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
The Lake Wales Highlander Band is on a roll, and not just a drum roll.
At MPA, Music Performance Assessment, last week, the Highlanders earned straight superior marks in all categories. Here was their performance:
Band Director Meagan Delacerda is over the moon about the group’s performance at this particular event.
“This is not a band competition,”she explains. “In a way it’s like a state test for bands. There are several different scores you can get but superior is the highest.”
Lake Wales has not recieved full superiors since 2009. In the 1960s and 70s the had straight superiors ever year which is when MPA first started.
“But MPA has changed drastically over the last 3 to 4 decades,” says Delacerda. “It definitely got harder for outside reasons to get superiors and Lake Wales slowly started not receiving them anymore.
“When I first came on to the Lake Wales High staff, one of their main goals was to get straight superiors again, and I told them I wasn’t sure if I could because so many other great band directors had tried years before and so I told them I would come in and create an environment that would make the kids proud of where they come from, proud to be apart of the Highlander Band and proud to be musicians and that’s all I could promise them at the time.
“This year our goal was state; it was never superiors. Some band directors put so much pressure on kids to get perfect scores and sometimes that’s not how it works, so I just asked them to be better everyday and continue on striving for excellence.
During the warm-up, Dela Cerda says she told the kids that they weren’t there to get superior marks, but they were there to make a mark, and to have fun.
‘We are here to show off what Lake Wales is about,” she says she told students prior to their performance at Dennison Stadium in Winter Haven on Nov. 9. “I want you to have fun. I want you to give them everything you got and use this as a practice for state.”
Both Delacerda and her assistant, Allison Irizarry, thought they would get a mixture of excellences and superiors; excellence is the 2nd highest possible score.
“When we went up to the press box at Denison Stadium to see our scores, we could not believe what we were looking at,” Delacerda says. “Straight superiors clear across the board…The amount of love for the show we were receiving from band directors of other schools, parents, band kids from other schools, retired band directors and so on was incredible. It was a great night but our job is not done. This Saturday is state and this is a completely different level than MPA. This is the real goal all along. If we make it to the top 5, we will have the opportunity to play in the finals for the state champs. This year our goal was not to go and win as this is our first year and we are still a very very young band but if we pull out a win that would be an A plus situation.”
Delacerda is grateful for what the students have achieved, and for the band staff who contribute countless hours of dedication.
“I would like to thank the band staff for all the help this year. Everyone in the community is thanking me but I could not do my job without them. My assistant band director, Allison Irizarry, my brass instructor, Alex Irizarry, my front ensemble instructor, Katie Konger, my drumline instructor, Justin Butler and of course all the people who have came and helped in anyway. I could not do this alone. So thank you to them.
“And I have my husband to thank, Michael Delacerda. Literally could not do this without him. He is the one that does all the sound for the show.”
The Lake Wales Highlanders state competition is scheduled for November 16 at Jupiter High School.
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center at this year’s Fall Festival! The event is free and starts at noon on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center, located at 201 SR-60, Lake Wales.
Climb aboard the hayride, get your face painted, play games, enjoy inflatables, paint pumpkins and much more. There will also be a canned food drive to donate to the Lake Wales Care Center. Donate food, and enter the drawing to win a Lake Wales branded ball cap or gym bag.
The Lake Wales History Museum will begin hosting Lake Wales Architectural Tours, on Sundays and Mondays, beginning Nov. 17.
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Lake Wales’ downtown with a guided walking tour!
This two-hour journey will immerse you in the architectural wonders and fascinating stories of our vibrant commercial district. Most of the buildings you’ll see have stood proudly for over a century, offering a glimpse into the past.
Dress comfortably, bring water, and get ready to discover the captivating history of Lake Wales!
Tickets are $10 (plus taxes and fees) and can be purchased from CentralFloridaTix.com
*Please note, if the tour is labeled “sold out” online, it is indeed sold out.
Currently, these tours are scheduled through Monday, December 9.
It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make it difficult to navigate the demands of everyday life. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can make sure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether it’s a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu.
