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

Enhanced Maintenance Standards Given Preliminary Approval by City Commission

Local Government and Politics

Allison

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June 29, 2026

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Enhanced Maintenance Standards Given Preliminary Approval by City Commission
by James Coulter

Residents can soon say “goodbye” to vacant lots, empty storefronts, and broken signs and “hello” to a newer, more beautiful downtown area now that city commissioners have given preliminary approval to enhanced maintenance standards.

At their regular meeting on Tues. June 16, 2026, the Lake Wales City Commission voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance to establish enhanced maintenance standards for the city’s Downtown Historic Overlay District.

These standards intend to “safeguard against blight; preserve historic resources and property values and community standards, and to assist in the continued revitalization of downtown, to attract new businesses; and to promote the public interest in continued development,” according to Ronni Wood, Assistant CRA Director.

Among the new guidelines, downtown storefronts, businesses, and other buildings are prohibited from:

allowing exterior surfaces to show peeling, flaking, or chipping paint, or any other “visible degradation of materials.”
displaying signage that is “deteriorated, damaged, or incomplete.”
using paper, cardboard, or similar materials to cover windows or storefront openings “except as a temporary condition.”
permitting awnings, canopies, or other “weather protection elements” to become torn, frayed, or otherwise deteriorated.
removing or neglecting “architectural features and elements forming part of a building facade,” including cornices, molding, and other decorative details, or allowing them to be damaged or “left in a state of disrepair.”
failing to remove or paint over graffiti within 24 hours.
allowing sidewalks, walkways, or other site surfaces to become obstructed by “excessive accumulation of dirt, residue, grease, [or] organic growth.”
allowing vacant properties to show “deterioration, damage, or neglect,” rather than keeping them “secure, consistent, and well‑maintained.”

These standards help maintain the appearance of the downtown area, especially with the ongoing revitalization efforts through the Lake Wales Connected and Lake Wales Envisioned plans.

Among the city’s top priorities is the Historic Walesbilt Hotel. Located at 115 N. First Street, the 10-story landmark was recently returned to city ownership following a lengthy legal battle.

To advance the long-awaited renovation, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved a $2 million interim agreement covering design, planning, and preconstruction services for the project.

To better complement these renovation projects, commissioners have held extensive discussions on a proposed ordinance to address vacant buildings and improve downtown upkeep.

An earlier draft of the ordinance would have required owners of downtown storefronts that remained vacant for a specified period to register those properties with the city. However, that provision was later removed from the proposal.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie noted how the ordinance began as an effort to address property vacancies but expanded into a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the maintenance of downtown storefronts and other structures.

“We generally agreed that the problem was not just the vacancies [but that] the problem was the maintenance, the condition of these buildings [because] they are empty, they are not being well-kept up,” she said. “There’s a feeling in the downtown area that’s particularly important because of the foot traffic, and the fact that people see this downtown and judge the city by it. So that’s why I think we feel enhanced maintenance standards are an appropriate approach to take to this problem, and I am in favor of it.”

73-Lot Hickory Ridge Subdivision Receives Preliminary Approval for Zoning and Land Use Change

Local Government and Politics

Allison

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June 25, 2026

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73-Lot Hickory Ridge Subdivision Receives Preliminary Approval for Zoning and Land Use Change

by James Coulter

Nearly 73 single-family homes are one step closer to being built in a new Lake Wales subdivision after city commissioners approved changes to the property’s zoning and future land-use designation.

At their regular meeting on Tues. June 16, 2026, the Lake Wales City Commission voted unanimously to approve the first reading of two ordinances related to the proposed Hickory Ridge subdivision west of the city.

Both ordinances would change the subject property’s future land use designation to Low-Density Residential and its zoning designation to Residential to accommodate the proposed subdivision.

Located west of Capps Road, the proposed Hickory Ridge subdivision will develop approximately 47 acres into a 73-lot single-family residential neighborhood.

In August 2021, Garden Street Communities sought annexation of the property into the city to extend municipal water service to the development. The property has since been annexed and become contiguous to the city limits in July 2025.

City planning staff recommended approval of the changes, finding them to be “compatible with the platted neighborhood and surrounding area” and “consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulations,” wrote Growth Management Director Autumn Cochella.

Both the future land use and zoning designations are being updated to accommodate the project, bringing the property into compliance with city planning regulations following annexation.

The Low-Density Residential future land use designation allows traditional single-family neighborhoods at a density of up to five homes per acre. Meanwhile, the Residential zoning designation regulates lot sizes, setbacks, and building types.

