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

May is National Historic Preservation Month

Lake Wales

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May 24, 2025

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May is National Historic Preservation Month

Lake Wales History Museum – Established in 1973, National Historic Preservation Month is a time to celebrate the places that tell our stories and shape our future—right here in the Lake Wales community and across the country. Preservation strengthens neighborhoods, connects us through shared history, and supports a more sustainable and vibrant society. Join us this month in honoring the power of place and the vital role preservation plays by visiting, sharing, and supporting efforts to protect Lake Wales’ rich heritage for generations to come.

Grand Opening of Dunkin’ Donuts: A Community Celebration

LAKE WALES BUSINESS

Kip

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May 24, 2025

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Grand Opening of Dunkin’ Donuts: A Community Celebration

This morning on Hwy 60 in Lake Wales, Florida, the community came together to celebrate the grand opening of the new Dunkin’ Donuts at 180 Highway 60 E. The event, marked by a festive atmosphere, showcased the warm spirit of the town and the excitement surrounding this new addition to the local dining scene.

The Lake Wales Highlander Band set the tone with lively performances, filling the air with music and energy. The mayor joined the festivities, welcoming the new business and highlighting its importance to the community. Local business owner Al Mustafa, who operates multiple Dunkin’ locations in the Polk County area, was at the heart of the event, personally greeting patrons and engaging with guests, making everyone feel at home.

The grand opening featured exciting raffles and giveaways, ensuring that every attendee had a chance to walk away with a special prize, adding to the celebratory mood. With the Florida sun shining brightly, many opted for Dunkin’s refreshing iced coffee drinks to cool off, while others indulged in the chain’s signature freshly baked donuts, available in a variety of flavors like Glazed, Boston Kreme, and Strawberry Frosted.

This new 24/7 Dunkin’ location, which had a soft opening prior to the event, promises to be a go-to spot for breakfast and snacking needs in Lake Wales. The grand opening was a testament to the strong community support and the warm welcome extended to Al Mustafa and his team. For more information about Dunkin’s menu and offerings, visit www.dunkindonuts.com.

#DunkinLakeWales, #GrandOpening, #LakeWalesDunkin, #DunkinDonuts, #CommunityCelebration, #LakeWalesHighlanderBand, #AlMustafa, #IcedCoffeeVibes, #FreshDonuts, #LakeWalesFlorida

Serious Crash Temporarily Shuts Down Both Directions of Highway 60 in Lake Wales

carl

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May 24, 2025

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Serious Crash Temporarily Shuts Down Both Directions of Highway 60 in Lake Wales

Lake Wales, FL – A major traffic collision occurred earlier today at 19300 Highway 60 East in Lake Wales, temporarily shutting down both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway.

The incident was reported at approximately 10:37 AM and prompted a swift response from Polk County Fire Rescue. Multiple emergency units, including BC007, EN027, MR014, and MR218, were dispatched to the scene. The situation was declared under control and the scene was officially cleared at 11:13 AM, roughly 36 minutes after units arrived. The crash is just East of CR 630 or Indian Lake Estates.

Although emergency crews have cleared the wreckage, Highway 60 remains closed in both directions as authorities work to fully reopen the roadway. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area until further notice.

The cause of the crash and the condition of those involved have not yet been released. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available

Cooking on the Ridge: Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Cooking

Maria Iannucci

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May 24, 2025

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Cooking on the Ridge: Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

By James Coulter

You know, there’s a joke about how all Mexican food is essentially the same thing: meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

What are tacos? Meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

What’s a burrito? Meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

What are chimichangas? Meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.

Enchiladas are probably more unique. They’re meat, veggies, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla–and covered in either a red or white sauce.

Last weekend, I made enchiladas for the first time. I prepared both beef and chicken. I’m sharing the recipe for chicken enchiladas, since the beef enchiladas essentially just involve mixing ground beef with taco seasoning.

For the chicken enchiladas, I deviated from the recipe. Rather than season the shredded chicken with only salt, pepper, and adobo sauce, I seasoned it with lime and chili powder. The result was a more flavorful dish than simply adding salt and pepper.

Overall, these enchiladas were good, and the white sauce certainly added some flavor and moistness to the dish. This is certainly an easy dish to make over the weekend with beans and rice. It’s like going to a Mexican restaurant without going to a Mexican restaurant.

Creamy White Chicken Enchilada (from The Country Cook)

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken)

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)

• salt, pepper, Adobo seasoning, to taste

• 10 flour tortillas (taco size)

• 3 Tablespoons butter

• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 4-ounce can diced green chiles (do not drain)

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese along with salt, pepper, and Adobo seasoning to taste.

3. Place chicken mixture into each of the 10 flour tortillas.

4. Roll them all up and place them in the prepared baking dish.

5. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 Tablespoons butter. Whisk in 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour and let cook and thicken for 1 minute (don’t let it burn).

6. Add 2 cups chicken broth and whisk until smooth.

7. Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 4-ounce can diced green chiles. Be sure not to let the mixture boil.

