helps us see our similarities and reminds us that our neighbors can also be our friends. We also want people to learn about the history of the United States because those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it! This event is open to ALL people, as we all share this community, its history, and its future.”

Freedom Fest is a multi-day affair. It begins on June 13th from 6pm to 10pm at the Turner Center with a Jazz and R&B concert for attendants with food and drinks available.

The June 14th date stretches from 3pm to 7pm and takes place on Lincoln Avenue. Alcohol will be served, and the event will feature a DJ, live music, vendors, and food trucks. Beyond its educational goals, Freedom Fest aims to generate enough money to repeat itself annually. Whatever is left will be used to provide scholarships for deserving high school seniors; this particular goal, Jones notes, is a plan locked to the future. “The biggest challenges in putting on an event like Freedom Fest are always funding and volunteers. We have been blessed with a few generous sponsors, but we can always use more financial support.” Jones says.

Another event is the 8th annual Juneteenth Luncheon and AgriFestival being held on June 19th from 11am to 6pm at the James P. Austin Community Center. The event will include a number of guests including former mayor Eugene Fultz, Commissioner Daniel Williams, Mayor Jack Hilligoss, and Dr. Alzo Reddick. Reddick was the first African-American from Orlando to be elected to the Florida Legislature, and holds the honor of being the first black male to pass two amendments to the state’s Constitution. One of these amendments being the Juneteenth Amendment, which recognized the holiday as a day of observance. Reddick will be the speaker for the event.

The menu will consist largely of red foods to symbolize resilience and ancestral West African traditions. Beyond grilled barbecue chicken, red drinks, velvet cake, and tea cakes will make this connection known to attendees.

May is National Historic Preservation Month

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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May 24, 2025

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May is National Historic Preservation Month

Lake Wales History Museum – Established in 1973, National Historic Preservation Month is a time to celebrate the places that tell our stories and shape our future—right here in the Lake Wales community and across the country. Preservation strengthens neighborhoods, connects us through shared history, and supports a more sustainable and vibrant society. Join us this month in honoring the power of place and the vital role preservation plays by visiting, sharing, and supporting efforts to protect Lake Wales’ rich heritage for generations to come.

Grand Opening of Dunkin’ Donuts: A Community Celebration

LAKE WALES BUSINESS

Kip

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May 24, 2025

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Grand Opening of Dunkin’ Donuts: A Community Celebration

This morning on Hwy 60 in Lake Wales, Florida, the community came together to celebrate the grand opening of the new Dunkin’ Donuts at 180 Highway 60 E. The event, marked by a festive atmosphere, showcased the warm spirit of the town and the excitement surrounding this new addition to the local dining scene.

The Lake Wales Highlander Band set the tone with lively performances, filling the air with music and energy. The mayor joined the festivities, welcoming the new business and highlighting its importance to the community. Local business owner Al Mustafa, who operates multiple Dunkin’ locations in the Polk County area, was at the heart of the event, personally greeting patrons and engaging with guests, making everyone feel at home.

The grand opening featured exciting raffles and giveaways, ensuring that every attendee had a chance to walk away with a special prize, adding to the celebratory mood. With the Florida sun shining brightly, many opted for Dunkin’s refreshing iced coffee drinks to cool off, while others indulged in the chain’s signature freshly baked donuts, available in a variety of flavors like Glazed, Boston Kreme, and Strawberry Frosted.

This new 24/7 Dunkin’ location, which had a soft opening prior to the event, promises to be a go-to spot for breakfast and snacking needs in Lake Wales. The grand opening was a testament to the strong community support and the warm welcome extended to Al Mustafa and his team. For more information about Dunkin’s menu and offerings, visit www.dunkindonuts.com.

#DunkinLakeWales, #GrandOpening, #LakeWalesDunkin, #DunkinDonuts, #CommunityCelebration, #LakeWalesHighlanderBand, #AlMustafa, #IcedCoffeeVibes, #FreshDonuts, #LakeWalesFlorida

Serious Crash Temporarily Shuts Down Both Directions of Highway 60 in Lake Wales

carl

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May 24, 2025

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Serious Crash Temporarily Shuts Down Both Directions of Highway 60 in Lake Wales

Lake Wales, FL – A major traffic collision occurred earlier today at 19300 Highway 60 East in Lake Wales, temporarily shutting down both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway.

The incident was reported at approximately 10:37 AM and prompted a swift response from Polk County Fire Rescue. Multiple emergency units, including BC007, EN027, MR014, and MR218, were dispatched to the scene. The situation was declared under control and the scene was officially cleared at 11:13 AM, roughly 36 minutes after units arrived. The crash is just East of CR 630 or Indian Lake Estates.

