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

Lake Wales CRA Extends BizLINC Contract for 60 More Days to Better Permit Financial and Performance Audit

City of Lake Wales

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August 26, 2025

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Lake Wales CRA Extends BizLINC Contract for 60 More Days to Better Permit Financial and Performance Audit

by James Coulter

How many businesses and jobs has BizLINC helped create as a business incubator? How many of those businesses and jobs have been retained in the City of Lake Wales? And can the City sustain funding this incubator for the next three years?

:Those are questions the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) hopes to have answered through a financial and performance audit now that BizLINC’s contract has been extended for an additional 60 days.

At their meeting on Tues., Aug. 12, 2025, Lake Wales CRA board members voted 4-0 to approve a 60-day extension on BizLINC’s contract, giving the business incubator enough time to complete an audit report. Mayor Jack Hilligoss requested to recuse himself from the discussion.

On July 25, 2022, BizLINC entered a three-year $1.2 million contract with the City of Lake Wales. On June 24, 2025, the business incubator requested a proposal to renew their contract for an additional three years.

Currently, BizLINC is undergoing an end-of-the-year audit, which has yet to be completed. As such, they have requested a 30-day extension to their contract to provide them more time to complete their audit report.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson asserted that his main priority was to ensure that BizLINC would make a sound return on the city’s investment, especially in terms of increased property values and generated revenue.

“That’s primarily what we are about: bricks and mortar and increasing property values,” he said. “That property value is what we are about because that is our lifeblood. We do not want to be bleed. We want to add to the blood so we get better.”

“What we have to be concerned about here is making a good business decision,” he later elaborated. “We make good business decisions because it is public money. It is not our money. We are a fiduciary for the public’s money. That is critically important.”

City Manager James Slatton mentioned how BizLNC initially requested a contract extension for $300,000 annually. The incubator had since agreed to reduce its proposal to $420,000 over three years. As such, each year’s subsequent funding would be contingent on the previous year’s funding.

In that regard, Deputy Mayor Gibson mentioned his concerns were two-fold: the overall improvement of BizLINC’s headquarters and the participants in the incubator program. The latter concerned him most, especially with concerns about the program’s overall sustainability.

“If they cannot sustain this business, and if the value of the building does not increase enough, and if the participants do not put money into property values enough to cover the $420,000 we are being asked to invest, we are not just talking about getting it back, but also increasing it. If they cannot do that, and the business is not sustainable, we are done,” he explained.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired about the number of businesses being created within the City of Lake Wales, especially within the Northwest District, where the business incubator is located. She felt that the prospect required further analysis.

“If they are spinning off businesses, then having those businesses located in Lake Wales…that would be great if BizLINC could be the core of that, to get all those businesses up and running. But we need to know more about what is going on there,” she said.

Commissioner Keith Thompson was in favor of extending the contract to ensure BizLINC completed its audit. However, he expressed unease at the prospect of demanding the incubator create businesses and jobs only for Lake Wales.

“The idea that we need to be in control of these businesses makes me feel icky,” he said. “I do not think that is our responsibility. [If] they have gone outside of Lake Wales, that is their choice. I don’t have to like it, but that is their choice. They may find greener pastures somewhere else, and we will have to deal with that if we want a business incubator.”

City Manager Slaton suggested allowing the contract to expire and creating a new one to better facilitate negotiations and changes. However, Deputy Mayor Gibson rebuffed the idea, stating quite emphatically, “You do not allow a contract to expire and do nothing.”

CRA board members eventually motioned to extend the contract for an additional 60 days, with a report expected within 30 days. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote.

In Loving Memory of Marlisa Karola Abel, 87, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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August 25, 2025

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Marlisa Karola Abel, 87

Marlisa Karola Abel of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

She was born March 14, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Heinz and Margaret Braschos; she moved to Lake Wales from Cleveland, Ohio in 1963. Marlisa was a real estate agent for Indian Lake Real Estate. In her free time she enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, and gardening.

Marlisa was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Abel in 2023; and brother, Heinz Braschos. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Barenberg and husband Keith of Colcord, Oklahoma, Deborah Stokes of Davenport, Kimberly Parsons; son, Thomas Zelenka and wife Mindy of Lake Wales; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

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

City of Lake Wales Gives Preliminary Approval of Proposed Private Provider Fees

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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August 24, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Gives Preliminary Approval of Proposed Private Provider Fees

by James Coulter

The City of Lake Wales has given preliminary approval of amendments to its code of ordinances to include fees for building plan reviews and inspections by private providers.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug. 19, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 7 Buildings and Building Regulations, Article IX, Schedule of Fees in the Lake Wales Code of Ordinances.