8. Take the sauce off the heat and pour it over the enchiladas.

9. Top with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese.

10. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. If you’d like, you can turn the broiler on high and broil these for a minute or two until the cheese is slightly browned and bubbly.

Lake Wales Woman Arrested After Skipping Pre-Trial Obligations and Confronting Law Enforcement

carl

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May 23, 2025

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Lake Wales Woman Arrested After Skipping Pre-Trial Obligations and Confronting Law Enforcement

Lake Wales, FL – A Lake Wales woman is now facing multiple charges after deputies say she not only failed to follow pre-trial release conditions, but also attempted to flee from law enforcement officers trying to arrest her.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Denise Marie Lansdon was taken into custody on Thursday, May 22nd, after deputies arrived at her home to serve a warrant related to an earlier incident.

The charges stem from an altercation that occurred back on March 7th. Deputies responded to a physical disturbance at a residence in Lake Wales where Lansdon is accused of assaulting an acquaintance. The arrest affidavit states that she allegedly pushed the victim, pulled their hair, punched them in the head, made death threats, and forcibly stole four necklaces from around the victim’s neck.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Lansdon reportedly resisted and fought with them. She was subsequently charged with robbery, false imprisonment, battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting without violence, and two counts of resisting with violence.

Following her arrest, Lansdon was granted pre-trial release with specific conditions. However, authorities say she failed to check in with her pre-trial release officer for three consecutive weeks. When the officer finally made contact, Lansdon allegedly responded with profanity, further violating the terms of her release.

A warrant was then issued for her arrest.

On May 22nd, when deputies arrived at her home, Lansdon was reportedly outside grilling. Upon seeing the deputy, she ran into the house despite being ordered to stop. She was apprehended inside the residence and arrested on the outstanding warrant. She now faces an additional charge of resisting.

Lansdon remains in custody at the Polk County Jail as her case continues.

Bulk and Yard Waste Pickup Changed to Weekly; Will Cost Residents Additional $2.07 Per Month

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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May 23, 2025

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Bulk and Yard Waste Pickup Changed to Weekly; Will Cost Residents Additional $2.07 Per Month

by James Coulter

City residents will pay an additional $2.07 per month for solid waste services now that pickups have been changed to weekly rather than biweekly.

At their recent meeting on Tues. May 20, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners approved the second reading of an ordinance to amend their five-year contract for solid waste services with Republic Services of Florida.

The amendment will schedule bulk and yard waste pickup from every two weeks to every week. This change will lead to an additional cost increase of $2.07 per month, or $24.84 annually.

“In early 2025, solid waste services relating to bulk and yard waste removal were changed from every week to every other week to try to keep costs down,” wrote City Manager James Slaton in the city agenda memo.

“After feedback from the citizens, bulk and yard waste removal will be moved back to weekly service,” he further elucidated. “This service change would be effective on July 1, 2025.”

In Loving Memory of Eloise Creel Wilson, 81

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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May 22, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Eloise Creel Wilson, 81

Eloise Creel Wilson of Bartow passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Lakeland Regional Health.

She was born December 25, 1943 in Cottondale to the late Clint and Edna Creel; she has been a lifelong resident of the area. Eloise worked in maintenance for a citrus plant in Bartow, Florida. She enjoyed planting flowers in her garden and loved spending time with her family.

Eloise was preceded in death by her husband, Landis Wilson; sister, Karen Abbott; brother, Earl Creel; and great-grandson, Josh Phillips. She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Kay Shearer of Winter Haven, Lisa Fay Davidson of Loudon, Tennessee, Gina Gay Gatlin of Winter Haven; son, Jonathan Ray Long of Winter Haven, John “Richard” Long of Bartow, Timothy Cliton Long of Lakeland; sister, Eva Alene Stephenson of Leesburg; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Lake Garfield in Bartow.

City Staff Scores a Telly Award for Holiday Safety Video Series

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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May 22, 2025

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City Staff Scores a Telly Award for Holiday Safety Video Series

CITY OF LAKE WALES – The Lake Wales Fire Department was recognized in the 46^th Annual Telly Awards for its holiday safety tips video series. Firefighter and video host, AJ Akouka and Communications Department staff earned a silver Telly Award for social video series – health and wellness.

Two videos were recognized – Safety Tips to Deep Frying a Turkey and Tips to Keep Your Christmas Tree and Holiday Decorations from Catching Fire.

“It’s an honor being recognized internationally with global brands,” Eric Marshall, communications director said.

The recent win marks the City’s fifth Telly Award in two years.

The 46th Annual Telly Awards, honors excellence in video and television across all screens. This year, the awards received more than 13,000 submissions from around the world. The winners include global brands, respected organizations and independent media companies.

