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

Staff Reporter
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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

Spring Plant Sale Set for April 12 at Bok Tower Gardens

Maria Iannucci
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Spring Plant Sale Set for April 12 at Bok Tower Gardens

Spring in for a Spring Plant Sale at Bok Tower Gardens on April 12, 2025, and get your home garden or landscape ready for the season. Enjoy live music on the Terrace, an afternoon performance with Matt Venuti, and more.

Event Date & Time

Saturday, April 12, 2025
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location

Visitor Center Picnic Area

Price

Free for Members / $20 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member child (includes admission) Children 5 and under receive free admission.

Vendors: 
A&J Foliage
Bates Sons & Daughters
Cody Cove Farms
Cypress Gardens Nursery
D.R. Bates
Food Forest Finds
Hartley Farm
Jax’s Jungle
Just Plumerias
My Crazy Plant life
Orchids and Tropical Plants
The Habitat
Springer Environmental
The Natives
Third Insight Design
Willow Gardens

Music on the Terrace
AcousticDose
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

Concert in the Visitor Center Theater
Matt Venuti
AmeriCosmos Live
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Welcome, World Travelers! Here’s What Disney World Attractions Will Be Closing (And When)

Maria Iannucci
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Welcome, World Travelers! Here’s What Disney World Attractions Will Be Closing (And When)

by James Coulter

 

From the Muppets taking over a classic coaster in Hollywood Studios, to new Indiana Jones and Encanto rides coming to Animal Kingdom, to a whole villains-themed land being built in the Magic Kingdom, big changes are coming to Walt Disney World.

However, with these big changes also comes the closing of many old and beloved attractions Here’s what attractions will be closing this year and when they will close:

#1: Magic Kingdom

The good news is that the Magic Kingdom will see a massive expansion with the construction of both Cars and Villains-themed lands. The bad news is that these new lands will also see the removal of the iconic Rivers of America with the Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat attractions.

When exactly the river will be closed and drained to make way for the new lands has yet to be officially announced. However, the Disney Parks Blog has stated that: “Ahead of work revving into high gear next year, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today.”

As of December 2024, Disney has submitted updated plans to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI) and is currently awaiting its approval. For now, the Rivers of America can be expected to close sometime later this year.

But the Rivers will not be the only Frontierland attraction to close. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad recently closed temporarily for refurbishment, with an expected opening sometime next year in 2026.

Also, in Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents show had likewise closed temporarily for refurbishment and is scheduled to re-open sometime later this year.

#2: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A new Latin America-themed land has been proposed for the park with attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. The new land will replace Dinoland USA along with its attractions including The Boneyard play area and the iconic Dinosaur thrill ride.

So far, TriceraTop Spin, along with smaller attractions like Fossil Fun Games and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, have already shut down as of this January. Several more attractions are slated for closure throughout the year, with the Dinosaur ride slated to close in 2026.

Meanwhile, the It’s Tough to Be A Bug 4-D show located in the Tree of Life will close its doors on Mar. 17 to make way for its replacement, Zootopia: Better Together. Kali River Rapids has also closed temporarily and is set to re-open sometime this spring.

#3: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

It’s finally time to stop the music. It’s time to dim the lights. And it’s almost time to meet the Muppets one last time before they close the doors to their iconic  MuppetVision 3D show.

Both MuppetVision 3D and the adjoining themed restaurant PizzeRizzo are scheduled to close permanently on June 7. The area will be rethemed and renovated into the new Monster Inc.-themed land, which will include a suspended roller coaster.

 

As for the Muppets, they are set to make their new home at Rock n Roller Coaster, which will be rethemed to the Muppets’ band, The Electric Mayhem. While this means Rock n Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith will be set to close, no official closure date has been announced.

In Loving Memory of Matthew Joel “Dittimus” Laffey, 79

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Matthew Joel “Dittimus” Laffey, 79

Matthew Joel “Dittimus” Laffey, 79, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on March 8, 2025, at his home.

Born on November 28, 1945, in Orlando, Florida, to James and Jannette Laffey, Matt grew up with a love for travel, in both the physical and spiritual realms, that would define his life. He graduated from Ocala High School in 1963 before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Jacksonville University in 1968, upon which he earned his CPA license on the first try.

After graduation, Matt attended Officer Candidate School at OTCN before proudly serving in the United States Navy from 1968-1970, including a tour in Vietnam where he served as an LTJG aboard the USS Leader. Upon returning home, he joined Pan American Airlines to kick off a 50 year career as a CPA and Financial Controller. From his time in Florida at Waverly Growers, to an overseas move to Saudi Arabia for General Dynamics Land Systems, to finally returning to Florida 14 years later for TRIM-PAK, he ended his career with the same passion and dedication to duty with which he began. Traits that earned him admiration and life-long friendships with colleagues.

