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

Staff Reporter
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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

Lake Wales Man Accused Of Drunk Driving Caused Two Hit and Runs Then Parked Behind Elementary School

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Lake Wales Man Accused Of Drunk Driving Caused Two Hit and Runs Then Parked Behind Elementary School

On March 10, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 43‑year‑old Juan Medina of Lake Wales after he caused two hit‑and‑run crashes while driving under the influence around 7:10 p.m.

The first crash occurred at the intersection of US Highway 27 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard, where a tan Toyota Camry rear‑ended a silver Hyundai sedan in the right‑turn lane. The Hyundai sustained significant rear‑end damage, and the driver reported minor injuries. The Camry driver fled the scene before the victim could make contact.

Approximately five minutes later, the same Camry struck a white Chevrolet sedan traveling westbound on Cypress Gardens Boulevard near Mahaffey Road. The driver and two passengers reported back and neck pain. Again, the Camry fled without stopping.

A witness from the second crash reported seeing an older tan sedan leaving the area with a male driver who had visible facial injuries. Shortly afterward, another witness located the Camry parked on the grounds of Garden Grove Elementary School.

Deputies arrived and found the vehicle behind the school in a closed parking lot near the dumpsters. The Camry had heavy front‑end damage consistent with both crashes. The driver, identified as Juan Medina, was still seated in the running vehicle. Deputies made contact and observed multiple signs of impairment, including bloodshot watery eyes, the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and difficulty maintaining balance. Medina also had a large laceration on his forehead.

On top of a nearby dumpster, deputies located a brown paper bag containing a nearly empty bottle of bourbon. Glass fragments on the bag were consistent with the damaged windshield. Additional glass shards were found inside the vehicle and on Medina’s clothing.

Medina refused to answer questions regarding the crashes, his injuries, or alcohol consumption. He also refused field sobriety exercises and later refused a breath test. EMS evaluated him for injuries and cleared him at the scene.

Deputies learned that Medina is currently on felony probation for trafficking in heroin, active from 2021 through 2031.

Medina was arrested and charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a crash with injury (F3), two counts of DUI with property damage/personal injury (M1), DUI (M2), refusal to submit to breath/urine/blood test (M2), trespassing on school grounds (M2), and violation of probation (M2).

“This suspect made a series of dangerous choices that could have easily ended in tragedy. He put innocent people in danger and then drove onto school property while impaired. Thankfully this happened after hours, but his actions were reckless and completely unacceptable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In Loving Memory of Ruth Gilman

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Ruth Gilman

Ruth Gilman

May 19, 1925 — March 8, 2026

Lake Wales, Florida

Ruth A. Gilman

Early in the morning on Sunday, March 8, 2026 Ruth Gilman went to be with her Lord. It is a blessing she passed on this Sabbath because as a lifelong Christian, she worshipped with joy.

Ruth lead a life of dedication to her family, friends and her profession as a successful photographer who leaves a legacy of her photos in Lake Wales.

The only daughter born to George and Helen Gilman, she had three brothers. George, Russell and John, all deceased, she joins them now at 100 years old. She leaves several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Most of us knew Ruth as the photographer for The Lake Wales News from 1962-1973, then for her portraits and weddings, and later her Gilman Recall was a fun addition.

Living in the home her parents built, she remained independent for 46 years after her mother’s death. She was an avid gardener, won golf tournaments, played tennis and walked her neighborhood nearly every day.

Ruth was always curious about learning new things and mastering new skills.

A private graveside service is planned at a later date. Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Care Center as she delivered Meals on Wheels for 25 years.

Her niece, Pamela Turner, would like to thank Just Like Home of Lake Wales and Cornerstone Hospice for their tender care along with several special friends, Susan, Margaret and Gail. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Barnett Family Invests in Future of Treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center Location Coming to Polk County

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Barnett Family Invests in Future of Treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center Location Coming to Polk County

By Maria Iannucci

Within the next few years, Polk County residents will have a valuable new option for quality cancer care that won’t involve driving to Tampa or Orlando.