Local Business and Nonprofit Team Up to Donate Life-Saving AED to Hillcrest Elementary

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2025

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Lake Wales, FL – May 12, 2025 – Hillcrest Elementary School, part of the Lake Wales Charter Schools system, has received a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through a generous donation from Kirchberg, LLC and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. This critical piece of emergency medical equipment enhances the school’s ability to respond swiftly to cardiac emergencies, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

Kirchberg AED donation to Hillcrest Elementary School

Kirchberg, LLC, a Winter Haven-based, family-owned business led by Kip and Jody Kirchberg, operates Kirchberg Brand, an online retail store offering handcrafted Amish furniture; Daily Ridge, an online news and media website covering Central Florida; and Apple Tree Realty Group, a specialized real estate company providing world-class service to buyers and sellers. The Kirchberg family is actively involved in nonprofits such as Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, Trade Jobs Matter, and Rockin’ on the Chain. This donation reflects Kirchberg, LLC’s commitment to community wellness and supporting local causes.

The AED was donated through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a Polk County nonprofit founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in memory of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest in 2020. Motivated by this personal loss, Melanie established the foundation in July to increase access to life-saving AEDs. Since its inception, the foundation has placed 65 AEDs in schools, businesses, and community centers across Polk County, with plans to expand further through community support and fundraising events like the annual “Saving Lives Matters” in November. The foundation also provides AED training and scholarships for aspiring first responders.

Melanie emphasized the critical role of defibrillators, stating, “After losing Michael, I realized how vital immediate access to AEDs can be. Our mission is to ensure no community lacks this life-saving equipment, and we rely on the generosity of partners like Kirchberg, LLC and events like ‘Saving Lives Matters’ to keep pushing forward.”

Eric Shimkus, a representative of the foundation, highlighted the importance of AEDs in public spaces, noting their ease of use and the legal protections provided by the Good Samaritan law, which shields users from lawsuits when providing emergency aid. He also outlined the steps for using an AED alongside CPR and noted that businesses and schools with AEDs may qualify for insurance discounts, further incentivizing their adoption.

“With so many family and community activities on our campus, this AED gives us greater peace of mind,” said Chenia Thate, Assistant Principal at Hillcrest Elementary. “We’re deeply grateful for this life-saving gift.”

Principal Rebecca Thomas added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kirchberg, LLC and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation for their generosity. This AED strengthens our ability to keep our school community safe.”

Kip Kirchberg, Founder of Kirchberg, LLC and Co-Founder of The Daily Ridge, emphasized the value of community partnerships. “Supporting initiatives like this aligns with our mission to make a meaningful impact in the places we call home,” he said.

Melanie stressed the need for continued community involvement, saying, “Every AED we place is a step toward a safer community, but we can’t do it alone. We need ongoing support to keep saving lives.”

For more information about Kirchberg, LLC, visit kirchbergllc.com. To learn about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, its mission, or how to support their work, visit their Facebook page.

Lake Wales Charter Board Welcomes New Members: Jaime Winfree and Keith Thompson

Lake Wales

Kip

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May 22, 2025

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Lake Wales Charter Board Welcomes New Members: Jaime Winfree and Keith Thompson

By Anita Todd

LAKE WALES — As part of its annual transition, the Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees has announced two new members who will take their seats this summer.

Each year, one teacher representative is appointed, and one of the Board’s numbered seats is filled, following the schedule of staggered terms that run from July 1 to May 31.

This year, Teacher Trustee Michael Flood will step down from his one-year term on June 30. Replacing him will be Jaime Winfree, a representative from Polk Avenue Elementary. Winfree was unanimously approved by the Board at its May 19 meeting.

Per Board bylaws, the teacher representative — the only seat allowed to be held by a salaried employee within the charter system — rotates annually among the schools.

The Board also voted to fill Seat 7, currently held by Board Chair Danny Gill, whose term expires in July. In accordance with the bylaws, one of Seats 3, 5, or 7 is selected each year to maintain continuity in governance.

Four nominees were presented for Seat 7: Keith Thompson, TJ McKeon, Scott Thompson, and Skip Alford. Following a 4–3 vote, Keith Thompson was elected. No other nominees were brought to a vote.

Thompson, who currently serves as a Lake Wales City Commissioner, was nominated by Board Vice-Chair Rafael Unzueta, who spoke on his behalf during the workshop prior to the meeting.

“If I could sum up Keith’s character in two words, it would be ‘public servant,’” Unzueta said. “He proudly served our country in the Navy, served our community as a pastor, and most recently, he demonstrated his commitment to our citizens by running for city commission — a role that invites both public scrutiny and public praise.”

Unzueta also noted Thompson’s past collaboration with the former LWCS legal counsel Robin Gibson to champion a debt forgiveness initiative related to the Bok North loan — a move that ultimately saved LWCS $300,000.

With these new appointments, the eight-member Board — which includes seven voting members and one non-voting teacher representative — continues its work in shaping the future of the Lake Wales Charter School System.

The Board will hold its next Workshop on June 16 at 4 p.m. with the Board meeting following at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Wales High School.

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