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
FWC – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding Floridians and visitors to be GatorWise as alligators become more active and visible throughout the state. GatorWise is a new public awareness campaign that aims to promote realistic public perceptions about alligators and assist the public in taking appropriate actions to minimize conflict. The initiative includes information from 11 state wildlife agencies within the American alligator’s range.
“Florida has seen tremendous population growth in recent years, with many people living or recreating near water,” said Matthew Nichols, FWC Alligator Management Program Coordinator. “Because alligators can be found in nearly any waterbody in Florida, it’s safest to always assume they’re present. GatorWise provides consistent, science-based information from across the Southeast to help people safely share the landscape with these important animals.”
Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, which play a vital role in Florida’s freshwater wetlands by keeping aquatic animal populations in balance. People can reduce the chances of conflict with alligators by never feeding or approaching them, properly disposing of fish scraps, keeping pets away from the water’s edge, supervising small children near water, and maintaining a safe distance if an alligator is spotted. To learn more about how to be GatorWise, visit GatorWise.org.
FWC – Summer fishing is in full swing, and Catch a Florida Memory is making it even more exciting with Season 3 of the Triple Threat Throwdown—running now through September 7th!
One lucky Catch a Florida Memory participant will win an unbeatable Kayak Fishing Bundle valued at over $4,500, featuring top-tier prizes from Bonafide Fishing, Mustad Fishing, Yak Attack, Power-Pole and more!
Are you ready to take on the challenge? New anglers only need to earn Triple Threat status during the challenge period. Current Triple Threat Club members earn an entry for each new recognition during the challenge. Both brand new catches and older photos of previous catches can count toward these recognitions, as long as you haven’t previously submitted the older photos.
Showcase your fishing versatility, contribute to Florida’s marine conservation, join a vibrant community of anglers and celebrate the state’s rich saltwater fishery! For more information on program specifics, how to submit catches and to learn more about earning recognitions, visitCatch a Florida Memory or reach out via email at[email protected]. Follow Catch a Florida Memory onFacebookandFishbrain.
CITY OF LAKE WALES – City staff is seeking qualified developers to submit statements of interest and qualifications to redevelop the historic Walesbilt Hotel in downtown Lake Wales.
The process involves two steps:
Submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) by July 18, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. The RFQ is issued to evaluate and shortlist developers based on their technical expertise, financial capacity, project experience and recent relevant innovative strategies for adaptive reuse of properties similar to the Walesbilt Hotel. Respondents must demonstrate their ability to preserve historic integrity, enhance economic viability and implement best practices in redevelopment.
Selected candidates on August 8, 2025 will be notified to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) by October 10, 2025. The RFP will be issued to identify a qualified developer based on proposed approach, proposed team, experience of the offeror, capacity and cost effectiveness/budget.
All persons and firms wishing to submit qualifications must obtain a complete copy of the RFQ and submit all required forms as outlined in the solicitation document with their response. Proposals and related forms may be accessed on the City’s website, www.lakewalesfl.gov, or by contacting Cynthia Monk at [email protected] (863) 678-4182.
The 10-story hotel features Mediterranean-Revival architecture. On the ground floor, more than 10 retail and office spaces with Palladian windows line the arcade which runs north and south from the center of the grand lobby. Corinthian columns, an Italian coffered ceiling, mezzanine, cement arches and marble floors, enchant the lobby, with a second-story veranda overlooking First Street and Park Avenue – both roadways recently redeveloped in a multimillion-dollar streetscape project.
On Thursday June 19, 2025, the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce hosted a dynamic luncheon at the Lake Wales Arts Center, sponsored by Duke Energy and Low Payment Kings. The event brought together community leaders, business owners, and residents to hear from Congressman Scott Franklin, who represents Florida’s 18th Congressional District. The gathering underscored the vital role of the arts in driving economic growth and fostering community vitality, while also offering insights into federal governance and local priorities.
Chamber Luncheon
A Warm Welcome for Congressman Scott Franklin
Tommy Frank- Lake Wales Arts Council
Tommy Frank, of the Lake Wales Arts Council, opened the event with a powerful address on the economic significance of the arts. He noted that in Florida, arts and culture contribute over $50 billion annually to the economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, from performers to technicians. In Lake Wales, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals draw visitors from across the region, boosting small businesses and energizing the downtown area. Frank emphasized, “When we invest in the arts, we invest in a vibrant, connected, and prosperous community,” urging continued support for the arts as a necessity, not a luxury.