These amendments would include fees for building inspection and plan reviews conducted by private providers.

Private providers, as defined by the state of Florida, “refers to a licensed professional who contracts with a building owner or developer to perform building code inspections and/or plan reviews, supplementing or even replacing the services of the local government’s building department,” wrote Gary M. Pennix, Building Official.

The schedule of fees for private providers is as follows:

Commercial Property

Plans review only: $75.00 (+ Regular building fee)

Inspections only: $190.00 (or 25% of the building permit fee, whichever is greater)

Plans review & inspections: $75.00

Residential Property

Inspections only: $75.00 (+ Plans review fee)

Plans review & inspections: $55.00

Plans review only: $55.00 (+ Regular building fee)

“Permit Fees include discounts for inspections and Plan Review when utilizing a Private Provider company for these services,” Pennix wrote. “The proposed amendment will align Lake Wales Fee Schedule with that of Polk County values.”

The second reading of this ordinance will be at a future city commission meeting to be hosted at Lake Wales City Hall.

Rollover Crash on Timberlane in Lake Wales, No Reported Injuries

Maria Iannucci

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August 24, 2025

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Rollover Crash on Timberlane in Lake Wales, No Reported Injuries

At 6:20 PM on Sunday, August 24, 2025 a traffic collision was reported on Timberland Road, near Shady Wood Lane in Lake Wales.

The accident was said to involve two vehicles, initially said to involve a Toyota Highlander and a GMC Envoy was later confirmed by PCSO to be a single car crash of a 2000 Ford utility truck.

The vehicle is off the road, upside down in the ditch. First responders are currently arriving on scene, including an FWC vehicle in the area. Occupants appear to be out of the vehicle. While the original call stated two vehicles were involved, only one was observed at the scene. Specific information regarding injuries is not known at this time.

At least one lane of Timberlane Road is closed at this time. Please avoid Timberlane as first responders work to assist at the scene.

Welcome, World Travelers! The Muppets Are Taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Next Year

Entertainment

Maria Iannucci

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August 24, 2025

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Welcome, World Travelers! The Muppets Are Taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Next Year

by James Coulter

Unless you’ve been living under a Fraggle Rock for the past year, you probably heard the bad news that the time had finally come for the Muppets to set the curtains and dim the lights. After a nearly 30-year run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, their attraction, Muppetvision 3D, officially closed its doors on June 8, 2025.

However, while the Muppets have moved out of Muppets Courtyard to make way for the new Monsters Inc. themed land, the good news is that they will be moving across the park to their new home at another attraction: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

For more than 25 years, Aerosmith has highlighted the indoor high-speed launch coaster. However, the rock band has since exited stage left to make way for a new act: the Muppets’ Electric Mayhem band. As such, the attraction will be renamed to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets.

Disney Parks Blog details the ride’s new story:

“With the help from our friends at Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, we’ll take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time. The iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown will feature a Muppet twist.

And throughout the journey, you’ll hear the Electric Mayhem playing some of the most iconic, rockin’ hits in your ears to keep the music and adrenaline pumping. I’m sure G Force Records will release a concert setlist soon.”

New concept art shows the giant ruby-red guitar in the attraction’s courtyard receiving a rainbow-colored paint job to match the more colorful aesthetic of the attraction’s new musical gig.

Likewise, the pre-show area will have Animal and the other Electric Mayhem band members hosting a recording session in the sound booth with Muppet penguins serving as audio technicians. The pre-show will also include appearances by none other than Kermit the Frog himself, along with the Muppets’ go-to go-for, Scooter.

Speaking of whom, as part of the attraction’s backstory, Scooter’s real estate tycoon uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse, will be the one who had purchased G-Force Records from the ride’s former occupants.

This inside joke will not be the first time that the characters of a new attraction purchased the ride building from the characters of the old attraction. At the Magic Kingdom, the Winnie the Pooh ride includes a portrait of Mr. Toad handing the deed to Toad Hall over to Owl, an inside joke about how Pooh’s ride replaced Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

However, fans of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will still have plenty of time to enjoy it in its current form. The attraction will continue to run throughout the remainder of the year until Dec. 31, 2025. After which, it will close and be rethemed to the Muppets with an opening date slated for some time in 2026.

