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

Structure Fire in Babson Park Under Control

Babson Park

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November 25, 2024

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Structure Fire in Babson Park Under Control

On November 25, 2024, at 6:28 PM, Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched to 17 Lake Patrick Rd. N. in Babson Park.

PCFR Public Information Officer, Nathaniel Gale, reports, “It was an apartment style building. The fire was in an attached shed. The shed was heavily involved upon arrival.”

Crews arrived on scene at 6:30 PM. Water was first put on the fire at 6:34 PM. It was considered under control at 6:46 PM.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Vegetation Fire in Lake Wales Causing Smoke Near Railroad Tracks

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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November 25, 2024

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Vegetation Fire in Lake Wales Causing Smoke Near Railroad Tracks

On November 25, 2024, at approximately 5:06 p.m., Lake Wales Fire Department received a call regarding a vegetation fire at 722 Hibiscus Ave.

At the scene, a witness advised that fire and smoke originated honor near the railroad tracks directly behind the property. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

First responders advised that the fire was extinguished. There is still smoke in the area of the railroad tracks. There is a law-enforcement presence on nearby roads in that area. Please avoid this area as LWFD work at the scene. No injuries have been reported.

UPDATED 11/26/24: Motorcyclist Charged with Violations As Result of Crash: Motorcycle Vs. Vehicle on Tindel Camp Rd. Causes Road Blockage

Maria Iannucci

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November 25, 2024

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UPDATED 11/26/24: Motorcyclist Charged with Violations As Result of Crash: Motorcycle Vs. Vehicle on Tindel Camp Rd. Causes Road Blockage

UPDATE 11/26/2024, 9 AM: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Director of Communications, Scott Wilder, has provided an update to yesterday’s collision between a motorcycle and a Jeep Renegade on Tindel Camp Road in Lake Wales, between Fairmont Rd. and Timberlane Rd.

“That was a non-serious injury crash between a motorcycle and a Jeep,” Wilder says. “EMS responded but did not transport. We issued the motorcycle driver several citations…and a notice to appear in court. There’s no details on how the crash occurred.”

PCSO has provided Lake Wales Daily portions of the police report. Here is an excerpt of the report: (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions).

“On 11/25/2024, I responded to the area of 2408 Tindel Camp Rd Lake Wales, FL, in reference to a traffic crash involving a vehicle and motorcycle. Upon arrival, contact was made with involved parties, one being the suspect, Michael Garza Jr.

“The suspect was positively identified by his Florida Driver’s license REDACTED. During the investigation, it was learned the suspect was the driver of the black Kawasaki motorcycle, with vehicle identification number REDACTED, which had been involved in the crash.

“For the purposes of the crash investigation, the motorcycle registration, the suspect driver’s license, and proof of insurance were requested. The suspect provided his Florida driver’s license, but advised he was only test driving the motorcycle, so it was unregistered and uninsured.

“A check using the Driver and Vehicle Information Database revealed the suspect did not have a motorcycle endorsement. The check also revealed the motorcycle was last registered in 2018; however, at the time of the crash no license plate was affixed to the motorcycle.

“Based on the investigation, it was determined there was probable cause for a violation of F.S.S. 320.02(1) operating without/no motor vehicle registration and F.S.S. 322.03(4) No motorcycle endorsement.”

According at an email sent to LWD by Wilder, Garza was also issued a warning for No Headgear (Helmet)/ No $10,000 Medical Benefit on Rider / Operator Over Age 21 (316.211(3)(B))

(Original article) On November 25, 2024, at approximately 4:47 PM, a call was dispatched to Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue with regard to a traffic collision at 2408 Tindel Camp Rd. in Lake Wales.

A collision occurred between a motorcycle and a silver Jeep Renegade. PCFR has confirmed that no injured persons were transported.

The northbound side of the road was blocked by first responder vehicles picking up tree debris.

Please proceed with extreme caution as this is a 2 lane road that is quite narrow.

Semi Loses Tire, Vehicle Ends Up In Ditch in Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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November 25, 2024

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Semi Loses Tire, Vehicle Ends Up In Ditch in Lake Wales

On November 25, 2024, a semi truck loses a tire and causes a traffic collision near the intersection of US Hwy. 60 E and Doherty Drive in Lake Wales.

Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer at Polk County Sheriff’s Office, offers the following information on the situation:

“The PCSO was dispatched to that crash at about 1:42 pm.

“It was reported by a witness that a tire came off of a semi truck and hit a Toyota Corolla.

“It was also reported that a 3^rd vehicle may have been involved, but that is unconfirmed at this time.

“A small brush fire in the median was sparked during the crash. The fire was extinguished.

“Traffic may be affected in this area.”

A witness in the area says that Hwy. 60 E is down to one lane, but traffic is moving slowly. This is not confirmed.

