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

One Movie Later: KPop Demon Hunters is the Best Animated Film of 2025

Entertainment

Allison

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October 16, 2025

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One Movie Later: KPop Demon Hunters is the Best Animated Film of 2025

by James Coulter

If you told me a decade ago that Sony Pictures Animation would be releasing animated movies better than Disney, I would have cocked an eyebrow. Back then, Sony was infamous for releasing dreck like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and The Emoji Movie.

However, within the past half decade, Sony has upped it game with movies that have blown Disney out of the water, releasing such stunning animated masterpieces like the Spider-Verse films, Mitchells vs. the Machines, and their biggest hit yet, KPopDemon Hunters.

Since its debut earlier this summer, KPop Demon Hunters has become a surprise hit. Not only has it become Netflix’s most-watched original title with 266 million views, but its soundtrack became the first to have four of its songs reach the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. But is KPop Demon Hunters really “Golden”? Or is it a film deserving of a “Take Down”?

KPop Demon Hunters follows three girls: Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. When they’re not busting rhymes as the K-pop trio Huntrix, they’re busy busting up demons as demon hunters. Their music also creates Honmoon, a magical barrier between the human and demon world.

However, when a group of demons disguised as a boy band enter the music scene, not only do their demonic melodies threaten to destroy the Honmoon, but also to knock Huntrix off the top of the music charts. Can the demon-hunting trio save the world and their title as the hottest K-pop bands?

KPop Demon Hunters is what you would get if you crossed Buffy: The Vampire Slayer with Jem and the Holograms. Of course, its overall anime aesthetic, especially with its magical girl characters slaying demons, makes it more comparable to anime like Sailor Moon and Demon Slayer.

Like many recent animated films like the Spider-Verse films and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, this movie’s art style offers a unique blend of 2-D and 3-D animation, resulting in a visually-stunning film that looks like a Japanese anime brought into the third dimension.

The art style shines brightest through its characters’ over-the-top expressions, like when the K-pop trio gorge themselves on a Korean snack platter before their big concert. One notable example is when the band’s energetic, bubbly rapper, Zoey, fawns over a hot guy’s abs, with her eyes turning into hearts, then ab-shaped corn cobs, and the popping into popcorn that her band mater, Mira, starts eating.

The movie’s creator and co-director, Maggie Kang, previously worked on Disney films like Ralph Breaks the Internet. She’s on record calling KPop Demon Hunters her “love letter to K-pop and Korean roots”, with the aim of the movie to combine modern Korean music and culture with ancient mythology and demonology. I know nothing about anything Korean, but from the looks of it, she seemed to do a good job.

Undoubtedly, with the story being about a K-Pop band, the movie’s most shining aspect is its music. The songs are certainly deserving of topping the Billboard charts. As they not only serve as catchy pop songs in their own right, but, like any good number in a movie musical, put words and music to the emotions of its characters. (My favorite song is the rival band’s hit song “Soda Pop.”)

As for the story, not only is the movie’s biggest conflict between the main characters and the rival band, but also the inner conflict experienced by one of the main characters. No spoiler, but one of the characters has a deep dark secret they’ve kept hidden from everyone else and which they feel could jeopardize their mission if it’s revealed.

Also, no spoilers, but like most female-led action films, the movie involves one of the characters falling in love with a “bad boy”, one whose tragic past not only allows him to connect with that character and her secret, but also flesh out his character as a sympathetic villian.

Hands down, KPop Demon Hunters is the best animated movie of the year. Both it and other animated films by other animation studios have been giving Disney a run for its money. Not helping has been how the House of Mouse has been releasing forgettable flicks like Elio, Moana 2, and Wish. If Disney wants to reclaim its title as the most influential animation studio, then it better start taking notes from films like this one.

These K-pop stars don’t just slay demons. They slay mice!

The Wicked Tales of Lake Ashton Haunted House!

Events

Allison

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October 16, 2025

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The Wicked Tales of Lake Ashton Haunted House!

Presented by Lake Ashton Performing Arts Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Dare to enter the Enchanted Haunted Forest, where witches chant and warlocks plot in the shadows. It’s not just a haunted house—it’s a chilling journey through twisted trees, eerie whispers, and spine-tingling surprises.

Inside these haunted walls, fear meets fantasy. Navigate foggy paths, dodge mischievous spirits, and uncover secrets that dance between illusion and reality.

Survive the scares and earn your reward—sweet treats await those who brave the thrills and emerge on the other side!

Join us for a night of fright, fun, and festive fear.

