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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

How a Late-Night Cleanup Started a Serious Vehicle Fire

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Today’s public service announcement: don’t clean up spilled fuel from the trunk of the car with a vacuum cleaner.

On February 9, 2025 at 9:32 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews were dispatched to a vehicle fire reported on Rosalie Lake Rd. in Lake Wales.

Upon PCFR’s arrival at 9:44 p.m., crews observed heavy flames coming from the vehicle. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames.

According to Katelyn Hoverkamp, public information officer for PCFR, “The cause of the fire was determined to be a shop vacuum that was used to vacuum up fuel that was accidentally spilled in the trunk of the vehicle. Using the shop vac to vacuum up fuel caused the vacuum’s electrical motor to catch on fire.”

There were no injuries reported or patients transported from the scene.

The call was closed at 10:49 p.m.

12th Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding Registration Deadline Feb. 11

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Want to get married without the stress? As of this morning, there are still 7 spots left for couples to say “I do” at the 12th annual group wedding on Feb. 14, 2025 at noon at the historic Fort Blount Park in Bartow.

To participate, couples must apply for a marriage license by end of business on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The $30 ceremony fee is waived; however, standard marriage license fees do apply. 

“We are thrilled to host this cherished tradition for its 12th year,” said Polk County Clerk and Comptroller Stacy Butterfield. “It’s an honor to help couples create a stress-free, joyful, and memorable start to their new life together on such a meaningful day.”

The free ceremony is limited to 30 couples and registration is first come, first serve. 

Couples may register when applying for a marriage license at any of the three Clerk’s office locations—the Bartow Courthouse, Lakeland Government Center, or the Northeast Government Center in Lake Alfred. To register, they simply need to state they would like to participate in the event. 

All couples must apply for a marriage license and register for the event by Tuesday, Feb. 11. 

Couples must submit the first part of the marriage license application online before visiting any of the three Clerk’s offices to complete the application.

Both individuals must be present to finalize their marriage license, and both must have a valid form of photo ID. Couples must also make sure they know their Social Security Number.

 For more information or to register for the wedding, call the Official Records Department at 863-534-4516.

In Loving Memory of Kathy Ann Witt, 66, of Lake Wales

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Kathy Ann Witt, 66

Kathy Ann Witt of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at home.

She was born August 25, 1958 in Mount Clemens, Michigan to the late Wayne, Sr. and Pauline Champine; she recently moved to Lake Wales from Auburndale. Kathy was a church secretary and was a member of Impact Church. She was a creative person who enjoyed sewing, gardening, doing puzzles, baking, and decorating. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Mark Witt; daughters, Jennifer Thomas and husband Brian of Key West; Rebekah Refford and husband David of Port Saint Lucie, Meghan Kottwitz and husband Scott of Bartow; sisters, Linda Kowalski and husband Henry of New Baltimore, Michigan and Paula Hitchens and husband Joseph of Macomb, Michigan; brother, Wayne “Tootie” Champine, Jr. of Marine City, Michigan; and grandchildren, Hunter, Tyson, Tucker, Kael, and Harloe. She was preceded in death by her sister, Colleen Champine.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Impact Church (1201 Burns Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853) with Rev. Walter Nelson. 

Lake Wales City Commission Tables Resolution Concerning Controversial Proposed Parkway

by James Coulter

 

A resolution voicing opposition toward a controversial parkway proposed for Lake Wales has been tabled until the resolution’s wording can be better modified.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Feb. 4, 205, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to table a resolution that voiced their opposition to the proposed construction of Central Polk Parkway East.

The parkway is planned to connect to U.S. Highway 17-92 from SR 60 on the west side of Lake Wales with a planned Poinciana Connector segment connecting 17-92 with I-4.

However, since its proposal, the parkway has proven quite controversial among residents, many of whom fear it would disrupt local wildlife and the environment.

“The proposed alignments for the parkway have the potential to significantly impact the City of Lake Wales, including disruption to existing development, encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, and potential conflicts with the City’s long-term development plans as outlined in Lake Wales Envision,” wrote City Clerk Jennifer Nanek in the city agenda memo.