In Loving Memory of Charles William Carroll Jr., 79, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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August 23, 2025

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Charles William Carroll Jr., 79

Charles William Carroll of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at his residence.

He was born June 8, 1946 in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Charles and Anna Carroll. Charles was a supervisor for Chrysler Auto.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Janet Carroll. He is survived by his son, David Carroll, daughter, Melissa Cappelli (Dante Cappelli II), a brother Rick Carroll (Pat Carroll), six grandchildren, Kimberly Carroll, Kasey Gordon (Adam Gordon), Kristen Beckner (Alex Beckner), Dante Cappelli III (Laura Cappelli), Matthew Cappelli, David Cappelli and 4 great grandchildren.

Charles loved to spend time with his family, loved toy play cards and took pleasure in teasing all of his grandchildren. Charles was an avid golfer and belonged to Newark CC and Lake Wales CC for years. Bill and Janet enjoyed many years of retirement together which included traveling to many places all over the world.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Nov. 8, 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Newark Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Cancer Society (Esophageal Cancer Foundation)

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Welcome, World Travelers! The Magic of Disney Animation Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Entertainment

Maria Iannucci

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August 23, 2025

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Welcome, World Travelers! The Magic of Disney Animation Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

by James Coulter

When Disney’s Hollywood Studios originally opened as Disney’s MGM Studios on May 1, 1989, it was more than a theme park. It served as a real working movie studio where Disney filmed many of its shows and movies, including animated films.

From opening day until July 12, 2015, The Magic of Disney Animation was a walking tour that allowed guests to learn about animation and even watch as real animators worked on upcoming Disney animated films.

Some of its productions included work for movies such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear.

Aside from the animation studio walking tour, the attraction also included “Back to Neverland”, a pre-show that discussed the various stages of animation for feature-length films.

The pre-show was hosted by veteran newscaster Walter Cronkite and starred actor Robin Williams, who was transformed into an animated character in the form of one of the Lost Boys from Peter Pan.

(Fun fact: Two years later, Williams would play the lead role of Peter Pan in the 1991 live-action movie Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg.)

The Magic of Disney Animation closed its doors on July 12, 2015, to be replaced by the Star Wars Launch Bay, which served as the meet-and-greet area for Star Wars characters.

However, the area will soon return to its roots, as it was announced last month that the Star Wars Launch Bay will close and be replaced with a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation.

The attraction’s facade will be redesigned to resemble Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, which will include Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat topping the building.

Disney Parks Blog gives the details of the new take on an old attraction:

“Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play!

Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.

The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio;” you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course); and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.”

To help promote the new attraction, a poster was created featuring several of Disney’s iconic animated characters from movies like Snow White, Frozen, and Moana.

Also included are some obscure characters like Koda from Brother Bear (the last film to be animated at the old Magic of Disney Animation attraction) and even the animated Lost Boy version of Robin Williams from the old attraction’s pre-show.

Star Wars Launch Bay, along with the surrounding Animation Courtyard area, will close on Sept. 25, 2025, with The Magic of Disney Animation planning to open sometime next year in 2026.

In Loving Memory of Richard Allen Lettman, 79, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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August 22, 2025

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Richard Allen Lettman, 79

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving father, Richard Allen Lettman, 79, on August 20, 2025, in Rockledge, Florida. Born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, Richard lived a life defined by quiet strength, hard work, and devotion to his family.

After growing up in Richland Center, Richard joined the Navy Reserves during the Vietnam War, serving his country with honor. Following his service, he and his wife Kathleen settled in Lancaster, Wisconsin, where they began raising their family. In 1983, Richard moved his family to Lake Wales, Florida, after accepting a new job opportunity, embracing a new chapter.

Richard was a man of few words- quiet, reserved, and deeply dependable. He kept his emotions close but showed his love through action. He was always willing to lend a hand, never hesitating when someone needed help. He found joy in working with his hands, whether it was gardening, woodworking, or tending to his yard. He loved fishing, spending time with his family, and was rarely seen without one of his beloved dogs by his side.

A man of faith, Richard was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, living his values through humility and service.

He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Marie Abramo (John Paul Abramo) and Teresa Diane Jabbari (David Jabbari), and his son, Mark Allen Lettman. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Jason Jabbari, Matthew Jabbari, Jack Jabbari, Thomas Lettman, and Anthony Lettman.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Lettman, just four months prior, and his sister, Melody Lettman.