October 30 and 31 at Lake Ashton Clubhouse

4141 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales, Florida, 33859

Ticket info here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lake-ashton-performing-arts-corporation/the-wicked-tales-of-lake-ashton?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7PaVELZFSoqgA3JoO7yLG1QVkOiZ6RlrC_LzBxSdwMgN-Kpq_hsppY4kiZ6w_aem_vuOOXAoPxOVCs1L-ZozG5A#

No Tricks, Just Treats: Halloween Safety Tips for Polk County Families

Education

Allison

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October 16, 2025

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No Tricks, Just Treats: Halloween Safety Tips for Polk County Families

by James Coulter

Halloween is right around the corner. Soon, children of all ages will don their best costumes, go door-to-door, and ask for treats to fill their bags and baskets.

However, this fun yearly “treat” can prove quite tricky if the proper safety precautions are ignored. Here are a few common-sense safety tips to ensure a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience.

1. Select Safe Costumes. A safe Halloween always starts with a safe costume. Choose well-fitting, flame-resistant costumes. Have your children try on their costumes first to ensure they fit properly. Oversized costumes that are too long and loose can pose tripping hazards, especially when navigating stairs or uneven sidewalks.

2. Choose Face Paint Over Masks. Masks can obstruct your child’s vision. As such, face painting is a much safer alternative. However, if your young ones insist on wearing masks, make sure the eye holes are wide enough to provide proper vision, and that the inside of the masks offers proper ventilation.

3. Plan Ahead. Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time. Plan a meeting spot in a well-lit location in case anyone becomes separated. Make sure your child has their home address and phone number memorized. Otherwise, provide them with ID stickers or wristbands with parental contact information. And make sure cell phones are fully charged in case of an emergency.

4. Walk in Groups. Trick-or-treating with friends and family isn’t simply more fun but safer. Have your young children travel in a group supervised by an adult or an older child. And make sure the only strangers they talk to are the ones they meet door-to-door offering candy.

5. Travel in Well-Lit Areas. An hour or two before sunset (around 5 pm) is the best time to go trick-or-treating, as the daylight will ensure safe travels. If you end up trick-or-treating after dark, be sure to walk on well-lit streets and sidewalks and avoid unlit paths and areas, especially alleys. And be sure to wear bright clothing, reflective tape and stickers, or glow sticks to remain visible to automobiles and other pedestrians. Return home around 9 PM.

6. Practice Street Safety. Be as careful walking and crossing streets at night as you are during the day. Only cross at intersections, and avoid busy roads and streets. Walk on the side of the road or on sidewalks, and use crosswalks when crossing. Before crossing, look both ways and listen for oncoming vehicles. Very young children should hold the hands of an adult or older child.

7. Inspect Candy Carefully. Never let your children consume unwrapped candy. Wait until returning home before eating candy. Check wrappers and packaging carefully to ensure the candy is unopened. For children with food allergies, read the list of ingredients for any potential allergens. Homes with teal pumpkins signify allergy-safe non-food treats. Remove and avoid any small candies that can prove to be choking hazards for very young children.

8. Attend Family-Friendly Events. Many cities across Polk County host trunk or treats, indoor and outdoor Halloween parties, and other fun events for children and families. Bartow hosts its Annual Halloween Parade and Carnival on Thurs. Oct. 30, starting at 4 PM. Frostproof will be hosting a street dance with citywide trick or treating on Fri., Oct. 25, starting at 6 PM. Polk State College will be hosting Trick-or-Treat with Sheriff Judd at their Lakeland campus on Sat. Oct. 18, starting at 6 PM. Many local schools and churches host trunk or treat events, and many community centers host Halloween parties. Check city calendars and websites for listings of upcoming events.

Lake Wales Woman Wanted for Grand Theft After Allegedly Using Stolen CareCredit Card

CRIME

Allison

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October 15, 2025

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Lake Wales Woman Wanted for Grand Theft After Allegedly Using Stolen CareCredit Card

Did you know that the medical card CareCredit isn’t just for medical use? Apparently 28 year-old Mackenzie Nicole Brooks did. She utilized a CareCredit card that our victim lost to make fraudulent purchases totaling $929. Over four days, Brooks is seen on security video at various stores to include Publix, Hibachi Express, Dollar Tree, WaWa, Citgo and Rainbow. An arrest warrant for Grand Theft has been obtained for Brooks, who possibly resides in Lake Wales.
The victim lost her wallet containing the CareCredit card along with other bank cards. The bank cards were cancelled, but the CareCredit card was not. (Anyone who has a CareCredit card, please take note that it should also be cancelled should it be lost or stolen.)

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Mackenzie Nicole Brooks is asked to contact Detective Heuer at 863-271-6784.
If you wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

Lake Wales Shines at 2025 Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Hall of Fame Gala

City of Lake Wales

Allison

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October 15, 2025

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Lake Wales Shines at 2025 Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Hall of Fame Gala

The City of Lake Wales took center stage at this year’s Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Hall of Fame Gala, celebrating some of the county’s most inspiring contributors to the arts.

