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

Hiring Event for Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital Set for Jan. 31

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January 22, 2026

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Hiring Event for Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital Set for Jan. 31

If you’re pursuing a career in the medical field, here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will be hosting a hiring event at Polk State College’s Lakeland campus on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hiring event will be held in Polk State College’s Lakeland Technology Building (LTB), located at 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.

Registration is not required for this event and is open to the public at no charge for attending.

Those interested in more information are encouraged to review a list of open positions at OrlandoHealth.com/Lakeland. Applications mat be made in advance of the hiring event. Individuals are encouraged to bring a printed copy of their resume, as hiring managers will be available onsite to speak with job candidates.

From 9 a.m. to noon, recruiters will focus on Allied Health and support services positions; from 1 to 4 p.m., nursing and nursing support professionals will be the focus.

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Cooking

Allison

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January 22, 2026

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Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

by James Coulter

Brr! The temperatures have been dropping in Florida these past few weeks, haven’t they? Down to the 20s? And I thought it was cold up here in Virginia. When Florida starts shivering, you know winter means business.

Regardless, whenever the weather gets cold, I like to warm up with a nice hot meal prepared in the slow cooker. There’s something comforting about knowing dinner is quietly bubbling away while you go about your day. Some folks like to warm up with beef stew, and don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with a good stew. But I love something even better: beef curry.

This Japanese-style curry is easy to make, pairs well with cooked rice, and warms you up with both its heat and blend of spices. And if you’re someone like me who likes a little extra kick, a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce will certainly warm you up even more.

What I love most is how unfussy it is. A bit of chopping, a quick sauté, and then everything goes into the slow cooker to work its magic. By the time evening rolls around, you’ve got a rich, hearty curry that tastes like you spent hours hovering over the stove, even though you barely lifted a finger.

It’s the perfect antidote to chilly weather, busy days, or those evenings when you just want something cozy without the effort.

Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground or stew beef

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups carrots, sliced

• 1 cup peas (frozen or canned)

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 can (14–15 oz.) crushed or diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth

• 3–4 blocks Japanese curry roux (Golden Curry, Vermont Curry, or similar)

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but lovely)

• Cooked rice for serving

Directions

1. In a saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until translucent and fragrant.

2. Add ground or brown beef and cook until brown.

3. Dump into slow cooker and add carrots, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and beef broth.

4. Cook on low for eight hours or high for four hours.

5. During the last hour of cooking, add curry roux and stir until well blended. Let it cook for half an hour.

6. Serve over cooked rice.

Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline

Entertainment

Allison

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January 22, 2026

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Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline
by James Coulter

Visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have been able to meet characters like Rey and Kylo Ren from the new Star Wars movies. They’ll soon be able to meet familiar faces like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader from the older movies.

Starting on April 29, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in California will expand its timeline to represent more eras from the Star Wars films, including the Original and Prequel trilogies.

“These exciting updates…will enable visitors to experience even more of the eras of Star Wars,” wrote Kelsey Lynch, Senior Manager of Public Relations, on Disney Parks Blog.

“Each era will be brought to life with the same care and attention to detail that the land was originally designed with, masterfully weaving together stories from across time and space in one location,” he continued.

Black Spire Outpost will roll back in time several decades to include characters, props, and even musical scores from the original Star Wars films. Soon, visitors will be able to meet Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker within the Outer Rim outpost. Accentuating that area’s atmosphere will be the beloved scores of the legendary composer John Williams from the first six Star Wars films.

Meanwhile, the forested area outside the marketplace will remain in the era of the prequel films, with characters like Rey and the rest of the Resistance continuing their fight against the First Order.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first opened in Disneyland Park in California on May 31, 2019, and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida on August 29, 2019. Originally, the themed area was set on the fictional planet of Batuu, existing within the timeline of the Star Wars sequel trilogy: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

At Disney World, the land’s theming was consistent with the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which opened on Mar. 1, 2022. However, since that hotel closed on Sep. 30, 2023, the land has since been undergoing retooling in Disney World and Disneyland.

The first of many changes began when both the Mandalorian and Grogu (affectionately referred to by fans as Baby Yoda) started appearing at Disneyland on Nov. 18, 2022, and at Hollywood Studios in Mar. 2023. Both Mando and Grogu will be appearing in the attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, on May 22, 2026, in both Disneyland and Disney World.

While many of the big changes to the land’s timeline will be coming to Disneyland later this year, only time will tell when these changes will appear at Hollywood Studios.

Regardless of when Galaxy’s Edge will be set in the Star Wars timeline, both lands in Disneyland and Disney World will continue to allow guests to experience fun in a galaxy far, far away.

