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
* Editor’s Note: Daily Ridge will post the members of the Superintendent Search Committee as soon as they are made public.
LAKE WALES – The Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees held a scheduled meeting on Feb. 24 at Lake Wales High School.
During the Work Session, Dr. Lynn Johnson, Chair of the Superintendent Search Committee, announced the process of finding a new leader for the System. Johnson hand-selected a group of seven to comprise the Selection Committee members. The members include Johnson; a current elementary school principal; a current middle or high school principal; two teacher representatives; a parent representative; and a community representative. LaQuanda Burroughs, LWCS Human Resources Director, will oversee the process under the Sunshine Law.
According to Johnson’s timeline, the committee will meet for the first time in the week of March 3. She said she would train the group on being objective during the evaluation process and how to use the scoring method. The scoring method and blind reviews will be used to prevent bias, she said.
“We have to assess people based on merit. We have toassess people based on qualifications. We have to assess people based on experience,” Johnsons said.
The job listing will be posted by March 17 for 15 days.
After the “weeding out” process – a period when the committee scores each candidate based on their submitted credentials without any identifying information – the group will come together to recommend the top 10 candidates to the Board. Those 10 will then be interviewed by the Board of Trustees – by the Board as a group and one-on-one -which should be completed by the week of April 28.
The Board of Trustees will then recommend the top five and then the top three with a final decision by May 19.
“Hopefully, the offering (to the Superintendent for the position) could happen before the end of the school year,” Johnson said. “I hope that you trust that I can lead this process in a way that can get us the best person that will truly lead this system.”
The proposed committee members will receive an email from Dr. Johnson today (Feb.25). Once their acceptance is given, the members’ names will be made public.
Dr. Johnson was selected by Danny Gill, Chair of the Board of Trustees, to act as the Chair of the Superintendent Selection Committee. He also asked her to recommend how the process will be conducted.
However, at least two Trustees questioned the decision of her choosing the selection committee entirely on her own.
“I’d like to have some input on that – just to submit some names,” said Andy Blair, Trustee.
Dr. Johnson explained why she alone chose the committee members.
“There are concerns that people on the board would want people on the committee who they want on the committee to help sway the process,” Dr. Johnson said.
Brian Marbutt, Trustee, disagreed.
“I have the exact opposite concern. We have one board member picking the committee and the rest of the board has no say,” Marbutt said. “I would prefer to have a representative on the committee for each board member …. Versus having one board member pick the committee. One vote cannot sway the entire committee. If it’s all Sunshine then you know there should be no issues there from that standpoint. I stand with Andy on possibly figuring out a little different makeup of the committee.”
However, neither Blair nor Marbutt’s objections were addressed by the Board.
Participating in local mayoral elections is a crucial civic duty that directly impacts the quality of life in our communities. Mayors, as the chief executives of cities, oversee daily operations, implement policies, and represent the city’s interests. Their decisions influence essential services such as public safety, education, housing, and transportation. By voting, residents ensure their voices are heard in selecting leaders who will make decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community.
Despite the significant impact of local governance, voter turnout in municipal elections often remains low. Low participation can result in a lack of representation and accountability. Every vote carries substantial weight in local elections, where outcomes can be decided by a narrow margin. Engaging in the electoral process empowers citizens to hold elected officials accountable and fosters a government that reflects diverse perspectives and priorities.
The 2022 Lake Wales mayoral election serves as a reminder of the importance of voter turnout. In this election, only 2,587 ballots were cast out of 9,827 registered voters, resulting in a voter turnout of just 26.33%. The results were closely contested, highlighting the power of each vote in shaping the city’s future. As Lake Wales continues to grow, residents have an opportunity to influence decisions that impact their daily lives by engaging in the democratic process. Voting in local elections is essential for ensuring that municipal leadership reflects the community’s collective interests and works toward a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
2022 Official Lake Wales Mayoral Voting Results
Lake Wales is currently experiencing significant growth from both residential and business perspectives. The city has approved the annexation of 558 acres for the Lake Wales Commons Development, a mixed-use project that will feature 3,200 residential units along with retail and industrial space. This development is expected to bring a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes, along with commercial and light industrial spaces, contributing to the city’s economic development strategy.
Proposed developments and growth in Lake Wales
Additionally, the city is seeing a surge in new businesses and economic activities. The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council is actively promoting a strong business climate while supporting the community’s quality of life. New developments and business initiatives are expected to provide greater opportunities for residents and attract more investments to the area.