Beloved Lake Wales historian and preservation advocate Mimi Hardman was officially inducted into the Polk Arts & Cultural Hall of Fame for her decades of dedication to preserving local history and promoting cultural enrichment throughout Polk County.

Bok Tower Gardens, one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, earned the title of Arts & Cultural Organization of the Year, highlighting its ongoing impact on education, nature, and the arts.

In addition, Lake Wales resident Becky Wynkoop was among the finalists for Arts & Cultural Volunteer of the Year, and Tommy Frank, Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Center, received a nomination for the Rising Star Award.

2025 Polk Arts & Cultural Hall of Fame Inductees:

Robert Butler, Visual Arts – Lakeland John & Terry Frost, Arts & Cultural Champions Mimi Hardman, Arts & Cultural Champion – Lake Wales Joe Mitchell, Arts Educator – Lakeland Carol Krajacic Erkes, Arts Educator – Winter Haven Alan Reynolds, Theater Arts – Lakeland

Namesake Apostolic Church in Lake Wales Hosting Classic Game Theme Trunk-Or-Treat

Events

Allison

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October 14, 2025

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CLASSIC GAME THEME TRUNK-OR-TREAT

You’re invited to join Namesake Apostolic Church for a night full of fun, family, and faith! If you’re looking for a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, this free Trunk-or-Treat event is the perfect option. The church grounds will be brightly lit and lined with decorated car trunks filled with candy for kids to enjoy — all in a secure, welcoming environment.

This year’s theme is “Classic Games,” bringing to life some of your favorites like Monopoly, Candyland, Super Mario, Pac-Man, and more! Come experience creative décor, festive fun, and a positive community atmosphere.

Namesake Apostolic Church invites everyone to celebrate the season together while shining a light on faith and family. You never know how one fun night could inspire something bigger!

October 31, 2025 | 6:30 PM

Namesake Apostolic Church, 34 Hwy. 60 W., Lake Wales, FL

For details, call 863-678-3961

Lake Wales Chooses Restoration St. Louis to Renovate Historic Walesbilt Hotel

Kip

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October 14, 2025

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Lake Wales Chooses Restoration St. Louis to Renovate Historic Walesbilt Hotel

By Kip Kirchberg

In a significant step toward revitalizing downtown Lake Wales, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has selected Restoration St. Louis as the preferred developer to restore the long-vacant Walesbilt Hotel. The decision, made during the CRA meeting on October 13, 2025, marks the culmination of a months-long process to breathe new life into the iconic 10-story structure that has stood empty for decades.

The Walesbilt Hotel, originally built in 1926 as the Grand Hotel, has a storied history as a centerpiece of Lake Wales’ downtown. Once a bustling hub for visitors and locals alike, the Mediterranean Revival-style building fell into disrepair after closing in the 1990s. Renamed the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in later years, it has been the subject of multiple failed redevelopment attempts, including a prolonged legal battle that ended with the city regaining ownership in April 2025 for $450,000.

City officials issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in June 2025, inviting developers to submit proposals for the hotel’s restoration. By July, four bids were received, which were narrowed down to two finalists in September: Restoration St. Louis Inc. and the Blackmon and Andoniades Families. Both teams presented their visions during a special CRA workshop earlier in October, with Restoration St. Louis proposing to transform the hotel into a Marriott-branded property while redeveloping the surrounding block to include retail and residential spaces.

During the October 13 meeting, the CRA board voted to select Restoration St. Louis as the top choice, citing the company’s extensive experience in historic restorations and its comprehensive plan for the site. “This is a pivotal moment for Lake Wales,” said City Manager James Slaton in a statement following the vote. “Restoration St. Louis brings the expertise and vision needed to not only preserve this historic gem but to make it a vibrant economic driver for our community.”

Meeting to review proposals to Restore Walesbilt

This selection is widely viewed as a positive move for downtown Lake Wales, poised to revitalize the area by drawing tourists, boosting local foot traffic, and attracting new businesses to the surrounding district. The addition of a branded hotel and ground-floor retail is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall vibrancy of the community, turning a long-neglected eyesore into a cornerstone of prosperity.

Restoration St. Louis, based in Missouri, specializes in rehabilitating historic buildings into modern hotels and mixed-use developments. The firm has successfully restored properties like the Cheshire Inn in St. Louis and has a track record of partnering with major hotel brands. Their proposal for the Walesbilt includes restoring the building’s original architectural features, adding 100-120 guest rooms, and incorporating ground-floor retail to enhance downtown foot traffic. The project is estimated to cost between $30 million and $40 million, with potential funding from historic tax credits and city incentives.

The competing bid from the Blackmon and Andoniades Families, local developers with ties to the area, focused on a boutique hotel concept with community-oriented amenities. While praised for its local flavor, the board ultimately favored Restoration St. Louis for its scalability and proven financial backing.