Although the subdivision’s lots will be connected to the city’s water system, they have been designed to use septic tanks because sewer service is not yet available to the project, Cochella wrote.

Here are a few other items that were reviewed and approved at this week’s city commission meeting:

Library Impact Fees. The first reading of an ordinance was approved unanimously, amending the definition of “infrastructure” to include library collection materials such as books and other items. Previously, the city’s code did not classify library collection materials as infrastructure, preventing library impact fees from being used to purchase books and other collection items.

Non-ad valorem assessment. Commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing a uniform process for collecting non-ad valorem special assessments associated with service liens.

This method is intended “to collect service liens that are the result of services provided by the City to clean properties, repair or demolish buildings and the like, such services being a special benefit to the property owner,” according to Fany Lozano, Code Compliance Administrator.

Hunts Brothers Complex lighting. Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included $200,000 in funding for lighting improvements at the Hunt Brothers Complex. The project will be funded through a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant, with the city providing matching funds.

Lake Wales Woman Killed In E-Bike Crash On Scenic Highway Near Babson Park

Lake Wales

carl

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June 24, 2026

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Lake Wales Woman Killed In E-Bike Crash On Scenic Highway Near Babson Park

PCSO Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday night, June 23, 2026, near Babson Park.

Deputies were dispatched at around 10:33 pm along with Polk County Fire Rescue to the 2-vehicle crash on Scenic Hwy (SR 17) east of Ward Loop Road.

Upon the arrival of first responders, a 56-year-old Lake Wales woman was found deceased.

The victim had been operating an electric bicycle when it was struck from behind by a 2022 Jeep TrackHawk, driven by a 30-year-old male from Lake Wales.

The driver of the Jeep was not injured. He remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

Based on evidence and statements at the scene, it was determined that the e-bike was traveling west on the westbound lane of Scenic Hwy.

The bike was approximately 2-3 feet away from the edge of the road when it was struck from behind by the Jeep that was also traveling west.

The victim was not wearing a helmet but was wearing an orange reflective vest. Her bike was equipped with front and back lights. Due to the damages, it could not be determined if her lights were operating before the crash occurred.

The driver of the Jeep said that he did not see lights prior to impact.

The victim was traveling from work to her home, which are about 15 miles apart.

Scenic Hwy was closed in both directions for about three hours.

No criminal or civil charges are anticipated at this time, but the investigation remains open.

Lake Wales Arts Council Celebrates Community Creativity with Opening Reception for “Thrown Together: Celebrating America in Form”

Lake Wales

Allison

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June 24, 2026

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Lake Wales Arts Council Celebrates Community Creativity with Opening Reception for “Thrown Together: Celebrating America in Form”

LAKE WALES, Fla. — The Lake Wales Arts Council invites the community to attend the opening reception for Thrown Together: Celebrating America in Form on Thursday, July 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Wales Arts Council Gallery, located at 1099 Highway 60 East, Lake Wales, Florida 33853.

Made possible through a Freedom 250 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Thrown Together is a unique community ceramics exhibition inspired by the national motto E Pluribus Unum—“Out of many, one.” The exhibition showcases both collaborative ceramic artwork and individual pieces created by local participants during eight weeks of free ceramics classes offered through the program.

The grant also enabled the Lake Wales Arts Council to install an ADA-accessible pottery wheel, expanding access to ceramics programming for individuals of all abilities. This addition ensures that more community members have the opportunity to experience the art of throwing clay, explore their creativity, and participate in hands-on artistic expression through pottery.

As part of the initiative, the Lake Wales Arts Council partnered with the Lake Wales Care Center and Waters Edge Memory Care to provide workshops designed to bring the ceramics experience to individuals who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to participate. These outreach programs helped make the project more inclusive, allowing participants of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds to discover the joy of working with clay and creating art in a welcoming environment.

Together, these efforts reflect the spirit of E Pluribus Unum, demonstrating how art can unite a community through shared experiences, creativity, and connection.

“Thrown Together demonstrates how art can bring people together to create something meaningful,” said Tommy Frank, Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council. “This exhibition celebrates not only the finished works but also the relationships, learning experiences, and shared stories that emerged throughout the program.”

Guests attending the opening reception will have the opportunity to meet participating artists, view the exhibition, enjoy an American picnic-style hot dog bar and learn more about the community-centered project that brought the collection to life.

Admission to the reception is free and open to the public.

For more information about the exhibition or the Lake Wales Arts Council, visit the Arts Council’s website https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/ or contact the gallery at (863) 676-8426.