On February 15, 2026, at the 31st Annual Magnolia Ball in Tampa, local philanthropists Wesley Barnett and Ashley Bell Barnett of Lakeland pledged $10 million to Moffitt Cancer Center towards the development of a state-of-the-art outpatient facility of Moffitt Cancer Center to be built in Polk County. The Magnolia Ball is Moffitt Cancer Center’s annual signature fundraising event. 

Philanthropist, Barney Barnett, center, with daughter-in-law Ashley Bell-Barnett, and son, Wesley Barnett, right, at the Magnolia Ball in Tampa February 15, 2026.

Ashley says the new Moffitt location, which will be built on a 34-acre site in Highland City, will fundamentally change the access Polk County residents have to cancer care. 

“Just having first-hand knowledge of friends and family affected by cancer has shown me how significant the need is to have options for treatment,” Ashley says.

The idea for this extension of Moffitt Cancer Center sparked three years ago, as a result of a brief conversation.

“I was in Tallahassee in 2023 and I ran across the CEO of Moffitt, Dr. Patrick Hwu, as we were at an event together. We didn’t know each other, and we got to talking. To tell you the truth, he planted the seed right there. He’s just such a charismatic, wonderful man. I later found out he was the CEO of Moffitt. After meeting him, I met another community advocate who worked for Moffitt, Celia Ferman, then a member of Moffitt’s Board of Directors. Together, we began these important conversations.”


Patrick Hwu, MD, President and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center; Rose Baker Reilly, Chair of the Moffit Foundation, with Philanthropists Ashley Bell-Barnett and Wesley Barnett at the Magnolia Ball in Tampa February 15, 2026. 

Individuals undergoing treatment for cancer have a variety of needs and are often referred to Moffitt in Tampa for the state-of-the-art treatment options. Having this type of care available locally will be a game changer, Ashley says.

“I have close friends and family that I that I have made that drive for, people that have had treatment there over the last 15 years. This was just a no-brainer.”

According to Merritt Martin, chief of staff at Moffitt Cancer Center, Polk County residents currently make more than 29,000 trips annually to Tampa for medical treatment, many of them traveling up to three hours round-trip for essential care. When you’re nauseated, or you have just come out of radiation, and must go to be there early mornings and late nights for four days in a row for six weeks, I just can’t imagine the burden and stress of having that diagnosis and demand. Right now, those patients are making a three-hour round-trip every day. 

“Now we will have a world-class gem right in our backyard.”

Wesley Barnett, Ashley’s husband, says that while they are pleased to be a part of the initial investment, the community will be integral in bringing the Moffitt campus to fruition.

“Our family is proud to make the first major investment in this much-needed facility, but $10 million only gets us to the starting line. The finish line is $50 million and world-class cancer care right here in Polk County. I am personally committed to seeing this through, and I hope others in this community are inspired to join us.”

After focus groups indicated an established need for this kind of care in Polk County, it became clear to the interested parties that the initiative should move forward. 

The Barnetts have pledged the first $10 million, but the total project cost with land is estimated to be $142 million. The donation of the land brings the project much closer to reality.

The Rogers family of Lakeland has generously donated approximately 34 acres of land off of US 98 in Highland City, which will be the main site for Moffitt, with the possibility of a surgical center coming at a later time. 

“Polk County desperately needs to support a project of this caliber,” says Ashley. 

“Some may think healthcare is becoming too competitive in Polk County. I’d say it’s the opposite — Moffitt elevates everyone. It raises the talent pool, expands access, and creates real partnerships with Lakeland Regional Health and other institutions through fellowships and collaboration. We’re not just bringing a cancer center; we’re bringing jobs, education, and a better quality of life to this community.”

Ashley says that when the announcement was made at the February fundraiser, it was important to take note of one important fact.