Skip Alford of Lake Wales Chamber introducing Scott Franklin
Following this, Congressman Scott Franklin was introduced by Skip Alford of the Lake Wales Chamber as a distinguished public servant with a 26-year career as a naval aviator, including missions in the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, and Kosovo, and post-9/11 service with U.S. Central Command. A 1986 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Franklin holds an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed executive training at the Air Command and Staff College and The Wharton School. Before Congress, he served as a Lakeland City Commissioner and led Lanier Upshaw, an insurance and risk management firm, as president and CEO. In Congress, Franklin serves on the House Appropriations Committee, focusing on military construction, Veterans Affairs, agriculture, and energy and water, and chairs the Environment Subcommittee on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. In 2023, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors.
Franklin’s Remarks: From Washington to Lake Wales
In his speech, Congressman Franklin expressed his admiration for the Lake Wales Arts Center, noting its beauty and the community’s efforts to preserve it. He provided an overview of his work in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the challenges of federal budgeting. Franklin explained the ideal budget process, where Congress passes a budget by September for the fiscal year starting October 1. However, he candidly noted that Congress hasn’t passed a budget on time since the 1990s, often relying on continuing resolutions or facing government shutdowns, which he argued are costly and disruptive, especially for military personnel and government employees.
Scott Franklin
Franklin highlighted his role on the House Appropriations Committee, where he helps shape spending for agriculture, a critical sector for Florida’s 18th District. Spanning eight counties, including Polk, Hardee, and DeSoto, the district is the largest agricultural region east of the Mississippi, producing 75% of Florida’s citrus, most of its cattle, dairy, sugar cane, and all phosphate mining. As Vice Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee, Franklin advocates for policies supporting these industries.
He also discussed the “one big beautiful bill,” or House Resolution 1, a reconciliation package aimed at extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Franklin stressed that letting these tax cuts expire would raise taxes for all Americans, impacting individuals and businesses, including Subchapter S corporations, sole proprietors, and LLCs, through reduced tax credits and depreciation benefits. He addressed concerns about Social Security and Medicare, clarifying, “There are absolutely no cuts to Social Security and Medicare in this bill, no matter what you hear in the press.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a social safety net through Medicaid but proposed reforms to address inefficiencies. Franklin explained that Medicaid has expanded to include 7.5 million able-bodied adults without dependents, aged 18 to 64, who are capable of working but are not employed, seeking work, volunteering, or in training programs. He noted that these individuals receive higher reimbursement rates than single mothers, people with disabilities, or those caring for dependents, straining the program. Franklin advocated for policies that protect Medicaid for those in genuine need while encouraging work or community engagement among able-bodied recipients.
On veterans’ issues, Franklin underscored bipartisan support for the Veterans Administration, stating, “The bill we just passed last week on House Appropriations increases spending for veterans for the coming year. We’ve continued to increase it while I’ve been there, and there have been no cuts whatsoever to veterans’ care.” He emphasized the nation’s commitment to veterans, focusing on eliminating waste within the VA to enhance efficiency without compromising services.
Franklin also discussed the looming debt ceiling deadline in August, warning that defaulting on the national debt—currently at $37 trillion—would destabilize financial markets and affect pensions and investments. He advocated for fiscal responsibility, drawing parallels to business and household budgeting, and expressed concern about the growing national debt burdening future generations.
On international issues, Franklin shared his perspective as a former naval aviator, advocating for “peace through strength” and a strong military to deter threats. He highlighted Iran’s role as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, supporting groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and its pursuit of nuclear arms capabilities. While supporting Israel’s efforts to counter these threats, he expressed hope for de-escalation to avoid a broader conflict. Franklin also acknowledged the complexity of ongoing conflicts, such as Ukraine, and the challenges of fulfilling campaign promises to resolve them quickly.
Local Impact and Civic Engagement
Franklin praised the Lake Wales community for its role in fostering growth while preserving its unique character. He encouraged local civic engagement, noting that community involvement yields more immediate results than federal work. He invited attendees to reach out to his district office, led by District Director Alice Hunt, for appointments or to join his monthly telephone town halls, which connect with thousands across the district.
The luncheon concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Franklin on issues affecting Lake Wales and beyond. The event highlighted the intersection of arts, economic development, and federal leadership, reinforcing Lake Wales’ commitment to a vibrant future.
For more information on Congressman Franklin’s work or to get involved, visit his office’s website or follow his Facebook page for updates on telephone town halls. The Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce continues to champion initiatives that strengthen the community, with the arts at the heart of its economic and cultural vision.