Polk County Fire Rescue confirms that 4 patients were transported by ground to local hospital(s), but no trauma alerts for any of the patients.

PCFR also advises that a small vegetation fire started in the median as a result of the crash, but was quickly extinguished.

Proceed with caution, if you are driving in this area, and avoided it if at all possible.

In Loving Memory of Darline Ard, 83, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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November 24, 2024

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In Loving Memory of Darline Ard, 83, of Lake Wales

Darline Ard of Lake Wales passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

She was born October 23, 1941 in Tennessee to the late Harvey and Margaret Cook; she came here from Indiana 50 years ago. She was a retired manager from Kmart and Goodwill and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lake Wales. She also volunteered at the Lake Wales Care Center. She was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting tea pots.

Darline was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Bristow and second husband, Jack Ard; and a brother, Delbert Cook. Survivors include her daughters, Deborah Miller of Winter Haven, Lori McKinney and husband, Greg of Lake Wales and Angela Daughtry of Winter Haven; step-daughter, Kelley Ard Moser and husband, Kelly of Lake Wales; son, Michael Bristow of Mulberry; sister, Marlene Schofield and husband, Tommy of Lake Wales; brothers, Mark Cook and Larry Cook both of Indiana; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 27, from 10:00am until the funeral service at 11:00am at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Dr. Scott Markley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Baptist Church, Children’s Ministry (305 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, Florida 33853).

Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies By Life, Love & Sugar

Food

carl

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November 24, 2024

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Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies By Life, Love & Sugar

One of our favorite times of the year is coming up. Christmas and cooking Christmas cookies is one of our favorite things to do with the entire year. This recipe is from the YouTube channel and blog Life, Love and Sugar! We have imbedded the video and put in the recipe. We are also linking you to the blog where author Lindsay Conchar gives more details on how to make these eye catching cookies! Sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Stacked Sugar Cookies by Lindsay Conchar

Ingredients:

Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup + 2 tbsp (233g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (28g) light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Buttercream

1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2–3 tbsp water or milk
Green gel icing color
2–3 tbsp red and white pearl sprinkles
16–18 yellow star sprinkles

Detailed instructions here at Life, Love & Sugar : Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees

In Loving Memory of Curtis “Curt” Bunce, 83

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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November 24, 2024

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Curtis “Curt” Bunce, 83

Curtis “Curt” Bunce of West Winfield, New York and Avon Park, Florida passed away Sunday, November 17, 2024 at his Florida residence.

He was born August 13, 1941 in Ilion, New York to the late Claude and Myrtle Bunce.

Curt was a maintenance man for Special Metals Corporation for 40 years. He served in the United States Army from 1959 until 1962 and was proud of his service. He was the Chief Steward and a board member of the International Association of Machinists for many years. Curt was the Director of the Empire Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) in New York and was also on the National Board of the AMCA. Curt was a scout master in the Boy Scouts of America for eight years. He was an Indian motorcycle enthusiast and loved riding his own Indian. He enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, camping, skydiving, and bee keeping. Curt explored many of the non-commercial and uncharted caves of New York State. Curt built his own log home from forest to finish.

Out of all these accomplishments, Curt loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the most.

Curt was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Edwards, Shirley Sanders, and Sandy Combs; and brothers, Dick Bunce and Fred Sterling. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Bunce; daughter, Susan Bunce of West Winfield, New York; sons, Steven Francisco of Richfield Springs, New York and Blake Francisco (Sonia) of West Windfield, New York; sister, Sharon Rolchigo (Joe) of Frankfort, New York; brother, Ronald Bunce of Ilion, New York; grandchildren, Christopher Case of Lubbock, Texas, Erica Fox of Herkimer, New York, Jessica Bruce of West Winfield, New York, Angelina Pulis of Herkimer, New York, Curtis Francisco of West Winfield, and Marie Francisco of West Winfield, New York; and great-grandchildren, Mark Curra of Herkimer, New York and Mason Robertson of West Winfield, New York.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in New York.

JC Reviews: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the Most Okay-est Christmas Film Ever

Featured

Maria Iannucci

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November 23, 2024

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JC Reviews: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the Most Okay-est Christmas Film Ever

By James Coulter

Every year, new Christmas movies are released, all aiming to become the next big holiday film alongside such classics as A Christmas Carol, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Home Alone. This film certainly aspires to be one of them.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is based on the classic novel written by Barbara Robinson in 1972. The film is directed by Dallas Jenkins, the director of The Chosen, and released by the faith-based Kingdom Story Company.

As such, not only does this movie aspire to be the next great Christmas movie, but also the next great faith-based movie. But does The Best Christmas Pageant Ever live up to its name as “the best”? Or did it fail to meet such great expectations?

