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

In Loving Memory of Denise Carolyn Glavey, 89, of Lake Wales

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February 5, 2025

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Denise Carolyn Glavey, 89

Denise Carolyn Glavey of Lake Wales passed away Friday, January 31, 2025 at Lake Wales Wellness and Rehabilitation.

She was born December 21, 1935 in Bronx, New York to the late Michael and Elizabeth Grimm; she moved to Lake Wales from New York about 30 years ago. Denise was a repair clerk for New York Telephone and a school crossing guard for Long Island, New York before retiring. She was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales.

Denise was preceded in death by her husband, John Glavey. She is survived by her sister, Corinne Mark of Lake Wales; and friend, Michael Hodge and wife Valerie of Lake Wales.

No services are scheduled at this time.

“Despair”: How A Letter Has the Power To Potentially Destroy One Lake Wales Family’s Home

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 5, 2025

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“Despair”: How A Letter Has the Power To Potentially Destroy One Lake Wales Family’s Home

Farmer family’s 145-acre property Photo provided by E. Farmer

The proposed toll road, to be known as the Central Polk Parkway, has seen much discussion in recent weeks after a pair of public meeting were held to discuss the four proposed routes in the Lake Wales area. At this time, the final route has yet to be determined.

What if it’s your home the government needs in order to make the final plan work?

That’s what Lake Wales resident, Ellery Farmer, is wondering and worried about.

Map outlining Farmer’s 145 acre homestead, showing the path of routes B and C for the Central Polk Parkway Photo provided by E. Farmer

The new road could run from SR 60 on the west side of Lake Wales to connect to 17-92. A planned Poinciana Connector segment would link 17-92 directly to I-4. The route is seen as a way to alleviate traffic on the crowded, six-lane US 27 corridor.

Currently, there are four proposed routes. Eminent domain, the power of the government to legally take ownership of private property for public use in Florida, would secure the area needed for the new roadway. The government is mandated to then compensate the owner for the property.

Farmer’s property, located on Farmer Slocum Road in Lake Wales, is in the path of both plans B and C. This land has been in the family for some time and is home to more than just he and his spouse.

Lake Wales resident Ellery Farmer, whose residence is in the potential path of the toll road, Central Polk Parkway. Photo provided by E. Farmer

“My wife and I own 145 acres with multiple houses,” says Farmer. “Plus the property around us that my family owns. My father in one. His mother in one. Aunts, uncles and cousins live in two others. There is also two houses that I rent to two young couples just getting started in life.”

He initially found out about the proposal from a letter he received from the Florida Department of Transportation, just after Christmas, 2024. Farmer says this is the only direct communication he’s had with a government entity with regard to the matter.

When asked what his initial reaction to the letter was, his response was simple: “Despair.”

A screen shot taken of a slide in a recent virtual presentation. Photo provided by E. Farmer

According to Farmer, there has been no communication from FDOT since receiving the letter in December. There was a contact email in the communication, to which he responded.

“I have emailed [email protected] with no response,” says Farmer.

The family says the potential involuntary loss of the property clears goes well beyond a real estate deal.

“One of the cousins said when he was young, ‘It’s not just a life style, it’s a legacy.’ (Proposed routes) B or C would make us homeless with no place to go,” Farmer says.

While he appreciates the intent of the new toll road, Farmer says a lot to consider beyond the loss of homes.

The Farmer homestead. Photo provided by E. Farmer

“I understand the need, but the Ridge is too valuable to be chopped up for a road…(Hwy.) 27 sucks but it’s the problem of the government allowing expansion without planning. They always try to fix the problem after they created it.”

To date, there has been no discussion or communication with Farmer on potential compensation for his property, or steps forward in the decision-making process of selecting a path. No matter what the final decision is, Farmer says that feeling of despair he has about his own land goes well beyond his property line:

“There used to be talk about preserving the Ridge and how valuable it was, but that just went away. I feel like we have done our part and now we need help to continue.”