Polk County commissioners have voiced their intent to help provide medical services to uninsured residents now that they have approved compensating six area hospitals through the adoption of an Assessment Resolution.
At a recent meeting on Tues., June 17, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an Assessment Resolution setting the rate of collection and approval of the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for the 2025 Local Provider Participation Fund special assessment.
This special assessment will allow the county government “to provide matching funds on behalf of qualifying health care service providers,” wrote Joy Johnson, Administrator, Health and Human Services, in the agenda item memo.
“The County will invoice each of the six Hospitals for their mandatory payment amount, due upon receipt of invoice,” Johnson wrote. “Assessment funds collected by the County from the Hospitals will be submitted to AHCA through intergovernmental transfer upon the agency’s request.”
This special assessment will be imposed upon the following six area hospitals located in Polk County:
· Winter Haven Hospital
· Bartow Regional Medical Center
· Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center
· AdventHealth Lake Wales (Lake Wales Hospital)
· Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland
· Lakeland Regional Health
“These hospitals provide medical care annually to indigent and uninsured residents and those who qualify for Medicaid,” wrote Johnson. “On average, Medicaid covers only 60% of the costs of the health care services actually provided by area hospitals.”
Once the Assessment Resolution is adopted by the Board, as Johnson wrote: “The State of Florida, through its Agency for Health Care Administration, will send Polk County a Letter of Agreement memorializing the County’s intent to participate in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Hospital directed payment program in 2025 to offset the Hospitals’ uncompensated Medicaid costs.”
County commissioners motioned, seconded, and voted unanimously to approve the Special Assessment Resolution.
Get ready to be dazzled by a spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination. For the first time in nearly ten years, a new nighttime parade is set to arrive at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on the evening of July 20: “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”
With the parade set to premiere next month, anticipation remains high for what wonders await with millions of sparkling lights and electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds. Until then, here are a few fun facts of what we know about the parade thus far:
#1: First Nighttime Parade in a Decade
“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” will be the first time the Magic Kingdom has hosted a nighttime parade within the past decade.
The last parade to perform at the park was the Main Street Electrical Parade, which ended its run in 2016. Since then, the park’s only other nighttime entertainment has been its nightly fireworks shows.
#2: Inspired by Past Nighttime Parades
“Disney Starlight” will continue the legacy of the Magic Kingdom’s previous nighttime parades, which include the Main Street Electrical Parade (which initially ran from 1977 to 1991, 1999 to 2001, and 2010 to 2016) and SpectroMagic (which ran from 1992 to 1998).
In fact, as reported by Disney Parks Blogs, many of the cast members who worked on both the Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic have provided their talent in adding their creative touch to this new parade.
#3: Disney Characters Old and New
The parade will star several dozen Disney characters from Disney movies, from classic films like Snow White, Peter Pan, and Cinderella, to modern favorites like Moana, Frozen, Encanto, and Wish.
The big finale will be a float inspired by the train unit from the Main Street Electrical Parade. Riding the float will be characters like Mickey Mouse and friends, as well as characters from Snow White, Tangled, and Aladdin.
#4: Innovative Storytelling and Choreography
The parade will utilize state-of-the-art lighting and technology to offer nighttime entertainment unlike any other parade before.
As Disney Parks Blogs reports, the parade will utilize a unique blend of “innovative lighting techniques” and “whimsical custom-fabrics” to make each parade unit and its characters appear as though they were “kissed by starlight.”
The parade units have been described by Imagineers as “storytelling stages on wheels” that utilize “lighting and video elements as a storytelling tool” in order to “create magic and movement that a static image would not provide.”
Also helping bring the parade to life will be the choreography being created by Cindy Wilson, who claimed to draw “inspiration from each of the films” represented in the parade, and which will incorporate a “mix of different dance styles.”
#5: Tribute to Disney Animation
Aside from featuring characters and scenes from Disney animated films, one of the parade floats will be designed after the art style of a notable Disney artist.
The Disney Princess unit will feature classic Disney princesses like Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, and Tiana dancing with their respective princes in an enchanted ballroom-like setting.
As Disney Parks Blog reports, the parade unit’s design “pays homage to Disney Legend and artist Mary Blair’s original concept artwork for Disney Animation’s ‘Cinderella.'”
#6: New Merch and Food Options
To celebrate the debut of the new parade, Magic Kingdom will be selling commemorative Disney Starlight merchandise.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, this merchandise will include a “logo tee shirt, blanket, a Disney pin, a light-up pair of Mickey Ears with a removable bow, and a light-up bubble wand that will dance along with the parade.”