Several residents took to the podium during the public comments portion of the meeting to voice their concerns about the parkway. One resident, Catherine Price, claimed the parkway would only exasperate traffic problems, especially near Highway 27 and 60.

“What is this parkway going to do for Lake Wales other than dump more traffic into an already congested, dangerous situation?” she asked. “Highway 60 and 27 have now become death traps in the middle of the day.”

Another resident, Juanita Zwaryczuk, argued that the parkway would negatively impact Bok Tower Gardens. As such, she was disappointed that the resolution mentioned nothing about the local attraction.

“Bok Tower Gardens puts Lake Wales on the map and provides the only tourist attraction we have here,” she said. “Frankly, to me, if any land needs to be impacted, it is land no one is living at, and land that is furthest away from our established neighborhoods, and that it is built far away from Bok Tower Gardens.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson understood the concerns expressed by residents, but he also wanted to be cautious about addressing the proposed parkway.

“I want to be careful with the word opposition because I would rather have influence over this as the city rather than opposed to it,” he said. “We want to have a voice at the table and shape the conversation. So, I would love to hear more from the community.”

Commissioner Thompson recommended tabling the discussion until he and the other commissioners received enough information about the parkway to make a proper decision.

“They are not pouring concrete out there,” he said. “We are not rushing it. I don’t know what the rush is. I think we have some time.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie suggested receiving more input from the community. She recommended hosting a town hall where residents could voice their concerns and express their needs concerning transportation.

“We need a town hall where people can express their views about how we can better meet the need for transportation,” she said. “I think if we can focus on what would be the right solution, I would like to hear it.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson, while he understood the concerns about the proposed parkway, also realized that it was proposed for a reason, and that reason was a “legitimate goal.”

“We should consider this is a federal highway and the reality is that the people of the country are paying for it, as are the people in the state, and they are entitled to get from point A to point B, even if it goes through Lake Wales,” he said.

“But dumping that traffic into residential areas [as this parkway would] is a heck of an imposition, and I think that is the thing we are opposed to. We are not opposed to the expansion of road,” he elucidated.

City Commissioners voted unanimously to table the resolution. The resolution will be discussed and potentially amended at a future city commission work session.

Volunteers Welcome for Sandhill Habitat Improvement at Bok Tower Gardens February 18

Photo credit: outreach.myfwc.com

Take part as a volunteer in planting native grasses and forbs into an area of the sandhill restoration area at Bok Tower Gardens on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The opportunity comes from the Florida Wildlife Commission, more commonly known as the FWC. This event is a part of their outreach program.

The Mountain Lake Sandhill Site is located at Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. According to myFWC.com, participants will be working in sandhill habitat, roughly ¼ mi. from the dirt parking area. 

The goal for the workday is to target and plant areas of the restoration site with native species, and visibly reduce coverage of natal grass with minimal ground disturbance. 

Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and snacks; some snacks will be provided. Long pants, closed-toed shoes, hat and sunscreen are highly recommended. Also, working gloves and your favorite work tools are welcome. Insects are usually not a problem but bring bug spray if desired.

This event is a partnership between Bok Tower Gardens and Ridge Rangers volunteers. It has become a continuous project because of the successful efforts of previous Ridge Rangers.

To register for this event, use the following link by Feb. 17, 2025: https://outreach.myfwc.com/events/register.aspx?id=1935735&itemid=d0c9e35b-1acf-4125-ae1e-62f0f98511b2

For more information, contact Jonathan Floigno at [email protected] or call 863-991-0198

In Loving Memory of James “Andy” Anthony Brewer, 67, of Lake Wales

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James “Andy” Anthony Brewer, 67

James “Andy” Anthony Brewer of Lake Wales passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at his residence.

He was born November 29, 1957 in Lake Wales to the late James and Betty Brewer. Andy was a union pipe welder and was a member of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge. He played the guitar in a band and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Andy was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Greg McMaster. He is survived by his son, Brent Brewer and wife Jena of Lake Wales; sister, Theresa McMaster of Winter Haven; brother, Bobby Brewer and wife Cheryl of Winter Haven; and grandchildren, Carly and Maddie.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. 