Although emergency crews have cleared the wreckage, Highway 60 remains closed in both directions as authorities work to fully reopen the roadway. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area until further notice.

The cause of the crash and the condition of those involved have not yet been released. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available

Cooking on the Ridge: Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Cooking

Maria Iannucci

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May 24, 2025

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Cooking on the Ridge: Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

By James Coulter

You know, there’s a joke about how all Mexican food is essentially the same thing: meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

What are tacos? Meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

What’s a burrito? Meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

What are chimichangas? Meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

Enchiladas are probably more unique. They’re meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla–and covered in either a red or white sauce.

Last weekend, I made enchiladas for the first time. I prepared both beef and chicken. I’m sharing the recipe for chicken enchiladas, since the beef enchiladas essentially just involve mixing ground beef with taco seasoning.

For the chicken enchiladas, I deviated from the recipe. Rather than season the shredded chicken with only salt, pepper, and adobo sauce, I seasoned it with lime and chili powder. The result was a more flavorful dish than simply adding salt and pepper.

Overall, these enchiladas were good, and the white sauce certainly added some flavor and moistness to the dish. This is certainly an easy dish to make over the weekend with beans and rice. It’s like going to a Mexican restaurant without going to a Mexican restaurant.

Creamy White Chicken Enchilada (from The Country Cook)

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken)

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)

• salt, pepper, Adobo seasoning, to taste

• 10 flour tortillas (taco size)

• 3 Tablespoons butter

• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 4-ounce can diced green chiles (do not drain)

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese along with salt, pepper, and Adobo seasoning to taste.

3. Place chicken mixture into each of the 10 flour tortillas.

4. Roll them all up and place them in the prepared baking dish.

5. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 Tablespoons butter. Whisk in 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour and let cook and thicken for 1 minute (don’t let it burn).

6. Add 2 cups chicken broth and whisk until smooth.

7. Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 4-ounce can diced green chiles. Be sure not to let the mixture boil.

8. Take the sauce off the heat and pour it over the enchiladas.

9. Top with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese.

10. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. If you’d like, you can turn the broiler on high and broil these for a minute or two until the cheese is slightly browned and bubbly.

Lake Wales Woman Arrested After Skipping Pre-Trial Obligations and Confronting Law Enforcement

carl

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May 23, 2025

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Lake Wales Woman Arrested After Skipping Pre-Trial Obligations and Confronting Law Enforcement

Lake Wales, FL – A Lake Wales woman is now facing multiple charges after deputies say she not only failed to follow pre-trial release conditions, but also attempted to flee from law enforcement officers trying to arrest her.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Denise Marie Lansdon was taken into custody on Thursday, May 22nd, after deputies arrived at her home to serve a warrant related to an earlier incident.

The charges stem from an altercation that occurred back on March 7th. Deputies responded to a physical disturbance at a residence in Lake Wales where Lansdon is accused of assaulting an acquaintance. The arrest affidavit states that she allegedly pushed the victim, pulled their hair, punched them in the head, made death threats, and forcibly stole four necklaces from around the victim’s neck.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Lansdon reportedly resisted and fought with them. She was subsequently charged with robbery, false imprisonment, battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting without violence, and two counts of resisting with violence.

Following her arrest, Lansdon was granted pre-trial release with specific conditions. However, authorities say she failed to check in with her pre-trial release officer for three consecutive weeks. When the officer finally made contact, Lansdon allegedly responded with profanity, further violating the terms of her release.

A warrant was then issued for her arrest.

On May 22nd, when deputies arrived at her home, Lansdon was reportedly outside grilling. Upon seeing the deputy, she ran into the house despite being ordered to stop. She was apprehended inside the residence and arrested on the outstanding warrant. She now faces an additional charge of resisting.

Lansdon remains in custody at the Polk County Jail as her case continues.

Bulk and Yard Waste Pickup Changed to Weekly; Will Cost Residents Additional $2.07 Per Month

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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May 23, 2025

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Bulk and Yard Waste Pickup Changed to Weekly; Will Cost Residents Additional $2.07 Per Month

by James Coulter

City residents will pay an additional $2.07 per month for solid waste services now that pickups have been changed to weekly rather than biweekly.

At their recent meeting on Tues. May 20, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners approved the second reading of an ordinance to amend their five-year contract for solid waste services with Republic Services of Florida.

The amendment will schedule bulk and yard waste pickup from every two weeks to every week. This change will lead to an additional cost increase of $2.07 per month, or $24.84 annually.

“In early 2025, solid waste services relating to bulk and yard waste removal were changed from every week to every other week to try to keep costs down,” wrote City Manager James Slaton in the city agenda memo.

“After feedback from the citizens, bulk and yard waste removal will be moved back to weekly service,” he further elucidated. “This service change would be effective on July 1, 2025.”

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