Refuge on the Ridge Receives AED #83 Through Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Initiative

Lake Wales

Allison

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January 22, 2026

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Refuge on the Ridge Receives AED #83 Through Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Initiative

Refuge on the Ridge has become the latest organization to receive a life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, marking AED placement number 83 in the foundation’s ongoing community initiative. The AED was officially placed at the Refuge on January 13.

Refuge on the Ridge Office Manager Melissa Hilligoss, who has been with the organization for two years, shared insight into how the ministry began and the importance of partnerships that helped bring it to life. Hilligoss explained that the early vision for Refuge on the Ridge was formed through connections at Highpoint Church, where she met Pastor Andy Blair. Pastor Jack later helped further connect the group as plans developed.

“We would meet in the youth room and plan/dream with a small group,” Hilligoss said. “We soon began renovating and preparing for our first guy in July of 2020.”

Hilligoss and her husband moved onto the Refuge property in March of 2024, allowing her to work more closely with Pastor Andy and the daily operations of the program.

Pastor Andy Blair, Founder and Executive Director of Refuge on the Ridge, said he has been with the organization since its inception. “I’ve been here since the beginning. We officially opened and took our first man into the program on 3-22-21,” Blair said.

Refuge on the Ridge leaders expressed deep gratitude for being selected as an AED placement site, citing both practical and personal reasons for the partnership.

“We are extremely grateful and feel fortunate to be chosen for placement of an AED. I especially love when ministries or foundations who are in the business of saving lives can join together for the common good,” Blair said. “This foundation hits really close to home for me. I lost my biological father in 1995 to a heart attack. Who knows, had this technology and equipment had been available back then, it may have saved his life.”

Hilligoss also noted the meaningful connection between Refuge on the Ridge and the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation.

“We are honored to be chosen – there is a strong connection between what Melanie does and our program,” Hilligoss said. “She knows personally one of our former graduates and has a connection to the family.”

Both Hilligoss and Blair praised Melanie Brown Culpepper and the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation team for their compassion and dedication.

“CCF is one of the most compassionate foundations we have had the privilege of working with,” Hilligoss said. “Her passion for saving lives mirrors Refuge in the Ridge.”

Blair echoed those sentiments, highlighting the personal impact of Culpepper’s mission. “Melanie has such a caring spirit about her. I really feel like it was a divine appointment that we met. Just like God uses the team here and our stories and tragedies to try and help another human being, Melanie is using her own story and her own tragedy to make a positive difference in all of the lives that she comes in contact with. Melanie and her team’s enthusiasm is contagious.”

As part of the AED placement, a hands-on demonstration was conducted by Eric Shimcus. Hilligoss said the training helped staff feel confident and prepared to respond in an emergency.

“We absolutely loved the demonstration and explanations,” she said. “It is an easy process and accessible for all. We were able to clearly understand what to do in an emergency. Having that type of information ahead of time helps to keep people calm and prepared.”

Blair agreed, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. “It’s pretty amazing the difference that this device can make. The demonstration that we were given and the information that was conveyed was great. I feel like our team feels equipped now to respond in an emergency situation. We have also ordered a couple of anti-choking devices and fire extinguishers for our vehicles.”

Hilligoss added that Culpepper’s personal story resonated strongly with those at the Refuge. “Melanie’s personal story really hit home with a lot of us at Refuge,” she said. “It’s often the simple things that can save lives!”

Blair concluded by tying the AED placement directly to the mission of Refuge on the Ridge. “Our mission statement here at Refuge on the Ridge is ‘putting families, back together, one man, one family at a time’, In the case of a cardiac emergency, we now have a much better chance of saving a dad’s life, so that his family can be put back together. And we agree here at Refuge on the Ridge, that ‘Saving Lives Matter!’”

For more information about the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and its AED initiative, visit CulpepperAED.com.

In Loving Memory of James Ward of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Allison

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January 21, 2026

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In Loving Memory of James Ward of Lake Wales

Obituary for James Ward

James Ward, a resident of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Monday, January 5th 2026. He was 72 years old.

He worked for Hunt Brothers Citrus for 53 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife Linda. He is survived by his 3 children, Timothy Ward (Nicole), Chris Ward (Angie) and Jennie Moore (Darrell) and his grandchildren, Justin Ward, Caleb Ward, Breanna Futrell, Hannah Ward, Lindy Ward and Savanna Ward.

He loved working on his house and spending time with his family.

City of Lake Wales Considers Spending +$937K on Resurfacing Streets

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 20, 2026

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by James Coulter

The City of Lake Wales is considering repaving several downtown streets and the parking lots at the city library if it approves spending roughly $937,000 on its resurfacing program.