In 2023, Advanced Drainage Systems, one of the nation’s leading providers of innovative water management solutions, announced it would build a new, state-of-the-art pipe manufacturing facility in Lake Wales
However, this rapid growth comes with challenges. Traffic congestion is increasing, making daily commutes more time-consuming. Schools are at or over capacity, straining resources and affecting the quality of education. Furthermore, the city faces potential water supply challenges as it seeks sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand. Addressing these issues requires thoughtful leadership and active civic participation to ensure that the community’s needs are met in a balanced and responsible manner.
In conclusion, voting in local mayoral elections is essential for ensuring that municipal leadership reflects the community’s collective aspirations. Through this engagement, residents can effect meaningful change and promote a thriving, well-governed city. The ongoing growth in Lake Wales highlights the importance of active civic participation to shape the future of the community.
To make a difference, residents can:
Register to vote: Ensure you are registered and encourage others to do the same.
Stay informed: Follow local news like Lake Wales Daily or The Daily Ridge, attend city hall meetings, and participate in community discussions to stay updated on the issues and candidates.
Volunteer: Join a campaign, help at polling stations, or assist with voter registration drives.
Vote early: Take advantage of early voting options to avoid long lines on election day.
Encourage others: Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of voting and help them get to the polls.
By taking these steps, residents can actively contribute to the democratic process and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of Lake Wales.
The Green & Gold Foundation presents HHM Education & Leadership Series on February 25, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.at the B Street Community Center, 230 B Street, Lake Wales.
Mr. Keron Thompson, Black Business Investment Fund, will be the special guest speaker for the evening.
Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Mr. Rodney Rackley at 407-832-7689.
A damaged stormwater inlet at the intersection of Longleaf and Live Oak Boulevard will be fixed now that the City of Lake Wales has approved expending $28,450 on repairs.
At their meeting on Tues. Feb. 18, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda. One item pertained to proposed repairs to a storm inlet at a local intersection.
Located at the intersection of Longleaf and Live Oak Boulevard, the stormwater inlet has received sufficient damage as to affect the roadway upon which it is built.
“The roadway…has begun to sink due to a compromised stormwater inlet and a cracked underground storm pipe,” the city agenda memo stated. “The damaged infrastructure is allowing groundwater intrusion, undermining the integrity of the road and posing a growing safety concern.”
Furthermore, as the memo states, “If left unaddressed, the continued deterioration of the pipe will exacerbate roadway instability, increase repair costs, and present a significant public safety hazard.”
As such, the city was recommended to expend $28,450 to have Odom Contracting perform the repairs. The funds for these repairs will be allocated within the city’s Maintenance & Repairs (M&R) Stormwater Repairs budget.
Odom was chosen for the job as it has “provided the most cost-effective and timely solution, ensuring the structural integrity of the roadway and stormwater system is restored efficiently.”
UPDATE 2/25/25: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Offers Additional Details on the Arrests of Two Juveniles Charged with 1st Degree Murder; Names the Second Suspect:
Sheriff Grady Judd held a secondary press conference on Tuesday morning, Thursday, February 25, 2025, to offer additional information with regard to the investigation of two juveniles, charged with the first-degree murder of a 22-year-old man from Eagle Lake in a drug-related situation. The victim’s name has been released as Juan German-Garo, Jr., 22.
The second suspect, who has been referred to until now as a 16-year-old, is Charles Andrew Jackson III, a student at Lake Wales High School.
He is said to be the individual who went online, and using an unnamed app, and requested to purchase $400 worth of marijuana from the 22-year-old victim he allegedly later shot.
According to Sheriff Judd, the investigation shows that the victim is said to have travelled from his home in Eagle Lake to Frostproof to meet Jackson and his partner, 15-year-old Tyjhae Allen. Allen was arrested yesterday. After a 3-4 minute conversation, Jackson allegedly pulls a Draco AK-47 out of a book bag owned by Allen and shoots the victim 3 times. The victim is mortally wounded, and his vehicle rolls about a half a block down the road and comes to a stop. Two large bags of marijuana were found in the victim’s vehicle, according to a statement released by PCSO.
During the press conference, Sheriff Judd says that 911 was called, but does not elaborate on who made the call.
Both “Tyjhae and Charles flee,” says Judd. “Then Tyjhae says…my book bag is still in the middle of the road…so he runs back to get his book bag. He runs home. Charles disappears.”
It is suspected by investigators that, as Jackson fled, he called his father, Charles Jackson Jr., 37, who resides in Avon Park, to pick him up.
On Monday, February, 24, 2025, representatives of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office go to Avon Park to make contact with Jackson Jr., in search of his son. While officers are present, Jackson Jr., who himself has a criminal record, allegedly texted his son and encourages him to flee, while immediately deleting the texts. Jackson Jr. was arrested as a result.