“The announcement at the Magnolia Ball wasn’t for the people in that room. It was for generations to come — families who will get the treatment they need, right here at home, and who will be part of the work toward a cure

Late-Night Crooked Lake Rescue: Deputies, Fire Rescue, and Good Samaritan Save Two Men After Canoe Overturns

Allison
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Late-Night Crooked Lake Rescue: Deputies, Fire Rescue, and Good Samaritan Save Two Men After Canoe Overturns

At around 8:04 pm, on Sunday March 8, 2026, a 911 call was received by a man who reported that he and his buddy were in Crooked Lake– their canoe had overturned, they were far from the shoreline, and they had no personal floatation devices.

The two men (both in their 20s) were clinging to their overturned canoe, but they were having a tough time in the water.

Plus it was dark, cold, and well… gators. That’s always a concern in a situation like this.

PCSO deputies arrived on scene along with Polk County Fire Rescue.

One of the men in the water tried to use the flashlight on his cell phone to signal to first responders where they were.

Deputies Vasquez and Hall made contact with a nearby resident who had a boat anchored just offshore.

Without hesitation, the resident assisted the deputies, and the men entered the water and boarded the boat, along with PCFR personnel, and began searching for the two men.

Time was critical. The two men, still on the line with dispatch, said their canoe was starting to submerge. One of the men began coughing.

Sgt. Watson, who remained on shore, spotted the cell phone flashlight and directed the men in the rescue boat where to go.

The two young men were located, pulled from the water, and brought back to shore without injury.

Neither man required medical attention. They were appreciative of the help from the PCSO, PCFR, and the good citizen. And they learned a lesson about the importance of having personal floatation devices with them on the water.

World Wildlife Day – FREE Community Event

Allison
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World Wildlife Day – FREE Community Event

🌎 World Wildlife Day – FREE Community Event!

A fun and educational day celebrating wildlife is coming to Oakley Park, just across from the library. The event is free and open to the public, featuring live animal encounters, interactive wildlife education, an insect petting zoo, and a variety of local vendors.

March 14 at 12 pm

Guests will also have the chance to be featured at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center and win prizes by submitting wildlife photography or artwork. This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys nature, wildlife, art, or photography.

See the flyers below ⬇️ for contest rules and details. 🐾📸🎨

Babson Park Man Struck & Killed In Davenport

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Babson Park Man Struck & Killed In Davenport

Pedestrian killed crossing I-4 onramp in northeast Polk County

A pedestrian was killed Friday evening, March 6, 2026, as he was crossing an onramp from US 27 to I-4 eastbound.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene at around 8:00 pm, along with Polk County Fire Rescue.

Upon their arrival, the victim was pronounced deceased.

The onramp was ultimately closed for fewer than three hours following the crash, however deputies were able to utilize another onramp to eastbound I-4 which is just 600-feet north from the incident location, which enabled traffic to keep flowing.

According to the preliminary investigation, the victim was attempting to run across the onramp from the west side of the road when he was struck by a black 2022 Chevrolet Suburban.

The driver of the Suburban and his passenger remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The victim was identified as 77-year old Antonio Sanchez, Jr. of Babson Park.

No charges are anticipated, but the crash remains under investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit.

Polk County Acquires 26 Acre Lake Wales Property for $415K for Environmental Protection

Allison
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Polk County Acquires 26 Acre Lake Wales Property for $415K for Environmental Protection

Polk County Acquires 26 Acre Lake Wales Property for $415K for Environmental Protection
by James Coulter
 
More than 26 acres of land near Lake Wales will be conserved for environmental protection now that Polk County has agreed to acquire the land for $415,917.50.
 
At their regular meeting on Tues. Mar. 3, 2026, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a land purchase agreement between the County and two private residents in conjunction with the Environmental Lands Program.
 
The County will acquire a tract of land located east of Lake Wales and west of Walk in Water Road. The tract consists of four individual tax parcels, consisting of approximately 26 acres.
 