Make a UV Resin Heart Pendant Free at Lake Wales Public Library Feb. 13

Example of a UV heart pendant

The Lake Wales Public Library will host a free class on UV Resin on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this initial resin class will show you how to make a resin heart pendant for yourself or someone you love! Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Sign up on Eventbrite here.

In Loving Memory of Connie Faye Emlyn Hood, 73

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Connie Faye Emlyn Hood, 73 

Connie Faye Emlyn Hood of Sebring passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital.

She was born November 24, 1951, in Tampa to the late Woodrow and Ruby Emlyn; she has been a resident of Polk and Highlands County for many years. Connie was a retired regional manager for Waters Edge Dermatology. She enjoyed making people happy through her cooking. She also enjoyed gardening and traveling. Overall, Connie loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Connie was preceded in death by her nephews, Christopher Emlyn and Chuck Emlyn. She is survived by her daughter, Gina Reynolds of Sebring; son, Roger Hood, Jr. and wife Michelle of Purcell, Oklahoma; brothers, Terry Emlyn and wife Maria of Plant City and Charles Emlyn of Florida; grandchildren, Kayla, Ryan, Kaden, Maelani; and former husband, Roger Hood, Sr.

Enjoy “An Evening with Muriel Anderson” at Bok Tower Gardens Feb. 11

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Muriel Anderson is a guitarist, harp-guitarist and composer who embraces music from all over the world with grace, joy and gentle humor. If you’re not already familiar with Muriel, you will find yourself smiling when you feel the joy of her music shining through an array of styles.

Anderson is performing at Bok Tower Gardens on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at
7:00 p.m.

The performance is free for members, $20 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member children ages 6-17, and free for kids 5 and under. No registration is required.

Ticket price includes general admission to the Gardens. Tickets are available for purchase at boktower.org, in person at the Visitor Center or by phone at 863-734-1222.

Two Juveniles Arrested in Connection with Last Week’s Shooting Near Scenic Hwy.

Two juveniles have been arrested and charged by Lake Wales Police Department in a shooting incident that occurred on January 28, 2025 near Scenic Highway and Osceola Avenue in Lake Wales.

According to the two arrest affidavits provided to Lake Wales Daily, Dontrell Jones, DOB 8/3/2008, and Isaiah Guzman, DOB 10/18/2007, were allegedly in the area of the Tip Top Food Mart, located on Scenic Hwy., on said date.

Mug shot of Dontrell Jones, one of two suspects arrested and charged in the Jan. 28, 2025 Lake Wales shooting. Photo from polksheriff.org.

Several moments after being observed in the area, according to Jones’ affidavit, “(REDACTED) heard multiple gunshots near the area where the juveniles were located at. (REDACTED) described an older model White in color Buick four door (sic) as possibly being a target of the fired shots.”

This affidavit further states that Jones fled from the scene after being lawfully commanded to approach members of law enforcement. As he fled, Jones is said to have thrown “a bag on the train tracks in attempt to discard evidence.” He was ultimately apprehended at that time.

Jones has been charged with one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3), one count of Resisting Officer without Violence (M1), one count of Under 18 Years of Age Unlawful Possession Firearm (M1), and Accessory After the Fact 1st Degree Felony (F2).

According to his arrest affidavit, 17-year-old Guzman was observed by law-enforcement, as they were responding to the scene, walking towards Seminole Avenue.

Mugshot of Isaiah Guzman, the second suspect arrested and charged in the Jan. 28, 2025 Lake Wales shooting incident. Photo provided by PCSO.

A witness, whose information is redacted in this report, is said to have personally known Guzman, was the driver of the Buick in question, and saw Guzman “firing a handgun directly at his vehicle.”

The report states that the “vehicle did not appear to have been struck by any of the rounds.”

“The firearm was later recovered and identified as a Polymer P80 9mm. 9mm shell chasing (sic) were located in the grass directly where Guzman was (REDACTED) firing the firearm“.

Guzman was charged with Discharge of a Firearm on School Property, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 18 Years Old, Discharge of a Firearm in Public, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Without Intent to Kill.