“I always share a few easy and simple methods with my patients when cold and flu season comes back around to keep them in the best shape,” said Dr. Tim Tiutan, board-certified internal medicine physician. “Not only does getting ahead offer protection, but knowing what to do when symptoms start to come on, and what to have in your medicine cabinet, can help ease the burden of an oncoming illness.”
Preparation and prevention play important roles before a bug hits, but it’s also valuable to know how to effectively treat an illness and keep your loved ones from getting sick.
Prevent Short of stashing yourself away in a bubble, there aren’t many failsafe ways to fully avoid germs. However, some basic hygiene and preventive care can go a long way toward minimizing your risk. Regularly washing your hands can help get rid of germs before you accidentally introduce them to your eyes, mouth or nose. Be especially diligent after spending time in crowded places.
Maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle also helps ensure you’re in optimal condition if you do get sick. That means eating a nutritious, well-rounded diet and keeping up with your exercise routine. Also be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting a flu shot; while it may not fully prevent you from getting sick, in most cases it helps your body fight back and keeps your symptoms manageable.
Prepare Knowing you can’t completely eliminate your exposure to germs, it’s a good idea to ensure you have everything you need to fight a cold or flu on hand. At least once a year, give your medicine cabinet a thorough cleaning. Discard any expired medications and replace products that have run low, especially those designed to help fight symptoms like pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines and cough syrups.
It’s also a good time to restock items like tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap. Medical supplies like thermometers and humidifiers also come in handy when you’re under the weather; check to be sure yours are in good working order and consider adding any supplies you don’t already have, such as a blood pressure cuff or home oximeter.
Treat Once you’re sick, sleep is one of the best remedies. Your body can redirect energy toward healing when you’re sleeping, which helps boost your immune system, so give yourself permission to rest when you’re feeling down.
In addition to getting enough rest, it’s important to treat your symptoms, not just mask them. Because symptoms like fever, runny nose, chest congestion, cough and more can indicate a more serious problem, finding the root cause of the symptoms can be a more effective treatment strategy.
Contain Getting rest and managing your symptoms are easier when you stay at home, but it’s also the best way to prevent spreading germs to others. It’s not always practical, but if you can, limit yourself to one area of the house, away from family members. Cough into your elbow or a tissue, never your hands. Use antibacterial hand sanitizer and wipe down surfaces to minimize others’ contact with your germs.
Be especially wary of spending time with anyone who has a compromised immune system while you’re contagious, including those with pre-existing conditions, older adults and pregnant women. Take advantage of delivery or curbside services for essentials like groceries and talk with your employer about working remotely or using sick time until you’re feeling better.
When to Call for Help if You’re Feeling Lousy If you’re experiencing cold symptoms, you might wonder when it’s appropriate to see a doctor for further evaluation. While most colds resolve on their own within a week or two, there are certain instances when seeking medical attention is advisable.
High Fever: If your fever persists for more than three days or reaches 102 F or higher, consult a health care provider.
Persistent or Severe Headaches: If you experience persistent or severe headaches that are not alleviated by over-the-counter medication, it’s advisable to consult a health care provider, as this could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a week, seek medical advice.
Unusual Symptoms: If you experience uncommon or concerning symptoms during a cold, such as extreme fatigue, confusion, dehydration or a high fever that doesn’t respond to treatment, consult your doctor promptly for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Trouble Breathing: Difficulty breathing, chest pain or wheezing can indicate a more severe respiratory condition and warrant medical attention.
High-Risk Individuals: For individuals at high risk of complications from colds, such as pregnant women, the elderly or individuals with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, it’s important to seek advice early to prevent any potential complications.
Remember, your health care provider can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation, helping you manage your cold effectively and ensure optimal recovery.
Larry William Durham of Frostproof passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Gulfside Healthcare Services in Zephyrhills.
He was born July 26, 1961 in Elmhurst, Illinois to the late Richard and Alice Durham; he moved to Frostproof from Stuart, Florida two years ago. Larry was an Aviation Crew Chief and was a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Larry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Diane Durham; and brother, Jim (Alison) Durham of Frostproof.