Through this agreement, the county will purchase “approximately 21 acres in fee simple and a conservation easement over the remaining 5 acres located in the northeast corner of the overall property,” wrote R. Wade Allen, Director of Real Estate Services.
 
The land will be purchased for $415,917.50, with an estimated $7,000 in closing costs for a total of $422,917.50.
 
“Funds are available for the purchase in the amount of $162,896 in the Special Revenue Grant – Sentinel Landscape DIG Fund,” Allen wrote. “Funds are available for the remainder of the purchase price and estimated closing costs in the amount of $260,021.50 in the Environmental Lands Acquisition Fund.”
 
Steven Morrison and Sally Morrison nominated the property to Polk County Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (“CLASAC”), which, as Allen explained, was created in Feb. 2023 for “the acquisition, preservation, protection, management, operation and restoration of environmental lands, water resources and important fish and wildlife habitat.”
 
The property exists within the Lake Wales Ridge, considered one of Florida’s most sensitive and ecologically valuable regions. The Ridge is famous for its high biodiversity and endemism, with unique native animals and plants existing nowhere else in the world.
 
The acquired land itself sits between Lake Wales and the Walk‑in‑Water region, adjacent to large wilderness tracts that serve as habitats for creatures such as gopher tortoises, scrub jays, indigo snakes, and black bears.
 
As such, the acquisition of this land fits perfectly within the goals of the County’s broader conservation strategy through its Environmental Lands Program, the purpose of which, according to the County’s website, is “to acquire, preserve, protect, manage and restore endangered and environmentally sensitive lands, water resources and important wildlife habitat as part of Polk County conservation.”

Two Former Lake Wales Little League Board Members Arrested on Grand Theft and Fraud Charges

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Two Former Lake Wales Little League Board Members Arrested on Grand Theft and Fraud Charges

Lake Wales, FL — Two former board members of Lake Wales Little League have been arrested following an investigation into suspected fraudulent activity within the organization’s accounts.

According to the Lake Wales Police Department, on May 30, 2025, board members reported concerns about potential financial misconduct. Detectives conducted an extensive review of financial records and determined that Stephanie Witt and Alicia Bird had systematically used Lake Wales Little League bank cards to obtain personal goods and services.

Investigators say that between November 22, 2021 and December 18, 2024, Witt used the organization’s bank cards for personal purchases totaling $6,670.97. Between May 21, 2022 and February 10, 2025, Bird used the league’s bank cards for personal goods and services totaling $2,598.79.

Both Witt and Bird were arrested and charged with Grand Theft and Scheme to Defraud. The case remains an active investigation.

State corporate filings provide additional context regarding leadership roles within the organization during the timeframe in question. According to Florida Division of Corporations records, Alicia Bird was listed as Treasurer in filings dating back to at least March 17, 2021. In the most recent annual report filed January 16, 2025, Stephanie Witt was listed as President of Lake Wales Little League, with Alicia Bird continuing to serve as Treasurer at that time.

In response to the arrests and the transition in leadership, newly appointed Lake Wales Little League President Maranda Hicks issued the following statement:

“I learned from a wise soul that being a part of a Board means that your duty is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. On behalf of the newly appointed Board of Directors, I am honored to announce a new chapter defined by accountability, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to the youth and families we serve. Our Board stands fully prepared to lead with transparency, disciplined governance, and an unwavering child first focus in alignment with the standards of Little League Baseball and Softball. We are resolute in giving back to the Lake Wales community through principled leadership, responsible stewardship, and meaningful opportunities for our children to thrive in a safe environment defined by teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.”

Hicks said the newly appointed Board of Directors is committed to restoring trust and ensuring strong financial oversight moving forward. “Our board meetings are open to the public.” said Hicks. The meetings are recorded and they hope to have them available for the community on their website in the near future. Anyone wanting to know more about the current program can follow them on Facebook or on The Lake Wales Little League website.