Governor Ron DeSantis’ Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget Continues to Enhance Supports for Strong Florida Families

Florida

Maria Iannucci

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February 4, 2025

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Governor Ron DeSantis’ Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget Continues to Enhance Supports for Strong Florida Families

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, providing $4.8 billion in funding for the Department of Children and Families (Department) to support and expand resources and services needed to best serve Florida’s children and families. This year’s budget continues to champion the Governor’s steadfast commitment to strong and resilient families by making major investments to bolster prevention services, increase access and availability of behavioral health resources, and enhanced technology advancements to further innovate the Department’s programs and systems.

“Governor Ron DeSantis’ Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget continues our commitment to supporting families,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “This funding will also further our efforts to serve more individuals contending with mental health and substance use disorders, harden our security efforts, support foster and adoptive initiatives, and invest in programs to improve our child welfare services.”

Governor DeSantis is supporting the Department with key investments, including:

$151.4 million to State Mental Health Facilities, including funding to increase mental health treatment bed capacity to protect the vulnerable and promote personal recovery and resiliency.
$90 million to address opioid addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery through the State Opioid Settlement. Specifically, the funding will support on-demand mobile medication assisted treatment, court diversion programs, the distribution of life saving treatments, prevention campaigns, peer supports, recovery housing, and other treatment and recovery support services.
$68.1 million to improve Department systems and increase efficiencies, which includes:
- $36.6 million to further enhance the modernization of the MyACCESS Portal.
- $28 million in additional improvements to the Child Welfare Information System.
- $3.5 million to upgrade electronic health records ensuring increased accessibility and security.
$38 million in additional funding to improve services to the child welfare system.
$17 million to support families that have already adopted.
$1 million to expand human trafficking prevention supports for children at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking.

In Loving Memory of Edwin “Ed” White Lamar, 71, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 4, 2025

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Edwin “Ed” White Lamar, 71

Ed Lamar of Lake Wales left this earthly life to join the Lord on Friday, January 31, 2025, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. Born September 5, 1953 in Thomaston, Georgia to William Perry Lamar and Doris White Lamar, Ed moved with his parents and two brothers to Lake Wales in 1963. A member of the Lake Wales Highlander Band, Ed graduated high school in 1971 and then attended Stetson University as a music major (French Horn). He returned to Lake Wales to help run his family’s architectural millwork shop, Crafters and Builders, where he applied his exceptional artistry and woodworking skills. Ed served as the tower curator at Bok Tower Gardens from 2000 to 2005, meticulously maintaining the tower building and carillon instrument. For the past twenty years Ed was a draftsman for Parlier + Crews Architects, where he scrupulously assisted with production and project management.

For much of his life, Ed was an avid cyclist, whether traveling the country, or cycling to and from work. He was an active participant in local cultural art and music associations, including the Lake Wales Arts Council, Lake Wales Chorale, Lake Wales Little Theatre, and the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, as well as theater pit orchestras and small informal groups and bands.

Ed is preceded in death by his loving parents, Perry and Doris Lamar. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Susan Ramsay Lamar; cherished children, Robert Lamar and wife Katherine of Lake Wales, Danielle Farewell and husband Eric of Austin, Texas, and Emilie Quam and husband Kirby of Lake Wales; revered brothers, Malcolm “Chip” Lamar and wife Darlene of Lakeland, and Will Lamar and wife Nancy Shackelford of Winter Garden. Ed was the proud grandfather to nine beloved grandchildren: August, Arthur, Jeremiah, Eloise, Heidi, Olive, Joy, Edwin, and baby girl Quam.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales with Reverend Mackay Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lake Wales Care Center at https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/.

Lake Wales History Museum Currently Underway with Phase 2 Renovations

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 4, 2025

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Lake Wales History Museum Currently Underway with Phase 2 Renovations

by James Coulter

A railroad history exhibit and a gallery focusing on everything that makes life worth living in Lake Wales are some of the renovations that are currently underway or planned for the Lake Wales History Museum.

