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

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

Man Found Stabbed on Sidewalk in Lake Wales

A call to law enforcement about excessive noise leads to the discovery of a victim of a stabbing in Lake Wales this week.

Special Investigations and Traffic Commander Lieutenant Emmanuel Figueroa of the Lake Wales Police Department has stated that, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at around 9:45 p.m., a call was received with regard to a noise disturbance in the area of Washington Ave. and Jewel St. in Lake Wales.

When officers arrived to the area in question, Figueroa states they were notified by at least one bystander that there was a person hurt on the ground nearby. A male victim was discovered on the sidewalk with stab wounds. Medical assistance was requested and first responders arrived quickly to render aid.

The lieutenant says that, to his knowledge on Thursday afternoon, the victim was in stable condition.

Figueroa would not confirm whether a suspect is in custody at the time of our request for information, as this is an open investigation.

We will update this article as soon as more information is available.

Accident Shuts Down Hwy. 60 E. In Lake Wales

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At approximately 2:53 p.m on Thursday, February 13, 2025, a traffic collision was reported at Hwy. 60 E and Highland Drive, east of Lake Wales.

The accident is said to involve two vehicles with mild to moderate damage. First responders are at and heading to the scene.

Traffic is building eastbound as Hwy. 60 eastbound is temporarily shut down. Please find an alternate route.

The Mahalak Family Businesses Drive Change in Our Community

The Family Business: While there are fewer of them around then there used to be, Polk County is fortunate to have one particular group of dealerships owned by one family. We’re even more fortunate to have the Mahalak family of dealerships because of their great commitment to community, OUR community.

To tell the story of your Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram dealerships properly, we must take a journey back to 1966 in Michigan. Here, this popular family-owned business was first founded by Ralph Mahalak Sr.

Over the last 59 years, their customer-focused business plan has gradually expanded to establish Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealerships in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Davenport; they serve Polk County today, and far beyond.

We know they sell quality vehicles, offer parts, and provide great service.

But that’s not all.

Because the Mahalak team’s dedication to local residents, regardless if they are customers, they have found many ways to serve communities in Polk County on a scale that few are aware of:

St. Jude’s: From January 25 – February 25, 2025, the Low Payment Kings are teaming up with 97.5 WPVC for the St. Jude Radioathon to help raise donations to help treat and defeat childhood cancers. The company will make a donation to St. Jude’s on your behalf for every test drive or service visit made at one of their locations.

Jeepin’ with Judd: Jeepin’ With Judd 2025 will be held February 21-23, 2025 at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow, Florida . Jeepin’ With Judd is a family friendly, Jeep-only family-friendly event. The Low Payment Kings are Sheriff level sponsors again this year and will have a tent set up selling Jeep accessories, as well as various giveaways and raffles.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. PSCI was officially formed in December 2006, is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Its ultimate formation was a result of the tragic murder of Deputy Matt Williams and K-9 DiOGi after a routine traffic stop. The community’s outpouring of emotional and monetary support after that tragic event ultimately demonstrated how a charity like PSCI would be supported, and The Low Payment Kings are proud to support local law enforcement.

Heart of the Badge: Along those same lines, Ralph Mahalak found another way to support our brave first responders through Heart of the Badge. It’s his way supporting first responders; they have window clings at their stores available to the community and a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HeartoftheBadge/, offers more information.

18 Aces to Conquer Cancer:  18 Aces is a charity golf event to be held February 24, 2025. The Mahalak Auto Group’s Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund aims to bring awareness of pancreatic cancer, while donating proceeds to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute for Pancreatic Cancer Research.  

Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it’s a leading cause of death from a cancer diagnosis. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease is quite advanced, and surgical removal isn’t possible.

This year’s unique event will be held at The Country Club of Winter Haven, 4200 Country Club Rd. S., Winter Haven. Sponsors can win a Jeep/Ram lease with every hole-in-one; $30 million worth of cars may be given away! One golfer will have a chance to win $1,000,000; 6 golfers have the opportunity to bank $100,000. And all the while, funds will be raised to support pancreatic cancer research.