Matt was a devoted husband to his wife of 48 years, Marjorie Gail (née Sloan), who survives him. Their partnership was a testament to the unbreakable bond that love, patience, and the thrill of a good thrift store find can forge. He is also survived by their children, Katrina Ambrose (Nicole) of Cool, CA and Sarah Pitt (Greg) of Tallahassee, FL; two grandchildren: Lucian and Jackson; his older sister, Donna Isler (Jack) of Sierra Vista, AZ; every single beloved Yager and Sloan niece, nephew, and cousin; and childhood friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, David (Cheryl) and Michael (Pat).

Matt’s family was the inspiration for all his endeavors and accomplishments. His legacy thrives in the lives he touched through kindness, humor, intelligence, and open-mindedness. The consummate gentleman, tirelessly putting others before himself, he taught his children to treat others with the same kindness with which they treated their mother. That said, Matt never shied away from a good-natured prank. He was notorious for his quick wit and unpredictable antics. A life-long learner, he explored the boundaries of the human experience through his love of reading, music, meditation, and travel. Travels which inspired a fondness for new and interesting foods and produced family favorites garlic spaghetti and lima bean salad, the cherished centerpieces of many family meals.

Through his deeds he set the standard for which all men should strive.

A Celebration of Life will follow in the coming months. If you would like to attend, please send your contact info to [email protected]. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to one of his favorite shows on WMNF.org—Acoustic Peace Club, Postmodern Hootenanny, The Sixties Show—in Matt’s name.

“The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There’s only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment”. – Buddha

Registration Open for Lake Wales Arts Council Summer Arts Camp 2025

Maria Iannucci
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Registration Open for Lake Wales Arts Council Summer Arts Camp 2025

If your kids enjoy crafts, creativity, and fun, get ready for summer at the Lake Wales Arts Council Summer Arts Camp 2025.

This year, camp will be held over three weeks; Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20; Monday, June 23 – June 27; and Monday, July 7 – 11.

Students ages 6-13 are welcome for an immersive week or weeks of fine arts education and hands-on learning. Whether your child is interested in painting, drawing, pottery, music, drama, dance, graphic design, or photography, there is something for everyone.

Each week will offer a unique blend of artistic activities designed to nurture creativity and inspire imagination. With both half-day and full-day options available, students will have the chance to explore a variety of artistic disciplines in a supportive and fun environment. No prior experience is needed—just a love for the arts and a curiosity to learn.

This is the perfect opportunity for your child to discover their artistic potential while making new friends and creating lasting memories.

Full day camp per week is $300, but with advanced purchase, the rate is $270 per week, or $240 if you are a member of LWAC. A $100 deposit is required to hold your spot.

Half days, either mornings or afternoons, per week is $175, but with advanced purchase, the rate is $160 per week, or $140 if you are a member of LWAC. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot.

The Lake Wales Arts Council is located at 1099 Highway 60 East, Lake Wales. For more information, or to register online, visit https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/buy-tickets?pg=selectevent&eid=147371&edid=0

Wauchula Moose Lodge “Pays It Forward” with AED for Arcadia Moose Lodge

Maria Iannucci
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Wauchula Moose Lodge “Pays It Forward” with AED for Arcadia Moose Lodge

by James Coulter

 

After receiving their own automated external defibrillator (AED) for their facility, the Wauchula Moose Lodge raised enough money to “pay it forward” and sponsor an AED donation for the Arcadia Moose Lodge.

On Mon. Mar. 10, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) placed its 61st AED at the Arcadia Moose Lodge #1327/#1597. The AED was donated in large part to Wauchula Moose Lodge #1487.

The Wauchula Moose Lodge received their own AED last month from CCF. Inspired by the donation, the Lodge decided to raise the proceeds to “pay it forward” by sponsoring an AED donation for the Arcadia Moose Lodge.

“It is an amazing feeling that the Wauchula Moose Lodge paid it forward,” said April White, a member of the Arcadia Moose Lodge. “I hope our lodge pays it forward.”

April White started working at the Lodge four years ago. She started working in the kitchen, then as a bartender, and now as the social quarters and kitchen manager.

She was especially impressed by the presentation by Eric Shimkus, who demonstrated how to use the AED and perform CPR in case of an emergency.

“The demonstration was amazing,” she said. “This learning experience was amazing for myself and my bartenders, as we have discussed the learning experience that we got and what we learned [from it].

That evening, CCF founder Melanie Brown Culpepper also highlighted the importance of keeping fire extinguishers in vehicles, noting an incident in Nov. where a young girl Jolynn lost her life in a car accident.

“All of these I added to our demonstration in the hope to share the importance of Saving Lives,” Melanie wrote on Facebook. “Thank you everyone and our community so very much as without our community support, we could not make this all happen.”

Melanie started CCF more than four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest.

Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her non-profit to raise proceeds to donate AEDs across Polk County. Since its inception, it has donated more than 60 AEDs.

To learn more, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

Maria Iannucci
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Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

by James Coulter

 

I love curry. I love how the blend of sweet and spicy makes Indian food so flavorful. And I love being able to make my food extra spicy by adding hot peppers to the mix.

The only thing I love more than curry is my slow cooker. All you have to do is dump all your ingredients in the pot, turn it on, and let it cook through the day for a delicious meal come dinner time. So, of course, I love being able to prepare my curry dishes with my slow cooker.