An update to the museum’s ongoing renovations—both past, present, and future—was presented to the City Commission during their work session meeting on Wed., Jan. 20, 2025.

Museum Director Angela Rosado mentioned how, despite previous challenges (most notably the COVID-19 pandemic), the museum has been able to expand its outreach into the community and move forward with much-needed renovations.

Currently, the museum is undergoing renovations in three phases. The first phase, which is now completed, oversaw the creation of the Founders Exhibit, showcasing the history of local landmarks including Chalet Suzanne and Bok Tower Gardens.

The next two phases will respectively oversee the development of the railroad history exhibit and a main gallery space themed to, “Things that make life worth living in Lake Wales,” which will highlight community events, local businesses, and the city’s foundational industries.

Other key priorities for the foreseeable future will include improving ADA accessibility, exploring the potential of the museum’s freight space, and gathering community input to improve future museum offerings and experiences.

These renovations have been facilitated through more than $65,000 in grants and donations and more than 15 partnerships with local businesses and non-profit organizations.

Commissioner Keith Thompson proposed the creation of a museum membership program to help facilitate funding for future renovations and other developments. As he and his wife are patrons of the Lake Wales Art Center, he knows the importance of community support for local institutions.

“This [the museum] is a much-needed partnership [with the city],” he said. “We are focused on the present and future of Lake Wales, so we need an organization that keeps us tethered to our past.”

Rosado agreed that a museum membership program would be beneficial, which is why they are considering creating such a program with members benefits including exclusive access toselect exhibits and discounts on future museum events.

Commissioner Thompson then inquired about the Stuart house building, expressing concern about its condition and asking if the space could be better utilized by the museum.

“That is a historic building. I just don’t want to see it fall into disrepair,” he said. “I don’t know what we need to do. Can we look into what we can do to make them operational? I think we really need to figure that out.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson suggested the house could be used for office space, meeting rooms, and even fundraisers, both for the museum and for local non-profit organizations.

“Years ago, we had a successful fundraiser there for the charter schools,” he explained. “It is a charming house. I always thought that it would be a wonderful location to be utilized by fundraising groups and non-profits and for office staff work, entertainment, and events. I think it would be very effective.”

Unfortunately, Rosado informed the commission that the building was not included in the current operational agreement between the city and the museum. She explained that a revised agreement would be required to include it within the museum’s operation scope.

Lake Wales Public Library Hosts Curious Kids STEAM Class Feb. 19

Maria Iannucci

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February 3, 2025

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Lake Wales Public Library Hosts Curious Kids STEAM Class Feb. 19

The Lake Wales Public Library is scheduled to host Curious Kids STEAM Class at 11:00 a.m., Wed., Feb. 19, 2025 at the Library.

The class is open to children ages 4-8. Additional classes are scheduled for March 26 and April 23.

In Loving Memory of Ryan Layton Pickles, 42

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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February 3, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Ryan Layton Pickles, 42

Ryan Layton Pickles, 42, of Winter Haven, passed away Wednesday, January 8th in his home.

Ryan was born June 17th, 1982, in Lake Wales, to Sammie and Becky Pickles. He was the assistant director for the City of Auburndale in the Parks and recreation department.

He loved the Miami Hurricanes, and going to their games. He loved family gatherings and especially enjoyed being around his nieces and nephews.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Sammie and Becky Pickles of Lake Wales, sister Kelli Pickles-Davis and her husband Jason, of Lake Wales, brother Connor Pickles and his wife Ariel, of Winter Haven, and nieces and nephews Lana, Aleah, Jace Davis and Lainey Pickles.

City of Lake Wales Considering Updating Impact Fees Study

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 2, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Considering Updating Impact Fees Study

by James Coulter

To help finance the city’s future growth and development, the City of Lake Wales is considering updating its impact fee study with the assistance of a financial consulting firm.

At a work session on Wed. Jan. 29, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a proposal to enter into a piggyback agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. for $110,000.

The agreement will be for services to update the city’s Municipal Impact and Utility Connection Fee Study. This study helps the city identify impact fees that help fund public services like police, fire, parks, and recreation.