For more information on, or to become a sponsor of 18 Aces, please visit https://18acestoconquercancer.com/.

ARCA Sponsorship: The Low Payment Kings are the Official Safety Vehicle Supplier of the ARCA Safety Initiative at Racetracks Across America (c) including Flat Rock & Toledo Speedways, Daytona International Speedway, and Michigan Speedway.

EPSON Tour: The Low Payment Kings are sponsoring the Central Florida Championship February 24 – March 2, 2025 at Country Club of Winter Haven, which benefits LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.

The Mahalak family business at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Fiat of Lake Wales, Winter Haven and Posner Park, as well as their dealerships in Monroe, MI, including Monroe Superstore, Buckeye Superstore in Shelby, OH, and LPK Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Defiance in Defiance, OH, is a leader in demonstrating that service to the community is a valued responsibility. All are encouraged to participate and support these, as well as the many other charitable causes across Polk County. Taken care of each other is what it’s all about.

For more information of these upcoming events, or to find out how you can help your community, call Alex Mahalak at 863-412-7476 or visit https://www.low-payment-kings.com/

City of Lake Wales Residents May Have Three or More Candidates to Consider for the Mayor’s Office in April

As of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, voters in the City of Lake Wales may have at least three candidates to consider on the ballot in April.

Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk for the City of Lake Wales, says that three candidates have filed to run for mayor this far; Jack Hilligoss, Curtis Gibson and Kasen Hampton have each files the initial paperwork.

Both Hilligoss and Gibson have qualified to run, while Hampton has until Friday, Feb. 14 at noon to do so, Nanek says.

Steps to qualify to run for the office include several forms to be filled out, 25 nominating petitions and the filing fee of $161.08.

The formal instruction on qualifying to run for the office of Mayor of Lake Wales is as follows:

File the following forms with the City Clerk during qualifying period, no earlier than 12:00 noon on February 10, 2025 and no later than 12:00 noon on February 14, 2025. (i.e., 11:59 on February 10 is too early, and 12:01 on February 14 is too late):

  1. Appointment of Campaign Treasurer DS-DE 9 (This form must be turned in first before any nominating Candidate Petitions are circulated)
  1. Statement of Candidate, DS-DE 84, Section 106.023, F.S. (If not turned in already), but it must be within 10 days of Filing DS-DE 9 with City Clerk
  1. Candidate Oath required by Florida Statutes Section 99.021
  1. Disclosure of Financial Interests CE FORM 1 confirmation
  1. Qualifying Fee and Election Assessment Total: $161.08 Commissioner Candidates (Make payable to: City of Lake Wales) – (Check must be signed by Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer).

f.      Nominating Petitions

g.     Acceptance of Nomination

h.     Candidate’s Oath, City Code Chapter 8-40

i.      Loyalty Oath

j.      Notice of Pre-election Test of Machines

Mayor Jack Hilligoss, the current mayor, has been in office since April 2022 and is seeking reelection.

Former City Commissioner Curtis Gibson is also the mall manager at Eagle Ridge Mall and has also begun his campaign.

Kasen Hampton is 18 years old and would be seeking office for the first time.

Any new unregistered candidates seeking to run for the mayor’s office have until noon on Friday, February 14, 2025 to submit all necessary documentation.

In Loving Memory of Tammy Sue Singleton, 61, of Lake Wales

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Tammy Sue Singleton, 61

Tammy Sue Singleton of Lake Wales passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales under the care of Vitas Hospice.

She was born October 26, 1963 in Batesville, Mississippi to the late James and Sandy Tuttle. Hunting and fishing with her family in Mississippi always brought her joy. She moved to Lake Wales from Byhalia, Mississippi 35 years ago. Tammy was a loving and caring woman whose greatest pleasure was taking care of her family and her home. She lived her life in full color and could always be found with a smile on her face, looking for ways to spread her happiness to others. In her free time, Tammy enjoyed doings crafts, especially ones that required woodworking. She never missed an opportunity to share her faith in God with anyone who was around her. 

