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Thursday, June 5, 2025

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Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment. 

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

·        Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

·        Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

·        Reckless driving (F3)

·        One count DUI with property damage (M1)

·        One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. 

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In Loving Memory of Cecilia Isabelle Ortiz, 57, of Lake Wales

Cecilia lsabelle Ortiz, 57

Cecilia Isabelle Ortiz of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

She was born June 22, 1967 in Charleston, South Carolina to the late Armando and Oralia Ortiz; she moved to Lake Wales from Bartow two years ago. Cecilia worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken. She was always happy and enjoyed having fun. She was an adventurous person who loved her family deeply.

Cecilia was preceded in death by two brothers. She is survived by her daughters, Juanita Bejar of Frostproof, Corina Ortiz of Frostproof, Marina Carcia and boyfriend Timmy of Waynesville, South Carolina; sons, Malachi Perez and wife Julia of Frostproof, and Martin Perez of South Dakota; brothers, Armando Ortiz of Frostproof, Joe Ortiz of California, Arnaldo Ortiz of California, Arnulfo Ortiz and wife Lydia of Michigan; and
several grandchildren.

No services are being held at this time. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

“This Murder Was Staged” Opens at LWLT June 6

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⭐️This Murder Was Staged⭐️LWLT Teen Production
⭐️Buy your Tickets: https://bit.ly/4mGLdJl
⭐️It’s opening night of a brand-new mystery play, but just as the killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play’s director falls onstage instead. In that moment, the theater becomes an active crime scene, and everyone from cast to crew to even the audience becomes a suspect. But how is the intrepid detective supposed to find the killer when everyone and their mother (literally) has a motive to want the demanding director gone?

Written by Patrick Greene and Jason Pizzarello.
Directed by Leslie Grondin and Felicia Wittman
Produced by Stage Partners.
Performance Dates: June 6 – 15, 2024

Polk County Commission Approves $1,572,400 for Master Plan of Polk County Agricultural Center Complex

 

by James Coulter 

Polk County’s new venue for competitions, auctions, and other agricultural events will move forward with its design phase now that the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has approved allocating $1,572,400 for the project’s master plan and design. 

At their meeting on Tues. June 3, 2025, the Polk County Commission unanimously voted to approve an agreement with The Lunz Group, LLC, for architectural & engineering services for the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex. 

Commissioners voted to approve a one-time expense of $1,572,400 to have the Lunz Group develop a master plan for the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex. The funding will be allocated from the county’s General Capital Improvement Fund. 

Under the agreement, Lunz Group will be responsible for the development of a master plan, design, cost estimate, and bidding and construction administration. The overall design phase is expected to be completed within two years. 

The amenities to be designed for the Agricultural Center, as explained in the agenda item memo, include an event arena, livestock barn(s), paddock area(s), trailer parking, and a maintenance & operations building. 

“The new agricultural center complex is intended to celebrate Polk County’s rich heritage as an agricultural community while embracing future generations by providing educational opportunities, showcasing agricultural events, and enhancing the quality of life for Polk County residents through economic impact,” wrote Procurement Analyst Tabatha Shirah. 

Polk County Agricultural Center Complex will be located on state-owned land between Bartow and Fort Meade. It will replace the county’s current agricultural event venue, The W.H. Stuart Center, which was built in 1971 as part of the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County office. 

In August 2024, the Polk County Commission voted to allocate $21 million for the center’s creation. One month later, in September 2024, they released a Request for Proposal (RFP) “to hire an architectural firm to master plan and design the facility,” as reported by Central Florida AG News. 

Commissioner Rick Wilson expressed his excitement for the project to begin moving forward. He stated how the final product will be a most valuable asset to the county and its residents, especially those who work in agriculture. 

“This has been a lot of work for a lot of people,” he said. “I have been after this since I became a commissioner…It has been a great undertaking and it really feels good to be able to see this finally. We are going to start moving a little dirt before long and putting something up. I want to thank everyone involved. This is Polk County. And it is going to be a nice facility for generations to come.”

In Loving Memory of John Olan Armold, 86, of Frostproof

John Olan Armold, 86

John Olan Armold of Frostproof passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 in his residence.