Lake Wales Memorial Post 71, Inc., American Legion, will host its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. at Manny’s in Lake Wales.
The All Veterans Center, Inc. is a community-based, community involved organization. They use the WWI standard; if one has family that served in the us military from WWI to present day, they are a part of the military family members that they serve. Remembering that ALL-GAVE-SOME-SOME-GAVE-ALL for their country, and they feel that veterans and their family members deserve a quality lifestyle. They serve all veterans and family members.
There’s a friendly competition about to happen between Lake Wales Police Department and Lake Wales Fire Department, and the community is invited to cheer their favorite team on!
On Friday, November 15, 2024, LWPD and LWFD will play their annual First Responders’ Softball Game at Lake Wales Little League Field, 315 N. Wales Drive, Lake Wales.
The game begins at 6:30 PM.
Supporters of the Lake Wales Police Department team should wear blue. Supporters of the Lake Wales Fire Department team should wear red.
The Lake Wales History Museum will be receiving more than $26 thousand for much-needed renovations to its Yellow Depot building now that the City Commission has approved the expenditure.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 5, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda.
One agenda item pertained to an expenditure of $26,926.41 to Semco Construction, Inc. for renovations at the Museum’s Yellow Depot building.
The expenditure will be used for repairs to the Yellow Depot building’s windows and walls. Specifically, a ceiling grid will be added to help regulate temperature inside the building.
Currently, the building is being used by the museum’s curator to store artifacts and to perform their curator duties.
However, due to the lack of a framed ceiling, the building’s HVAC system is unable to maintain a proper temperature for the museum’s operations.
“By performing the renovation of adding a ceiling grid and tile system this will reduce the area that will need to be kept at the proper temperature for the museum’s operations,” Mark J. Calvert, Public Works Operation Manager, wrote in the city memo for the agenda item.
“In addition to the ceiling grid there will be new LED light fixtures added and some HVAC additions added for the new ceiling,” he continued.
The Lake Wales City Museum recently celebrated its grand re-opening on Fri. Oct. 25.
“While we originally planned for all of our updated exhibits to be completed and open to the public by our re-opening event ‘Beers with Pioneers’, due to ongoing construction, building restoration, and hurricane-related delays, the museum has made the decision to open our updated exhibits in phases,” a Facebook post on Tues. Oct. 15 stated.
The post continued: “As we continue our phased reopening, we will share progress updates and announce the opening of new exhibits on our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. The Lake Wales History Museum remains committed to being a valuable community resource during this time.”
Museum Director Angela Rosado, in an e-mail, explained that the museum’s main Pink Depot had a bid placed by the city to replace its roof. The bid was placed on Thurs. Nov. 7, and bids are being reviewed at this time.
At approximately 6:46 this evening, November 11, 2024, a traffic collision was reported on Buck Moore Road, just north of Highway 60.
Lake Wales Police Department Investigations Commander Lieutenant Dale Hampton advises that the call was for a vehicle vs. pedestrian.
“The mother was leaving the exit of Walgreens and crossed Buck Moore Rd, headed to 7-Eleven, when a vehicle struck the baby stroller she was pushing,” Hampton says.
The mother was reportedly not injured, but Hampton says the stroller was struck, and the baby was ejected from the stroller. The baby was taken by air to an unnamed hospital.
Buck Moore Rd. is currently open to traffic, but law enforcement is still present as they work to clear the area after their investigation. Please avoid this area.
On November 11, 2024 at 6:24 p.m. Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a multi-vehicle crash near the intersection of Hwy. 27 and Cypress Gardens Blvd.
It was reported that three cars were involved, two sedans and an SUV.
Vehicle 1 – Chevy Equinox
Vehicle 2 – Kia Sol
Vehicle 3 – Ford Fusion
Nathaniel Gale, Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer (PIO) confirmed one patient was transported via ground to a local hospital.
At this time, Polk County Sheriff’s Office advises the middle and outside lane of 27 are blocked on the southbound side just north of the intersection with Cypress Gardens Blvd.