Tammy was preceded in death by her brother, Tim Tuttle. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Michael Singleton; son, Justin Singleton of Lake Wales; and sisters Debbie Weathers of Byhalia, Mississippi and Lori Wilson of Byhalia, Mississippi.

No services are scheduled at this time. 

Lake Wales Cemetery Being Prepared for Asphalt Paving

Photo: City of Lake Wales

CITY OF LAKE WALES – The roadways in the Lake Wales Cemetery are being treated as part of the City’s pavement management program. Crews are milling and grading select segments of roadways before a new layer of asphalt is applied. The City’s program is a multi-year plan that includes an inventory of roadways with condition ratings and prescribed treatment methods, such as cape seal, double-micro slurry or milling.

Crash on Hunt Brothers Rd. Near Walmart, One Injured

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At approximately 2:24 PM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the traffic collision was reported at the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Sam Walton Way in Lake Wales.

Two vehicles with moderate damage are said to be involved. At least one injured party is being transferred.

This is a busy intersection on the roadway between Walmart in Rural King. Please avoid this area as vehicles are being cleared.

Minivan Slammed by Vehicle on Hwy. 60

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A vehicle crash was reported by Polk County Fire Rescue at Hwy. 60 and 7th St. in Lake Wales at 12:40 p.m. on February 12, 2025.

There appears to be road blockage on Highway 60 westbound. Please drive carefully coming over the bridge eastbound as well. The accident is in the median area of 60.

The accident appears to involve a small silver Kia and a white minivan.

Please avoid this area if possible.

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Pearl Castillo, 66, of Frostproof

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Dorothy Pearl Castillo, 66

Dorothy Pearl Castillo of Frostproof passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at Somers Hospice House.

She was born April 14, 1958 in Brevard County to the late John and Ruby Smith. Dorothy was a fruit inspector and was a member of First Baptist Church of Frostproof. She loved to quilt, sew, go fishing, and garden. Dorothy was Mrs. Fix It and could often be found bossing others around. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Castillo of Frostproof; sons, Danny Castillo of Frostproof and Robert Castillo, and his wife Christy, of Frostproof; brother, Johnny Smith of Frostproof; friend, Kristen Jeffries; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the memorial service at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales Pastor Darroll Hood officiating. 

Join ReadingPals and Be Part of the Magic of Learning

Reading opens doors and other worlds to those who indulge in the love of reading. Children who learn to love reading often have greater academic and life success. Wouldn’t you like to introduce Lake Wales kids to the magic of reading?

Become a ReadingPal, read to children for 1 hour a week, and watch them grow.  

ReadingPals is a program of the United Way of Central Florida:

About one third of public school students in Florida cannot read on grade level by the end of third grade. This milestone is a strong predictor of graduation rates as it ultimately translates to more than 60 percent of public school 10th graders struggling, unable to read at grade level. 

ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) to 3rd grade who may need extra help, utilizing one-on-one or small group settings. Just an hour a week can make big difference for struggling children. That’s why United Way of Central Florida’s Early Literacy Initiative is seeking 200+ volunteers interested in helping children succeed academically. The initiative, sponsored by the Carol and Barney Barnett fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation, focuses on engaging, training and deploying volunteer “ReadingPals” to increase the number of students reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

In conjunction with local school districts, Early Learning Coalitions, Children’s Services Councils and The Children’s Movement of Florida, this initiative, which began in 2012, has expanded to 15 Florida United Way and other nonprofits servicing the state.

Volunteers interested in becoming a ReadingPal will receive training and will be matched with kindergarten children across 15 area schools who can benefit from this focused reading time. Teaching experience is not required.

ReadingPals are asked to volunteer for one hour, one day a week using a curriculum designed by Polk County Schools. Activities complement the core competencies five and six year old students are required to master. Under the supervision of classroom teacher and initiative trainers, ReadingPals will be asked to provide two 30-minute/back-to-back tutoring sessions weekly.

Register to make a difference in a child’s life. Visit: https://uwcf.org/readingpals/