He was born May 17, 1939 in Waldo to the late Herman and Thelma Armold; he moved to Frostproof from Land O’ Lakes in 2003. John was a lineman for Tampa Electric for 35 years before retiring and served with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war. He was a member of the American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park and was of the Baptist faith. John always had a garden and could often times be found working in his yard. He enjoyed inventing things like the mango puller he made. He was devoted to his wife, he cared for her so she did not have to go into a nursing home.  

John was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Armold; brothers, Robert Armold, Rex Armold, Pete Armold, Forrest Armold; sister, Candy; and grandchild, Ian. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Mayfield and husband Kurt of Dunedin; son, Charles Armold and significant other Kathy Butler of Plant City; grandchildren, Curt, Shiloh, Matthew, Sunney, Summer; six great-grandchildren including, Alexis, Emily, Keira, Beau, and Finn; and other family members.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m., until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof. 

FWC: How to Become a Nuisance Alligator Trapper

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Photo Credit: Florida Hikes

FWC – The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) is administered by FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game Management, Alligator Management Program. The FWC contracts with private individuals, nuisance alligator trappers, to remove specific nuisance alligators.

Nuisance alligator trappers are primarily compensated by their marketing and sale of alligator products (hides and meat) from nuisance alligators taken. Trappers also may receive a small expense reimbursement from the FWC for each alligator taken.

Generally, there is not enough work to make nuisance alligator trapping a full-time job, and the income earned from the sale of alligator products may not be enough to support an individual or family. Most nuisance alligator trappers have other sources of income.

People interested in becoming nuisance alligator trappers should:

  • Be able to supply any equipment necessary to take alligators (truck, boat, snares, hooks, etc).
  • Have sufficient time to efficiently respond to permits to remove nuisance alligators.
  • Have a record of adherence to fish and wildlife regulations and have no criminal history.
  • Possess personal communication capabilities, including a cell phone and email.
  • Assume personal liability for health, welfare and safety of themselves and their trapping agents.
  • Project a positive image to the public and media.

To apply for a trapper position, complete the Nuisance Alligator Trapper application.  If your contact information changes, you may submit another application with the current information.

For more information, email [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE:

The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program occasionally needs new or additional contracted nuisance alligator trappers. When trappers are needed, applications submitted within the last 12 months for the specific area of need are considered.

Applications on file for longer than 12 months are not generally considered. Please update your application on an annual basis to maintain an active application for consideration should a need arise.

Rolling into Knowledge: PCLC Bookmobile Brings Books to the Community

CITY OF LAKE WALES – The PCLC Bookmobile operates in unincorporated Polk County and incorporated cities without public library services. The Polk County Library Cooperative’s mobile branch library serves residents Tuesdays through Saturdays. Scheduled stops will be on the first and third week of each month and the second and fourth week of each month. 

Polk County Library Cooperative cards issued at any location will be honored at the PCLC Bookmobile. New memberships will be available on the Bookmobile.

Email [email protected] to be placed on the email reminder list. Questions on Bookmobile rules and policies, scheduling the Bookmobile for special events and general information is also available at [email protected] or 863.678.4004 ext. 2317. Scheduling can be started by filling out the online form here.

“Like” them on Facebook and Instagram  PCLC Bookmobile.

The Polk County Library Cooperative (PCLC) is a partnership between the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Lake Wales and other municipalities in our county. Library membership (PDF) is available to all Polk County property owners and residents.

ATV Flips in Lake Wales Neighborhood, One Patient Airlifted

At approximately 2:41 PM on Monday, June 2, 2025, a traffic collision was reported to Polk County Fire Rescue at 770 Hunt Drive in Lake Wales .

Lt. Dale Hampton at Lake Wales Police Department has confirmed that the crash involved an ATV. The all-terrain vehicle was being test driven by a 16-year-old. The ATV is said to have had a mechanical issue that caused it to flip over.

A singular injured person was transported by air out of an abundance of caution and is listed as a trauma alert. Hampton stated the injuries were non-life-threatening.