As it turned out, Jackson III allegedly decided to attend classes on Monday at Lake Wales High School, where he is a student.
“He showed up for school. Did you hear what I said?” says Sheriff Judd during the press conference. “Monday morning he showed up for school at Lake Wales High School like nothing had happened. And he just murdered a guy by shooting him three times…”
PCSO PIO Meghan Petty has confirmed that Jackson III, after fleeing from Lake Wales High School, turn himself in to the south substation of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at around 3 PM yesterday. It is not clear if he was alone or with his mother.
Lake Wales High School was placed on heightened security for a period of time on Monday afternoon.
Tyjhae Allen is charged with first degree murder, attempted armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and giving false information to a law enforcement officer. He was arrested for criminal mischief to a vehicle in 2021.
Charles Jackson III is charged with first degree murder, attempted armed robbery, and tampering with evidence. He was arrested in 2022 for juvenile in possession of a weapon.
Charles Jackson Jr. was arrested for tampering with evidence [for deleting the text messages between him and his son], and accessory to first degree murder. His criminal history includes 25 previous felonies and 14 previous misdemeanors, and he has been to state prison two times based on convictions for battery on the elderly, simple battery, fleeing to elude law enforcement, and grand theft.
The gun used to murder German-Garo Jr. has not yet been located. It is a Draco pistol, which looks similar to an AK-47 without the stock [see example photo]. Anyone with information about the location of the firearm is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the location of this weapon, and callers remain completely anonymous.
The investigation is ongoing.
Original story: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference this afternoon, Monday, February 24, 2025, revealing that one suspect in last night’s homicide in Frostproof has been arrested.
Sheriff Grady Judd says 15-year-old Tyjhae Allen will be charged with 1st degree murder, tampering with evidence, and attempted robbery.
Since this afternoon’s press conference, PCSO has advised the media that they have also apprehended and arrested the second suspect, a 16-year-old, whose name has not yet been released. The circumstances around the 16-year-old’s arrest have not been made public at the time of publication.
There were two known suspects involved in the murder of a 22-year-old in Frostproof on Sunday evening February 23, 2025.
The press conference began with the following statement from Sheriff Judd:
“We had a very tragic event that shouldn’t have happened yesterday afternoon at about 5 PM in Frostproof, Florida. A 22-year-old kid was shot and killed. Now, I want to preface this by saying this 22-year-old kid was selling marijuana. That’s right, I hear it over and over; ‘Oh, it’s just a low-level, non-violent crime, marijuana.’ Well, tell our victim’s mother that, who lost her 22-year-old child yesterday.
“And here’s what occurred:
“As we know now, a 15- and a 16-year old suspect went on an app and ordered up some marijuana. When our victim arrived at about 5:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon in this Frostproof neighborhood, as he’s pulling down the road, he’s stopped by a 15- and a 16-year-old. They have some conversation for, as it’s described to us, for 2 or 3 minutes, when one of our suspects pulls out a firearm and begins to shoot our 22-year-old victim, who then tries to return fire.
“His car drifts down about a half a block where it runs into the edge of the road and stops and that’s where we find our 22-year-old, with a clutched…with marijuana in his hand; a baggie of marijuana in his hand, and he’s deceased.
“Tyjhae Allen is 15 years of age. He’s one of the two suspects. He’s in custody. This occurred in his neighborhood; and in fact, he stopped our drug-selling victim in front of his house.”
Sheriff Judd states in the press conference that the suspects did not have any money to purchase marijuana at the time of the confrontation.
At 3:30 this afternoon, PCSO advised that both suspects were in custody, and that more information about the second suspect would be released at a later time.
Sheriff Judd says his office will request that the state attorney’s office try them both as adults.
As for the victim, Sheriff Judd says that, even at 22, he was still a “kid.”
“He shouldn’t have been selling dope, but he certainly shouldn’t have died because he was. And he did. He was murdered. In the street. In this nice quiet neighborhood.”
Plan for some delays on Hwy. 60 eastbound today between 1st and 2nd streets in Lake Wales today.
Crews are working on the business entrances near Locorito and Brake Burger. The right eastbound lane must merge to the left in this area to get past the construction. The merge begins in front of Publix.
Please drive with caution on Hwy. 60 as trucks work in the area today, or find an alternate route.
The Lake Wales Police Department is hosting a Community Relations Advisory Committee Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center. The public is invited.
The purpose is to promote a dialogue and positive relationships between the community and the Police Department.