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the story of Beth Bradley, a young girl whose mother is tasked with directing their town’s 75th annual Christmas pageant. However, shenanigans ensue when who should decide to volunteer for this year’s play than the Herdman siblings.

As Beth so eloquently explains in her opening narration: “The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied. They stole. They smoke cigars. They cuss and take the Lord’s name in vain.”

Will the Herdmans learn how to behave in time for the pageant? Or will their troublemaking antics make it the worst Christmas pageant ever? (Well, you can guess by the movie’s title how it eventually turns out.)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever certainly aspires to be the next great Christmas classic akin to A Christmas Story. It’s based on a classic holiday tale. It’s set in the nostalgic past. It’s filmed in a warm sepia tone. It’s narrated by a character detailing a humorous event from their childhood. It’s tile even has a similar font to that of A Christmas Story. And every shot is filled with as much holiday decor as humanly possible.

The premise is likewise promising enough. And the movie poster with a flaming Christmas tree certainly looks promising. Six siblings who are the worst of the worst volunteering for a local church pageant with the potential of wacky shenanigans ensuing. It’s like putting a pack of monkeys into a warehouse of bananas. You know things are not only going to go wrong but spectacularly and entertainingly.

However, for as bad as the Herdmans are built up to be, the worst we see them are in the opening montage of them causing chaos, all of which climaxes with them setting a shed on fire and watching while smoking cigars. Every other scene with them in it, while promising utter chaos, simply has them acting out like most children do.

Admittedly, the whole point of the film is about these children learning to be good by acting in a play about Jesus. Such character development certainly occurs, especially with the oldest sibling Imogen, who aspires to be an actress and sees the church play as an opportunity to do just that.

Also admittedly, this is the movie’s strongest appeal. The message is essentially that no one is “too bad” or “too far gone” to become a better person, and everyone has the opportunity todo just that with a little help from Jesus. In that regard, this Christian movie is certainly better than most other faith-based films like God’s Not Dead, which is less about faith and more about right-wing grievance politics.

Unfortunately, despite showing such promise, the movie essentially falls flat. By no means is the movie “bad”, but it’salso not “great” either. It’s rather bland and mild–or “mid” as the kids these days say. Sure, it has some humorous lines and moments, but nothing that would elicit more than a chuckle.

I compared this movie to A Christmas Story. It certainly aspires to emulate that film. However, what I feel it lacks are any iconic moments that really stand out. When you think of A Christmas Story, you think of Flick getting his tongue frozen to a flagpole, or Ralphie almost getting his eye shot out by his toy gun, or him getting his mouth washed out with soap after saying a curse word.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever doesn’t have any similar iconic moments that stand out. The most is the titular Christmas pageant at the very end, which, no spoilers, while mildlyamusing, is also a bit of a mild letdown. Otherwise, this movie lacks any memorable moments that would make this film, well, memorable.

Overall, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a decent enough movie. By no means is it objectionable, and anyone of any age can watch it and gain some enjoyment. It’s okay, is what I’m saying. But the next best holiday classic it is not. Give it a watch, if you want. Just curb your expectations.

First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church Hosting Fall Fest on Sat. Nov. 23

Maria Iannucci

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November 22, 2024

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First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church Hosting Fall Fest on Sat. Nov. 23

Winter may be right around the corner, along with Christmas, but it’s not too late to celebrate the fall season. And a local church is certainly helping the community celebrate the remaining autumn days with its annual fall festival.

First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating its fall festival on Sat. Nov. 23, 2024, from 8 AM to 3 PM. The fall festivities will include a bounce house, train ride, horse ride, and other carnival-style games.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda. One of the agenda items was a special permit application for the church’s fall festival.

Now that the city has officially approved the special event permit, the church will be able to have Lincoln Avenue temporarily closed during the duration of the fall festival from 8 AM to 3 PM. The road closure will include the length of the roadway from D Street to E Street.

“Staff has reviewed the application and has no issues with the street closing,” wrote City Clerk Jennifer Nanek. “The church is handling all site set ups, sanitary facilities, trash receptacles and trash clean up. Insurance has been provided as required.”

To learn more about First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church and its upcoming events and functions, call 863-676-2112, or visit its Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/FIMBCLW

Another Motorcycle Reported to Have Crashed on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales in Seemingly Unrelated Accident

Maria Iannucci

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November 22, 2024

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Another Motorcycle Reported to Have Crashed on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales in Seemingly Unrelated Accident

At approximately 7:25 PM, November 22, 2024, a traffic collision was reported at 4309 US Highway 60. Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded and are on scene. This accident is reportedly just west of the train tracks.

It is unknown if the road is blocked at this time. Polk County Fire Rescue has confirmed that one patient has been transported by ground to the hospital.

An update to the story will be made when information is confirmed by law-enforcement.

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