“Impact and connection fees are charged by the City to cover the capital costs of services to new development,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Director of Growth Management, in the city agenda memo.

“The update will recalculate appropriate fees based on the City’s 5-year capital improvements plan for the parks, police, fire, recreation, and libraries impact fees as well as the water and wastewater connection fees,” she further elucidated.

The process for updating the study will take approximately 18 months. The final report is expected to be presented to the City Commission at a future workshop.

Deputy Mayor Gibson praised the importance of impact fees, claiming that they were necessary to help finance local infrastructure and thus promote economic growth and development that benefited the city in the long run.

“I am a big believer in economic incentives,” he said. “The amount of those impact fees is very important. Dovetailing [them] with our priorities [as a city] is also important.”

Alluding to the Lake Wales Connected Plan (which, according to the city’s website, is “a strategy for revitalization of Lake Wales’ historic downtown”), Gibson insisted that impact fees helped aid the city’s revitalization efforts, which not only preserves the city’s unique aesthetic, but also cut down on urban sprawl.

“[Impact fees] enable us to get more of what we want to make this place unique, distinctive, and carry the characteristic of quality as distinct from other places,” he continued. “It becomes a draw, a market advantage, and it also elevates property values that allow us to do more for our people.”

Ameé Bailey, Planning Consultant explained that the city would be able to determine how the impact fees rates would be implemented once the study has been completed and approved.

“The study is estimated to take 18 months,” she explained. “Once you approve them, it takes 90 days for them to become effective.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired about how competitive these impact fees would make Lake Wales in terms of other cities and municipalities.

“We have been told we are in competition with other cities, which are also charging impact fees,” she said. “So that would make us aware of what the other cities are charging so that we are not out of range so the good developers come here.”

Bailey, according to the city memo, replied that the study would allow commissioners “to make informed decisions about the appropriate fee structure” and would allow for “flexibility and consideration of the city’s unique priorities and goals.”

In Loving Memory of Ivette Rivera Rodriguez, 75, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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February 2, 2025

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Ivette Rivera Rodriguez, 75

Ivette Rivera Rodriguez of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025 at home.

She was born January 25, 1950 in Ponce, Puerto Rico to the late Antonio and Felicita Rivera; she moved to Lake Wales from Puerto Rico in 1973. Ivette was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Ivette was preceded in death by her husband, Raul Rodriguez; and son, Omi Rodriguez. She is survived by her daughters, Ivelisse Rodriguez, and Leslie Hernandez; sons, Raul Rodriguez, Jr. (Valgerdor), Martin Rodriguez (Kacy), Juan Rodriguez (Cindy), and Jose Hernandez; 14 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m., until the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Mr. Ivory Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens

Groundhog Day 2025: Punxsutawney Phil Makes His Prediction

Featured

Maria Iannucci

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February 2, 2025

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Groundhog Day 2025: Punxsutawney Phil Makes His Prediction

Spoiler alert: the little groundhog saw his shadow.

Punxsutawney Phil has made the call from Gobbler’s Knob; get ready for six more weeks of winter.

As the sun came up this morning, just after 7:20 a.m local time, thousands of people gathered, as,they do every Feb. 2, to watch Phil make his grand prediction. With temperatures in the 20s this morning at Gobbler’s Knob, about a 90-minute drive from Pittsburg, PA, bus loads of excited fans of the groundhog started their commute as early as 3:00 a.m., according to Weather Channel.

For the 139th time, Punxsutawney Phil has taken his stance on how long winter will last, with mixed results of accuracy. 1886 is said to be the first year in which Groundhog Day is documented in local newspapers.

The tradition has grown more popular over the decades and is celebrated around the world. While the 2020 Census says the population of Punxsutawney is just over 5,700, over 40,000 have been known to make the pilgrimage in previous years.

Phil usually sees his shadow on Groundhog Day. Wikipedia states he’s only made a prediction of an early spring 20 times since the 1880s.

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