A memorial service will be held at Marion Nelson Funeral Home, 454 South Buck Moore Road, Lake Wales, Florida, on Saturday, August 30th at 11:00 am, where friends and loved ones are invited to celebrate Richard’s life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any animal rescue of your choice.

Two Redevelopment Firms Being Considered for Restoration of Historic Walesbilt Hotel

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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August 22, 2025

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Two Redevelopment Firms Being Considered for Restoration of Historic Walesbilt Hotel

by James Coulter

The City of Lake Wales has narrowed its selection of potential developers for the Historic Walesbilt Hotel restoration to two applicants.

At their meeting on Tues. Aug 12, 2025, Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board members voted unanimously to approve the pre-qualified shortlist of firms to two redevelopment firms.

The CRA had advertised a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for potential developers to assist with the restoration of the city’s Historic Walesbilt Hotel, located in Downtown Lake Wales.

Since then, the CRA has received four responses. Out of those four, “two firms exceeded the minimum threshold score of 80 to be eligible for inclusion on the pre-qualified shortlist of firms,” wrote City Manager James Slaton.

These two firms were Restoration St. Louis/REG architects, which led “with an average score of 96.8 out of 100”, and Blackmon & Andoniades Families, which ranked second “with an average score of 93.4 out of 100.”

Located at 5 W Park Avenue, the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel is a 10-story skyscraper built in 1926. The building operated as a hotel until its closure in 1995. The hotel was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 31, 1990.

The City of Lake Wales has since regained ownership of the hotel after winning a lawsuit against its former owner earlier this year. The City now plans to restore it to its original grandeur, and selecting a firm to assist with redevelopment is part of that process.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson suggested shortening the request for proposals by foregoing all other “formalities” except for the public presentations.

“I am not interested in putting them to all of that because it is time, effort, and money, [and] I would rather them see put time, effort, and money into the hotel,” Gibson said. “I think we are in an excellent position. I am just thrilled at the prospect of this. This [redevelopment] is imminent. This is [finally] going to happen.”

Furthermore, Gibson requested that city staff reexamine the CRA plan and double-check to ensure it authorizes the project’s full scope.

“Now that we know the scope of this project, I want the city attorney to take a very critical look at our CRA plan and make dadgum sure that these things are authorized by this plan,” he said. “We can amend the plan, but I do not want to be halfway through and have our lawyers come up [and say] we cannot do that.”

A motion was made and seconded to approve the selection of the two firms and to shorten the request for proposal to public presentations, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote.

In Loving Memory of Sharon Allen, 80, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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August 21, 2025

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Sharon Allen, 80

Sharon Allen went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 17, 2025. She was 80. Her ready smile and ever-present sense of humor continuously brightened the lives of those she came in contact with.

Sharon was born December 15, 1944 in Crawfordsville, Indiana to the late Lawrence and Della Weir; she moved to Lake Wales from New York in 1992. Sharon graduated Crawfordsville High School in Indiana, then went on to Perdue University where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology.

Sharon was a vibrant servant of Our Lord. Within the Church of the Good Shepherd, she sang in the choir, was a member of the Daughters of the King, helped lead the backpack feeding ministry to homeless and other Polk Avenue Elementary students at risk of hunger on weekends, organized a school supply drive for Polk Avenue, volunteered at the Thrift Shop, and cheerfully shepherded second graders through Vacation Bible School each summer.

In our community, she was active with the Lake Wales Chorale, the American Association of University Women, the Polk County Democrats and, with her husband Fred, helped the Audubon Society’s annual EagleWatch, counting baby eagles each year at Kissimmee State Park. Sharon and Fred were member of the Lakeland Running Club, they were also active in the Lakeland bird Club, where Sharon was in charge of their annual bird count for Lake Wales, and members of the West Coast Couples Bass Club.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 15 years, Fred Allen; son, David O’Gorman of Cambodia; stepdaughters, Pam Henderson and husband Joe of Ashville, North Caroling, Kim Tice and husband Jeff of Phoenix, Arizona, Stephanie Leaver of Tampa and Melissa Leaver of Tampa; and step-granddaughters, Leah and Lia.

We will celebrate her life and risen life in Christ at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 8, 2025 at Church of the Good Shepherd. For those who wish, memorial donations in her honor can be sent to Ridge Audubon (200 North Crooked Lake Drive, Babson Park, Florida 33827) or Lake Wales Chorale (PO Box 608, Lake Wales, FL 33853). Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

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