Since the appointment of a new of a new board, Lake Wales Little League has entered a renewed phase marked by hands-on leadership and visible progress throughout the park. From coordinated volunteer workdays to facility upgrades such as improvements to the batting cage turf, board members and coaches have taken an active role in strengthening both operations and player experience. Families have responded with strong support, signaling a shared commitment to stability, accountability, and a child-focused vision centered on teamwork, discipline, and community pride.

Th Lake Wales Little League is a non governmental organization, but gets a grant from the city to maintain the complex. The current agreement has been in place since 2012 (according to available information) and is approximately $60,000 of tax payers funds are provided to the organization.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 or remain anonymous by contacting Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1 800 226 TIPS.

School Zone Speed Cameras: A Look At The Numbers

Maria Iannucci
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School Zone Speed Cameras: A Look At The Numbers

Safety first. And speeders beware.

Friday, February 27, 2026, marked the inception of citations to be issued to drivers violating the Hillcrest Elementary School speed zone on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales. As the 30 day warning period ended Thursday, violators can now be fined $100 for each violation at this location.

Lake Wales Police Department reports that since the cameras went live in January, through February 27, a total of 2,154 warnings were mailed as a result of documented violations at the Hillcrest elementary school zone.

Now that the 30 day initial warning period is over, violators will now receive $100 fines.

The school zone cameras on Burns Avenue, in place for 15 days through Friday, February 27, have already recorded 2,620 confirm violations. The warning period for this zone will continue for another 15 school days.

Lake Wales Police Arrest Suspect in Last Week’s SR 60 Crash

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Lake Wales Police Arrest Suspect in Last Week’s SR 60 Crash

LAKE WALES, FL — A Lake Wales man has been arrested following Friday evening’s rollover crash on Highway 60 that shut down westbound lanes near 9th Street.

According to an arrest affidavit from the Lake Wales Police Department, officers responded on February 20, 2026, to the intersection of Highway 60 and 9th Street in reference to a vehicle rollover crash.

Upon arrival, officers observed a maroon Jeep in the westbound lanes with damage to the right rear passenger door. The vehicle had overturned multiple times. All occupants were outside of the vehicle and were later transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment of injuries.

Witnesses at the scene told officers that the vehicle responsible for causing the crash fled northbound on 9th Street.

According to the affidavit, dash camera footage showed a black pickup truck bearing Florida tag #QGEC01 stopped at the stop sign on 9th Street before entering Highway 60 and striking the maroon Jeep. The impact reportedly caused the Jeep to flip several times into the westbound lanes. The pickup then cleared traffic and continued north on 9th Street, leaving the scene.

A BOLO was issued for the vehicle.

While attempting to locate the truck, a witness reported that the vehicle passed her residence on 9th Street and Campbell Avenue, heading toward Lakeshore Boulevard, and that the driver was male.

Detective Walters later located the black pickup parked at a home on Lakeshore Boulevard. Two adults were inside the home. One of them was identified as Philip Lewis.

According to the affidavit, a show-up identification was conducted with a witness who identified Lewis as the driver of the pickup truck seen leaving the crash scene.

Lewis was placed under arrest.

During a search, officers reported locating a clear plastic baggie containing a white powder-based substance in Lewis’s right front pants pocket. Lewis allegedly told officers the substance was his ADHD medication, Vyvanse, and that it would not test positive for drugs.

A field test later showed a positive result for cocaine.

The affidavit also states that Lewis’s driver license had been suspended for failure to pay a traffic fine, effective January 26, 2026.

Lewis was charged with:

• Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury (Felony)

• Driving while license suspended or revoked (Misdemeanor)

• Possession of cocaine (Felony)

• Possession of drug paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)

He was transported to the Polk County Inmate Processing Center without incident.

As previously reported by Lake Wales Daily, the crash caused the closure of westbound State Road 60 between 9th Street and 11th Street and prompted a response from Lake Wales Police Department, Lake Wales Fire Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.

The investigation remains active.

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