At their workshop on Wed. Jan. 14, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a proposal to authorize pavement preservation and resurfacing services with Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., through which the city has an existing contract.

This year’s proposed projects include resurfacing the Lake Wales Public Library’s parking areas and improvements along 3rd Street South, 5th Street North, Seminole Avenue, 3rd Street North, 4th Street North, Kissimmee Avenue, Tillman Avenue South, 1st Street South, and Russell Avenue.

The city’s budget for the current fiscal year includes $750,000 for resurfacing and $100,000 for striping. The remaining $87,319 needed to fully fund the program would come from unrestricted transportation funds.

City commissioners could opt not to approve the resurfacing plan, but Public Works Director Sarah Kirkland cautioned that postponing the work could accelerate pavement deterioration and lead to far higher repair costs later.

When Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked for documentation supporting the expenditure, Kirkland clarified that the request was not for a new contract but for approval of the dollar amount needed for this year’s resurfacing work.

Kirkland added that the estimate was developed using a detailed spreadsheet outlining each street’s length and width. She noted that the formal proposal listing the exact $937,319.03 cost was “inadvertently omitted” from the initial agenda packet, but she confirmed it is complete and will be provided to commissioners.

City Commissioners will vote on this agenda item at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tues. Jan. 27 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Cooking on the Ridge: Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Cooking

Allison

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January 20, 2026

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Cooking on the Ridge: Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs

by James Coulter

Barbecue season is upon us in Polk County, a time when cities across the county fire up their grills and host their own barbecue competitions.

Lakeland will be hosting Pigfest on Jan. 23. Winter Haven will be hosting Smoke off the Water on Feb. 6 and 7. And Haines City will be hosting Ribs on the Ridge on Feb. 20 and 21.

Sadly, as I no longer reside in the county, I won’t be able to attend any of them. I miss being able to cover these events and sample some finger-licking barbecue in the process. I especially loved the barbecue nachos served at Pigfest.

So, I’ve been doing the next best thing and testing out my homemade barbecue and hot sauces with barbecue made at home on the grill. (Or rather, my relatives’ grill!)

Yes, I’ve been experimenting with making my own barbecue sauces and hot sauces. Will I ever share the recipes? Perhaps another time. For now, I’ll be sharing one of the recipes I tested my sauces on: glazed chicken thighs.

My relatives have been showing me how to man the grill, and I’ve managed to prepare some great dishes on it, including this one. My homemade sauce paired well with the chicken thighs cooked to juicy, mouth-watering perfection.

Originally, I planned to serve them with rice and peas. However, the lack of peas meant corn would be the next best thing. Either way, it was a good meal, and the mango salsa paired well with the tropical taste of my mango habanero sauce.

Whether you choose to prepare them on the grill or on the stove, these chicken thighs will prove finger-licking good when glazed with your favorite barbecue sauce, be it store-bought or homemade.

*****

Glazed Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs

• ½ –¾ cup barbecue sauce

• 1 tbsp. neutral oil (only needed for stovetop)

Seasoning

• 2 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1½ tsp. garlic powder

• 1 tsp. onion powder

• 1½ tsp. kosher salt

• 1 tsp. black pepper

• Optional: ½ tsp cayenne (for extra heat)

Preparation

1. Pat the chicken dry.

2. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over all sides.

3. Let it rest 30 minutes. (Or refrigerate overnight.)

Grill Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium‑high heat (about 400°F).

2. Oil the grates lightly.

3. Place chicken thighs skin‑side down (if using skin‑on).

4. Grill 5–7 minutes per side, or until nearly cooked through.

5. Brush with sauce and grill 2–3 minutes per side, letting the glaze caramelize but not burn.

6. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Stovetop Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat and add 1 tbsp. oil.

2. Sear chicken thighs 4–6 minutes per side until browned.

3. Reduce heat to medium‑low.

4. Brush on sauce and cook 3–5 minutes, flipping and glazing until sticky and fully cooked (165°F).

5. If the glaze thickens too quickly, add a splash of water to loosen it.

Lake Wales CRA Approves +$461K Construction Contract for Northwest Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 19, 2026

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Lake Wales CRA Approves +$461K Construction Contract for Northwest Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements

by James Coulter

More than 1.25 miles of sidewalk will be paved along eight city streets now that a construction contract has been approved.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Jan. 13, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board voted unanimously to approve a construction contract of $461,732.54.