About the Lake Wales Arts Council

The Lake Wales Arts Council fosters community through all forms of art by providing exhibitions, educational programs, performances, and cultural experiences that inspire creativity and enrich the quality of life throughout Central Florida

Victory Ridge Academy Awarded Grant by the Camp Rotary Charitable Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation

Lake Wales

Allison

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June 18, 2026

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Victory Ridge Academy Awarded Grant by the Camp Rotary Charitable Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation

Victory Ridge Academy (VRA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $3,150 grant from the Camp Rotary Charitable Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation to support the expansion of its Sensory andBehavioral Regulation Program across its Lake Wales and Davenport campuses.

The grant will help provide specialized sensory regulation tools, visual communication support, and adaptive equipment designed to meet the unique needs of students with significant disabilities. Victory Ridge Academy serves more than 465 students, approximately 85% of whom have Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing challenges, emotional and behavioral regulation needs, or complex communication deficits.

Funding from the Camp Rotary Charitable Fund will be used to purchase items such as weighted lap pads, sensory wraps, tactile sensory bins, visual schedules, adaptive seating, sensory pathways, noise-reducing headphones, and sensory tents. These resources will help students regulate emotions, improve communication, increase engagement in classroom activities, and participate more successfully in their educational programs.

Victory Ridge Academy extends its sincere appreciation to the Camp Rotary Charitable Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation for its commitment to supporting Polk County youth and helping ensure that students with exceptional needs have access to the tools and resources necessary to reach their fullest potential.

The mission of Camp Rotary Charitable Fund is to provide physical, moral, educational, and cultural training for underprivileged persons from within Polk County.

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children and adolescents with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org.

Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks Recreation Area

Lake Wales

Allison

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June 11, 2026

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Coleman Landing at Shady Oaks Recreation Area

Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful camping destination surrounded by towering oak trees and Spanish moss can find it at Coleman Landing Campground, located within the Shady Oaks Recreation Area east of Lake Wales.

Situated at 1450 Shady Oak Drive, the pet-friendly campground offers visitors easy access to the natural beauty of the Lake Kissimmee area while providing a variety of camping options for both RV travelers and primitive campers.

The campground features 54 RV sites with grass pads, water service, and partial hookups, including 50-amp, 30-amp, and 20-amp electrical service. For those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience, six primitive camping sites are also available.

Campers can take advantage of several on-site amenities, including a dump station, flush restrooms, hot showers, a picnic area, and a bathhouse. The campground is located near the shoreline of Lake Kissimmee and provides convenient access to boat ramps for airboats, conventional boats, canoes, and kayaks.

Whether visitors are planning a fishing trip, boating adventure, weekend camping excursion, or simply looking to relax beneath the shade of centuries-old oak trees, Coleman Landing Campground offers a scenic outdoor retreat in the heart of Polk County.

Photo courtesy of Polk County Parks & Rec

Lake Wales Public Library to Kick Off Summer Reading Program with Free Family Event

Allison

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June 8, 2026

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Lake Wales Public Library to Kick Off Summer Reading Program with Free Family Event

Families are invited to celebrate the start of summer reading at the 2026 Summer Reading Kickoff Party hosted by the Lake Wales Public Library on Thursday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m.

This year’s summer reading theme, “Quest: Heroes, Myths and Legends,” promises an exciting adventure for children and families as they begin their summer reading journey. The free community event will take place at the gazebo in Oakley Park, located across from the library.

Returning by popular demand, the Florida Foam Factory will bring its energetic mix-master DJ and foam-blaster cannon, creating a fun-filled experience for attendees. Kona Ice will also be on site serving refreshing frozen treats.

Organizers encourage families to come prepared with towels and other accessories, as children participating in the foam activities are expected to get wet.

The event is facilitated by the Library’s Youth Services Program and is sponsored by Mountain Lake Community Service, The McCance Foundation, and the Friends of the Library.

The Summer Reading Kickoff Party offers a great opportunity for children to celebrate the beginning of summer while discovering the adventures that await through reading, learning, and imagination.

Lake Wales CRA Unanimously Approves First Phase of Walesbilt Hotel Restoration Plan

carl

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June 2, 2026

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Lake Wales CRA Unanimously Approves First Phase of Walesbilt Hotel Restoration Plan

LAKE WALES, Fla. — The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency voted Tuesday to approve an interim agreement with Restoration St. Louis, Inc., marking a major step toward the long anticipated restoration of the historic Walesbilt Hotel. The vote was 5-0 in favor of the agreement.