The Lake Wales Family Recreation Center is located at 1001 Burns Ave., Lake Wales.
Walburga “Wallie” Sylvia of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.
She was born May 20, 1937 in Augsburg, Germany to the late Englebert and Walburga Schafhauser; she moved to Lake Wales from Derry, New Hampshire in 1980. Wallie was a homemaker and of the Catholic faith. She loved music and visiting the VFW. Wallie loved spending time with her husband, especially fishing and dancing.
Wallie was preceded in death by her daughter, Jean Marie Scrima in December of 2024; and her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Richard L. Sylvia; and grandson, Noah Brogan.
For Christmas, I received a toaster oven that also works as an air fryer. Curious, I decided to do some research on what can be prepared with a dehydrator. Many things actually: raisins, apple chips, beef jerky, and—the dish I’ll be sharing in this recipe—fruit leather.
What’s fruit leather? Well, as a kid, have you ever had a Fruit Roll-Up or Fruit by the Foot packed in your school lunchbox? Because that’s essentially what fruit leather is: a sweet treat like a homemade Fruit Roll-Up.
The best part about fruit leather is that you can make it using any fruit: apples, berries, oranges, bananas, or a combination of any of them. Whether frozen or unfrozen, fresh or over-ripe, aslong as you have a blender, a dehydrator, and the patience, you can turn any fruit into a sweet treat that can’t be beat.
Best of all, because they’re dehydrated, these treats have a good shelf life. You can store fruit leather in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to a month and in the fridge for several months.
The following recipe uses apples and cinnamon, but you can use any fruit you want. Go wild and experiment. These homemade treats are as extreme as the commercials used to advertise the store-bought variety.
***
Apple Cinnamon Fruit Leather
Ingredients
4 cups of peeled, chopped apples
1/2 cup water
1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
1) Wash, peel, and chop apples and place them in a medium saucepan.
2) Add 1/2 cup water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until soft.
3) Add granulated sugar and cinnamon and mash. Cook for 2-3 more minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
4) Put mixture into a blender and process until smooth.
5) Pour onto a large baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat and spread with a spatula into a thin layer. Bang the pan on the counter a few times to make sure the mixture is evenly distributed.
6) Bake at 170 degrees (or a similar low temperature, depending on your oven) for 2-3 hours, checking every 20-30 minutes, until it’s tacky but doesn’t stick to your finger.
7) Allow it to cool, then cut into strips (a pizza cutter works well) and roll up. Keep in an airtight container.
Martha Anne Wardlaw Dickinson, a lifelong resident of Frostproof, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale.
She was born to John and Fannie Maye Wardlaw on May 26, 1931, in Frostproof. She graduated from Frostproof High School and later from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. For her first teaching job she was a teacher in Orange County, California for two years until she and her husband moved back to Frostproof after his service in the U.S. Navy.
After they moved back to Frostproof, she became a fifth grade school teacher from 1958 until 1961 at Frostproof Elementary School. She left teaching when she and her husband adopted their first child, Kimberly Dickinson Cotton. She was a past president of Frostproof Woman’s Club, a brownie leader, secretary and member of Rotary, and treasurer for Eastern Star. She served on the city council for 8 years and during that tenure was vice mayor and then mayor.
She was the first woman deacon and member of Frostproof Presbyterian Church. She was very active with Farm Bureau for many years and a state director for 28 years, Chairman for State Women Board, Chairman of American FB Labor Committee and District 9 Director for Farm Bureau. In 2015 she received the Distinguished Service Award from Farm Bureau, which is the highest award that Farm Bureau gives out. With Farm Bureau she was able to travel all over the world and upon retirement had pretty much gone everywhere she wanted to go. In 1994 she was Florida Agricultural Woman of the Year. She was on the original board that was responsible for creating Ag in the Classroom program started for Polk County and beyond. She was a managing partner of JH Dickinson Groves, Inc. and Wardlaw & Dickinson Inc.
Anne was preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Dickinson, Jr. in 2017. Survivors include her and Dick’s two adopted children, Ward Dickinson and wife, Pam of Alva and Kimberly Anne Cotton and her husband, Randy of Frostproof; four grandchildren, Taylor Dickinson, Peyton Dickinson, Skylar Cox and Corbin Lanier; and three great-grandchildren, Ripp Saiz, Mack Saiz and Lainey Cox.
Private family graveside services will be held at Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to New Hope Church, Building Fund, 825 County Road 630 A, Frostproof, Florida 33843 or First Presbyterian Church, 101 North Palm Avenue, Frostproof, Florida 33843.