And making the entire experience more convenient are curry sauces sold premade in jars. It certainly saves me time measuring and adding all of the different spices. All I have to do is dump the sauce in with my meat and veggies, and I have a scrumptious curry dinner by the end of the day.

I recently purchased my first curry simmer sauce and used it to make chicken tikka masala. The sauce was extra spicy, just the way I love it! The recipe is easy enough: just add the sauce to a pound of chicken and cook. 

However, like with all good recipes, it can always be improved with modifications. So, I also added diced onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chilies for added spice. The result was a spicy helping of curry served with white rice and naan bread.

With how easy this recipe is, I certainly expect to prepare it for future meals. Maybe next time I’ll add jalapeno or even poblano and habanero peppers. The spicier, the better.

 

 

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

 

Ingredients

 

1 lb. chicken thigh or breast

1 tbsp. minced garlic

1 15. oz. jar curry sauce (like Patak’s Taste of India)

1 diced onion

1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes (fire roasted for added heat)

1 7 oz. can green chilies or jalapenos (optional for added heat)

 

Directions

 

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized portions.

2. In a large frying pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

3. Add the chicken and cook until the meat turns white.

4. Add contents to slow cooker along with sauce, diced tomatoes, and peppers.

5. Cook on high for six hours, or low for eight hours, or until chicken has been cooked thoroughly.

6. Serve with rice and naan bread.

Lake Wales Airport to Receive New Security Gate and Extended Fencing for $61K

Maria Iannucci
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Lake Wales Airport to Receive New Security Gate and Extended Fencing for $61K

by James Coulter

 

The Lake Wales Municipal Airport is expected to receive a new security gate and extended fencing if the Lake Wales City Commission approves a $61K contract agreement.

At their workshop session on Wed. Mar. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed the consent agenda for their upcoming meeting on Monday evening.

One of the items is a contract agreement with Lake Wales Way for the Airfield Security Fencing and Access. The contract amount is $61,000, which will be fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The contract will help cover the costs of a project to enhance the airport’s security fencing and access. This project will include replacing the airport’s manual security gate with an electronic gate, as well as extending the security fence from the fuel farm east to the end of runway 24.

In the city agenda item, Amanda Lomneck, City Airport Director, wrote that FDOT “has awarded a 100% grant in the amount of $80,000 to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for security upgrades. This amount will be used to cover the $61,000 contract with Lake Wales Way.”

Lake Wales Way had placed a bid for $106,382.38, which, at the request of the city, was scaled down to $61,000. Two other bids were submitted by JCR Construction and Semco Construction for $128,909.74 and $138,084.94 respectively.

The agenda item, along with the rest of the consent agenda, will be reviewed and voted on at the next city commission meeting, scheduled for Mon. Mar. 17, 2025 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Tonight’s SpaceX Rocket Launch One Step Closer to Bringing Stranded Astronauts Home

Maria Iannucci
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Tonight’s SpaceX Rocket Launch One Step Closer to Bringing Stranded Astronauts Home

Anyone catch this contrail earlier this evening ?

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:03 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, and with it, hope to bring two overdue astronauts home to earth.

The spacecraft is carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station. Once they arrive, the craft is scheduled to bring home U.S. astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck on the ISS for nine months and counting.

The craft is due to arrive at the space station on Saturday night after a journey of approximately 28 hours.

Biodiversity Bingo Buggy Tour at Tiger Creek Preserve March 15

Maria Iannucci
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Biodiversity Bingo Buggy Tour at Tiger Creek Preserve March 15

An exciting adventure at The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve! Get ready to hop on a buggy and explore the diverse wildlife and plants that call this preserve home.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 9am to 12 noon.

The Biodiversity Bingo game will add a fun twist to your nature exploration as you search for different species along the way. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts while having a blast in the great outdoors!

All buggy guests must be able to climb steep steps to board the buggy. There will be optional stops along the tour for guests to get out and explore.

The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve is located at 674 Pfundstein Rd., Babson Park.

Limited space is available for this free opportunity. Secure your spot in advance at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biodiversity-bingo-buggy-tour-tickets-1246606195689?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

In Loving Memory of Elaine Serrano-Walker, 59, of Frostproof

Maria Iannucci
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0
In Loving Memory of Elaine Serrano-Walker, 59, of Frostproof

Elaine Serrano-Walker, 59, of Frostproof, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Elaine was born in the Bronx, NY on June 10, 1965 to the late Hector M. and Adelaide (Garraballo) Serrano. She was a home maker and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She loved nature, horseback riding, her congregation at the Kingdom Hall and spending time with her family, especially her daughter and granddaughter. She and her husband were donors for Lowry Park in Tampa.

She is preceded in death by her brother Hector Serrano.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 9 years, Todd Walker; daughter Jessi Karaqi and husband Alexander, of Morrisville, NC; a granddaughter, Alexandria; many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehova’s Witnesses, at a later date.

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