The agreement authorizes up to $2 million in preconstruction funding and allows Restoration St. Louis to begin design, planning, historic preservation work, and the preparation of construction documents for the landmark downtown building. The approval also establishes a maximum CRA contribution of $17.5 million toward the overall project, including both preconstruction and future construction phases.

The Walesbilt Hotel, located in downtown Lake Wales, has stood vacant for decades and has long been viewed as one of the city’s most significant redevelopment opportunities. The CRA selected Restoration St. Louis as the top ranked firm for negotiations in October 2025 following a competitive Request for Qualifications process. Four firms initially responded to the solicitation, with two ultimately advancing to the final shortlist.

According to documents presented to the CRA Board, the approved agreement covers

LAKE WALES, Fla. — The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency voted Tuesday to approve an interim agreement with Restoration St. Louis, Inc., marking a major step toward the long anticipated restoration of the historic Walesbilt Hotel.

The agreement authorizes up to $2 million in preconstruction funding and allows Restoration St. Louis to begin design, planning, historic preservation work, and the preparation of construction documents for the landmark downtown building. The approval also establishes a maximum CRA contribution of $17.5 million toward the overall project, including both preconstruction and future construction phases.

The Walesbilt Hotel, located in downtown Lake Wales, has stood vacant for decades and has long been viewed as one of the city’s most significant redevelopment opportunities. The CRA selected Restoration St. Louis as the top ranked firm for negotiations in October 2025 following a competitive Request for Qualifications process. Four firms initially responded to the solicitation, with two ultimately advancing to the final shortlist.

According to documents presented to the CRA Board, the approved agreement covers only the preconstruction phase of the project and does not commit either party to begin construction. Instead, the agreement establishes a framework for planning, design development, historic preservation applications, permitting preparation, and other activities necessary before a final construction agreement can be negotiated.

The preconstruction process is expected to move through three phases: schematic design, design development, and construction documents. CRA officials estimate the work could take approximately eight months to complete, with milestone based payments tied to specific deliverables. The total amount authorized for these preconstruction activities is capped at $2 million.

The agreement also outlines efforts to secure additional parking near the hotel through properties located on Stuart Avenue, recognizing that adequate parking will be important to the long term success of the redevelopment project.

If negotiations continue successfully through the preconstruction phase, the parties would later return with one or more definitive agreements governing the actual restoration and operation of the Walesbilt Hotel. Under the terms of the agreement, if the project does not move forward, the CRA would retain protections allowing it to recover funds or obtain rights to work product developed during the planning process.

Tuesday’s vote represents one of the most significant milestones in recent years for the future of the Walesbilt Hotel and moves the project from the negotiation stage into active planning and design.

19 Year-Old Bartow Man Killed in ATV Crash at River Ranch Hunt Club

Lake Wales

carl

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May 31, 2026

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19 Year-Old Bartow Man Killed in ATV Crash at River Ranch Hunt Club

A 19-year-old Bartow man died early Sunday morning following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash at the River Ranch Hunt Club near Lake Wales.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at approximately 2:34 a.m. on May 31, 2026, to the River Ranch Hunt Club located at 18550 County Road 630.

Due to the remote location of the crash, which occurred several miles off the roadway, first responders were transported to the scene by members of the Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit.

The preliminary investigation indicates the victim had been riding his ATV with friends who were also operating off-road vehicles. At some point during the ride, his friends realized he was no longer traveling with the group and turned around to look for him.

When they located him, they found him trapped underneath his overturned ATV. Witnesses reported that he was initially semi-conscious but soon became unresponsive.

Those at the scene immediately began CPR until emergency personnel arrived. Despite their efforts, the young man succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators believe the crash occurred when the rider attempted to make a sharp turn. Evidence at the scene suggests the ATV’s wheels dug into the soft dirt, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Authorities said the victim was not wearing a helmet or any other protective safety equipment at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Frostproof Man Killed in Early Morning Rollover Crash on U.S. 27

Frostproof

carl

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May 31, 2026

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Frostproof Man Killed in Early Morning Rollover Crash on U.S. 27

A 36-year-old Frostproof man was killed early Sunday morning after losing control of his vehicle on U.S. Highway 27 in southern Polk County.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. on May 31, 2026, on southbound U.S. 27 north of U.S. 98.

Troopers say the man was driving a Toyota Corolla southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle. The Corolla traveled onto the shoulder of the roadway before the driver overcorrected back across the highway.

The overcorrection caused the vehicle to overturn.

During the rollover, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, provided the information. The FHP does not release the name not victims.

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