Main Street Confectionary in Magic Kingdom will also be selling a special popcorn mix starting the night of the parade. As the blog explains, this mix will include “Bubble Gum and Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies, mini-marshmallows, and white chocolatey drizzle.”
Also, to help promote the parade, a new poster will be displayed at the Magic Kingdom train station alongside other posters of other favorite Disney World attractions.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) will soon have a new joint warehouse and facility to store evidence, emergency supplies, and offices now that Polk County Commissioners have approved an agreement for architectural & engineering services with an architectural firm.
At their regular meeting on Tues., June 17, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved an agreement with The Lunz Group, LLC to provide for the design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration of a new facility and warehouse for the PCSO.
The proposed project will include the following three components:
1. An 80,000-square-foot warehouse for property and evidence storage that includes 15,000 square feet of office space for the Sheriff’s Office.
2. A 10,000-square-foot emergency supply storage to support shelters or any other storm-related need
3. A 10,000 square foot for the Facilities Management administration office.
“The new warehouse will allow the Sheriff’s Office to combine its three existing storage locations into one central location in Bartow, Florida,” wrote Tabatha Shirah, Procurement Analyst, in the agenda item memo.
“Centralizing the storage operations of the Sheriff’s Office will provide for a more secure location while increasing the efficiency of tracking all items that are stored at the warehouse,” she continued.
The project will also include offices for Polk County Facilities Management “to replace 3 existing buildings which have reached the end of their useful life” and a warehouse to provide storage for emergency supplies “that might be needed during the declaration of an emergency.”
Per the agreement, The Lunz Group will provide design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration services, all of which are expected to be completed within 450 days.
County commissioners motioned, seconded, and voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
With Independence Day nearly two weeks away, the City of Lake Wales is preparing for its annual celebration Upcoming Rockin on the Ridge, scheduled for Fri. July 4 at 3 PM at Lake Wailes Park.
At their recent meeting on Tues. June 18, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners approved their consent agenda, which included a special event permit for the city’s annual 4th of July Celebration.
Rockin’ on the Ridge will be hosted at Lake Wailes Park on Tues. July 4 from 3 PM to 9:30 PM. As the agenda item memo explained: the event will include “vendors, live performances, inflatables, activities, contests and a firework show to conclude the evening.”
The special event permit, approved by the city commission with a unanimous vote, will permit alcohol to be served at the event.
In March, the commission previously approved $35,000 for Pyrotechno to facilitate the fireworks display.
Approximately $40,800 was budgeted by the city for the event.
Earl Lee Hope, Jr. of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Lakeland Regional Hospital.
He was born June 30, 1934 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to the late Earl and Florence Hope; he moved to Lake Wales from New Jersey in 2003. Earl served with the United States Navy and the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a retired letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Earl enjoyed going golf and watching sports. He was an avid reader and loved any Turner Classic movies.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Hope; and brother, Howard Hope. He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Sweder and husband Michael of Manning, South Carolina, Victoria Hulse and husband Robert of Hightstown, New Jersey; son, Robert Hope of Edison, New Jersey; grandchildren, Timothy (Natalie), Lauren (Joe); and great-grandchildren, Sydney and Ryder.
A memorial service will be scheduled for later this year at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.
CITY OF LAKE WALES – The pollinator and sculpture garden, located across the street from the library, has a new name: Oakley Park.
This park is named in honor of Lynn and Tommy Oakley, owners of Oakley Transport in Lake Wales. They have served the community in many ways over the last 30 years. Oakley Transport Inc. donated $100,000, expanding public art and further beautifying Lake Wales, which will enhance the quality of life in our historic downtown for generations to come. An additional $49,000 was awarded to the city by the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program to fund the project. City Manager James Slaton said, “This pollinator garden is a huge component of our ‘City in a Garden’ concept.”
The City’s horticulture team has been working on this park for over a year: the soil was prepared, the irrigation system was updated, and pollinator plants were carefully curated to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Agriculture students from Roosevelt Academy, under the direction of their Ag teacher Ray Cruze, donated some of the plants in the garden. Security fencing, enhanced lighting, and a newly paved parking lot were also part of the project. Public artwork has been installed to enhance the beauty of this space including a butterfly topiary on the Park Avenue side of the park and a kinetic sculpture on the Crystal Avenue side. “In the coming year, you will see more outdoor artwork added to the garden as part of the City’s public art program,” said Stephanie Lutton, parks and recreation director.