With the selection made, City Manager Slaton will now enter negotiations with Restoration St. Louis to finalize a development agreement. If successful, construction could begin as early as mid-2026, with the hotel potentially reopening by 2028. Residents and business owners in downtown Lake Wales have expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as a catalyst for further economic growth in the area.

The Walesbilt’s revival is part of a broader effort to preserve Lake Wales’ historic charm while fostering modern development. As one local historian noted, “This hotel isn’t just a building; it’s the heart of our city’s story.”

Washington Park: A Hub for Sports and Family Fun in Lake Wales

Outdoors

Allison

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October 13, 2025

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Washington Park: A Hub for Sports and Family Fun in Lake Wales

Washington Park, located at 6000 Washington Avenue in Lake Wales, is a community favorite offering a wide range of recreational amenities.

The park features a baseball field, football field, and basketball courts perfect for league play or casual games.

Families can enjoy the playground, open play areas, and shaded picnic spots with tables and shelters ideal for gatherings. Convenient restrooms and a pavilion make it easy to spend the day outdoors.

Whether you’re looking to join a local sports league or enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends and family, Washington Park offers something for everyone in the heart of Lake Wales.

Jonathan Beasley: From Sheriff’s Deputy to Furniture Salesman at Royal’s Furniture in Lake Wales

Uncategorized

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2025

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Jonathan Beasley: From Sheriff’s Deputy to Furniture Salesman at Royal’s Furniture in Lake Wales

by James Coulter

Before he became a salesperson, Jonathan Beasley worked as an officer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the county’s honorable Sheriff Grady Judd.

After graduating from high school, Beasley attended the academy and became a county deputy sheriff for four years.

“My Dad asked me when I was going to leave there and go somewhere else. He asked me to please get out of that profession in general,” Beasley explained. “I wasn’t too sure about it because sales was not something I was interested in. But I was already kind of in the people business, working with people, so I was like, ‘I’ll try it.’ I came back and now ten years later I am still here and enjoying it.”

While Beasley no longer protects and serves his community as an officer, he now serves customers by offering them great deals on furniture, appliances, mattresses, and more.

For him, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a customer leave happy with something new to furnish their homes.

“It is hard to explain if you haven’t ever been in sales, but people who sell cars and other people can understand,” he said. “When someone walks out of here, I have done the sales side where they are excited they have a new house or whatever, and they are renovating their room, they are excited to see this new furniture come in. And I have been on the delivery side where we get to put it in the house and they just get excited…It’s just fun to see people get excited about what they are in here shopping for. It’s a good feeling.”

Originally, the store began as Badcock and More. The store opened under Beasley’s grandfather in the 1960s, and his father owned and operated the store after him. However, with the franchise recently facing bankruptcy and closing many of its stores, the Lake Wales location was turned into Royal’s Furniture.

The change has allowed the store to offer an even wider selection of furniture, many of which are locally sourced right here in Florida.

“We were left to figure out what to do next, Beasley said. “Fortunately, we hooked up with the Royal’s Furniture through a former Badcock employee, we hooked up with them and started filling this place up with furniture, and here we are.”

Royal’s Furniture offers a diverse selection of furniture, appliances, and mattresses. Best of all, they offer great financing options that will allow you to take home a new piece of furniture without taking out a loan from the bank.

Royal’s Furniture is located at 126 FL-60 in Lake Wales. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.royalsfurniturelakewales.com/

Recently, Jonathan

Beasley was interviewed by our co-founder, Kip Kirchberg. Listen to portions of the interview on the latest minisode of the Chattin on the Ridge podcast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/minisode-18-royals-furniture-from-deputy-to-salesman

Public Right-Of-Way Vacated near Proposed Stoneridge Development

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2025

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Public Right-Of-Way Vacated near Proposed Stoneridge Development

by James Coulter

Nearly 25 feet of public right-of-way along a road near a proposed mixed-use development has been vacated.

At their meeting on Tues. Oct. 7, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance vacating a 25-foot public right-of-way along Godwin Road.

The strip, located west of Godwin Road and south of State Road 60, abuts the proposed Stoneridge Master Plan Development, a proposed mixed-use development west of the city.

The Stoneridge development is planned for 1,202 acres along Highway 60 and adjacent to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport.

The property was recently annexed with land-use and zoning changes approved by the Lake Wales City Commission.

Stoneridge is anticipated to provide approximately 2,400 single-family homes, 550 multi-family units, and nearly four million square feet of industrial space.

“The right-of-way is unimproved and is not necessary to afford future access to adjacent properties,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Director of Growth Management.

“All applicable public utility providers have been notified of the proposed vacation and no impacts of closure have been identified,” she further elaborated. “Documentation of approval from public and private utilities has been provided.”

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