The contract will be for a project to construct approximately 1.25 miles of sidewalk for eight city streets. The scope of the project will include:

• Orange Avenue from 1st Street west to Wetmore Street

• Wetmore Street from the intersection of Orange Avenue north to Sessoms Avenue

• Sessoms Avenue from 1st Street east to Scenic Highway

• Seminole Avenue from 1st Street east to the RR tracks

• Seaboard Avenue from 1st Street west to MLK Boulevard

• Dorsett Avenue from 1st Street west to MLK Boulevard

• B Street from Dorsett Avenue north to Dr. JA Wiltshire Avenue

• C Street from Dorsett Avenue north to Dr. JA Wiltshire Avenue

Of the 14 bids submitted to the City for the project, and following a review by city staff and Colliers Project Leaders, Garcia Civil Contractors was selected as the lowest responsive bid.

This project is part of the city’s overall efforts to expand and improve sidewalks, especially in the Northwest Neighborhood and Downtown areas, with these projects funded through state, federal, and CRA grants.

Phase I of the Northwest Sidewalk Improvement Project began in April 2024 and has since been completed with 3.2 miles of new sidewalks across 13 streets, 875 feet of crosswalks, and 45 ADA-compliant ramps, according to the city’s website.

Additional sidewalk and pedestrian upgrades are planned as part of the city’s broader Lake Wales Connected initiative, which, according to the city’s website, is “a long-range plan to revitalize the City’s historic core.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson asked about budget funding for the project, and Assistant City Manager Deena Drumgo confirmed it was available, “Thanks to you all.” Drumgo also noted the project was finished in two years instead of the planned five.

City Manager James Slatton mentioned how the initial project was budgeted for $2.5 million and how the City has since been spending only one-fifth of that original estimate.

Celebration of Life for Sonia Jean Money

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2026

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Celebration of Life for Sonia Jean Money

Sonia Jean Money, 65, of Deltona, Florida, passed away on January 12, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born in Lakeland, Florida, on November 16, 1960, Sonia was the daughter of the late Jack and Lois Dotson. She grew up in Lake Wales and graduated from Lake Wales High School with the Class of 1979. In 1980, she married the love of her life, Dale Money, and together they welcomed their daughter, Teri, in 1981. The family made their home in Lake Wales for many years before eventually settling in Deltona.

Sonia spent several years as a devoted homemaker before working at Eye Express in Winter Haven. She later became the deli and bakery manager at Food Lion and eventually continued her work in the deli and bakery department at Target, where she finished her career.

She loved reading Nora Roberts novels, tending to her garden, and serving others with a generous and willing heart. Sonia had a gift for noticing needs and quietly stepping in to help, never seeking recognition—only wanting to make life a little easier for those around her.

Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment she could spend with them. Sonia was also an exceptional baker, well known for her carrot cake, fudge, and gingerbread men, treats that became beloved traditions among those who knew her.

A woman of strong Christian faith, Sonia attended Grace Life Church in Deltona.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Money; her daughter, Teri Money‑Williams (Scott); and her grandchildren, Kayla Burton, Kendrix Williams, and Kyrie Williams. She is also survived by her sisters, Bridgett Merrill and Cindy Frank; her brother, Bobby Dotson; and was preceded in death by her brother, Greg Dotson.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11am at Highpoint Church in Lake Wales Sonia will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

New HOME Program to Boost Accessibility for Lake Wales Residents

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2026

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New HOME Program to Boost Accessibility for Lake Wales Residents

by James Coulter

A new pilot program aims to help Lake Wales residents with disabilities stay safe and independent in their homes.

At their regular meeting on Tues, Jan. 13, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board voted unanimously to reallocate $50,000 from its Housing Rehabilitation budget to launch the Housing Opportunities for Mobility and Equity (HOME) program.

Assistant City Manager Deena Drumgo described the new program as a way to provide “accessibility‑focused home repairs and modifications” for residents in the Lake Wales CRA district.

“The program enables individuals with mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive challenges to age in place by making their homes safer and more accessible,” she wrote. “By funding modifications like ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and non-slip flooring.”

This program would benefit the nearly 11.8 percent of Lake Wales residents, or roughly 2,100 people, who live with a disability, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data.

Drumgo mentioned how her own brother was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which confined him to a wheelchair, and how many of her other relatives also had muscular dystrophy, requiring modifications to their homes.

“Sometimes, I think the disabled community is overlooked,” she said, emphasizing the program’s potential impact.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked if people with disabilities applying for the program would be required to have some relation with the home or property owner. Drumgo clarified that applicants will need approval from the property owner before any work can begin.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson praised the initiative as another sign of momentum in local housing efforts, citing past successes with legacy housing and fine‑forgiveness programs.

“It is huge for the benefit of our citizens,” he said. “We are on a roll.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson added that mobility challenges following his knee surgery opened his eyes to the daily barriers many residents face.

“Whether permanently or temporarily, your life changes,” he said. “I think it is going to be overall a net positive for our community and people who are struggling with mobility.”

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