Date Palm Trees in Downtown Lake Wales to Be Replaced with More Sustainable Species

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Lake Wales, FL – Just months after new date palm trees were planted as part of the downtown Lake Wales Streetscape project, city officials have announced that the trees will be replaced with a more sustainable variety better suited for the area’s long-term needs.

The decision comes after city staff, in coordination with project contractors, determined that the date palms were producing a low soil pH, requiring ongoing monitoring and frequent testing to maintain healthy conditions. This process, according to officials, results in a recurring cost of roughly $4,000 per year—funds that could be more effectively allocated elsewhere within the beautification effort.

In place of the date palms, crews will be planting Livistona nitida palms, commonly known as Ribbon Fan Palms. This species is known for being more tolerant to the local soil composition and weather conditions, reducing the need for intensive maintenance and testing.

In a written statement to the Lake Wales Daily it appears that this is a step forward in reality rather than a step backward.

Gomez Construction, the lead contractor on the Streetscape project, is assisting with covering a portion of the replacement work to help offset costs. City planners conducted a cost-benefit analysis, which strongly supported the transition. Not only are Livistona nitida palms more resilient, but they also offer long-term savings and reduced environmental stress.

Even though we don’t have a schedule from the city we would expect the new trees to be planted in the coming weeks as part of ongoing enhancements to the downtown area.

National Hurricane Center Begins Tracking Potential Weather System Near Florida on the Second Day of Storm Season

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Photo Credit: National Hurricane Center

While the 2025 hurricane season only began yesterday, June 1, there is already a potential storm in the works. In this particular case, the forecast calls for this system to move towards the northeast away from Florida. The following update was provided by the National Hurricane Center:

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 PM EDT Mon Jun 2 2025

For the North Atlantic…Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America:

  1. Offshore of the Southeastern U.S. Coast
    A non-tropical area of low pressure is forecast to form near or
    offshore of the southeastern U.S. coast during the next couple of
    days. If the system remains offshore, the low could gradually
    develop some subtropical or tropical characteristics later this
    week while moving northeastward at 10 to 15 mph.
  • Formation chance through 48 hours…low…near 0 percent.
  • Formation chance through 7 days…low…10 percent.

Bok Tower Gardens Fairy Festival June 14

Photo credit: Bok Tower Gardens

BOK TOWER GARDENS – Come dressed in your fairy best as Bok Tower Gardens presents a summer Fairy Festival like none other! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages, with activities and entertainment throughout the Gardens.

See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and awesome animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, and delight your senses with art, music, and plenty of bubbles!

Event Date & Time

Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location

Bok Tower Gardens

Price

Free for members / $20 for non-member adults / $10 for non-member children ages 6-17 (Includes admission for the day) Free for children 5 and under.
Activities are included in general admission – some activities are available while supplies last
Purchase General Admission Now

Schedule of Events

Hammock Hollow Fairy Door Hunt
Hammock Hollow
9 am – 4 pm

Fantasy Temporary Tattoo Station
Visitor Center
9 am – 2 pm

Fairies in Training
Hammock Hollow Sabal Stage
9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Morning Stretches with Buffy
10 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Story and Musical Play
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Story and Musical Play

Bring your little ones and join Hammock Hollow Fairy Queen Buffy as she takes the stage in Hammock Hollow. Begin your fairies in training session with morning stretches from 9-9:30am. There will also be a story and musical play from 10-10:30am and again at 11-11:30am. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to spend time with Buffy in Hammock Hollow as she meanders through the garden, communing with Mother Nature’s creatures. This program is perfect for children of all ages!

Fairy Crown Making
(While Supplies Last)
Outdoor Kitchen
10 am – 12 pm
Make a beautiful fresh flower crown perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages. Activity is free but space and supplies are limited.

Fairy Godmother Fly-In and Aerial Artistry
The Singing Tower
10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm

Fairy Meet and Greet with Dreams Come True Entertainment
Hammock Hollow Fairy Garden
10 am – 2 pm

Fairy Meet and Greet with Circus Arts Place
Singing Tower and Great Lawn
10 am – 2 pm

Awesome Animal Encounters
Visitor Center Theater
11 am – 1 pm

Bubble Fun
East Glade (Olmsted Gardens)
11 am – 1 pm