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

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

FWC: New Law in Effect Will Make Boat Owners More Accountable

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Lake Mariana boat ramp, Polk County. Photo: Polk County

FWC: The agency is preparing to implement a new law to improve vessel accountability and reduce derelict vessels.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to implement a new law aimed at strengthening vessel accountability and enhancing protections for Florida’s waterways. Senate Bill 164, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 19, will go into effect on July 1, 2025.

This legislation is designed to help reduce the number of at-risk and derelict vessels across the state and improve enforcement tools for FWC officers and partner agencies. Key provisions of the new law include:

  • Clarified Ownership Standards: The definition of “vessel owner” is clarified, and a valid vessel title will now serve as prima facie (presumed) evidence of ownership. 
  • Stronger Requirements for At-Risk Vessels: Vessel owners must now complete an Effective Means of Propulsion (EMP) evaluation upon request by law enforcement.  If an officer has reason to believe the vessel lacks an effective means of propulsion and the owner is present, the evaluation must be conducted immediately or within 48 hours if notified otherwise. 
  • Public Nuisance Vessel Designation: A vessel may now be declared a public nuisance — subject to removal like a derelict vessel — if the owner receives three citations related to any at-risk conditions within a 24-month period, including unpaid citations or failures to appear in court. 
  • Expanded Noncriminal Infractions: Violations such as expired registration and long-term anchoring may now be addressed through mailed noncriminal citations from law enforcement. 
  • More Flexible Use of Removal Funds: Derelict Vessel removal funding may now be used not only for removing DVs but also for preventive removals under the Vessel Turn-In Program and for public nuisance vessels. 
  • Harsher Penalties for Repeat DV Offenders
  • First offense: First-degree misdemeanor 
  • Second offense: Third-degree felony 
  • Third offense: Second-degree felony 
  • No Liveaboard on Derelict Vessels: It is now a first-degree misdemeanor to live aboard a vessel that has been declared derelict by the court or the owner has not requested an administrative hearing. 

Additional requirements, including an annual electronic permit issued by FWC for vessels anchoring long-term, will go into effect on July 1, 2026. The penalty for unauthorized long-term anchoring will consist of fines ranging from $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third or subsequent offense. If a vessel owner receives three violations within a 2-year period, the vessel may be declared a public nuisance and removed as if it were derelict. Some exemptions apply and include vessels that are government-operated, construction vessels, actively engaged in commercial or recreational fishing, docked at a public or private facility, or moored at permitted moorings. 

“We have seen increasing success in our efforts to combat the ongoing derelict vessel problem in Florida’s waters,” said Capt. Travis Franklin, leader of the FWC Derelict Vessel Removal and Prevention Program.  “This new legislation enhances our efforts to not only remove derelict vessels but also prevent at-risk vessels from becoming derelict.”

Derelict vessels remain a priority for the FWC, and the multi-year initiative to reduce the number of derelict vessels on Florida’s waterways is ongoing. These vessels pose serious risks to seagrass beds, marine life, navigation, public safety and property. The Boating and Waterways Section is leading this statewide effort in partnership with local governments and law enforcement.

Leaving a vessel in a derelict condition is a crime. Derelict vessels, including those that are sinking, grounded, stripped or lacking vital systems, threaten both people and Florida’s natural resources.

For more information on derelict or vessels at risk of becoming derelict, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select “Waterway Management” followed by “Derelict Vessel Removal Program.” 

The FWC has removed nearly 200 vessels through the Vessel Turn-In Program and is actively taking applications from at-risk vessel owners. Vessel owners can call VTIP specialists at the FWC for more information on the program at 850-488-5600 or visit the VTIP website at MyFWC.com/boating and click on “Vessel Turn-In Program” on the second slider at the top of the page.  

Parent’s Night Out Program Gives Moms and Dads a Break While Kids Have a Blast

Parents, ready for some downtime? Simply drop off your kid(s) off at Lake Wales Family Récréation Center, every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, between 6pm to 9pm.

Kids will have access to various activities, board games and food and beverages. The program is facilitated by designated City staff members.

$15 for the first child. $8 for each additional sibling. Kids ages kindergarten to 5th grade. Registration is required by 1PM on the day of the event. For more information, call (863) 678-4192.

Date: July 11, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Lake Wales Family Recreation Center, 1001 Burns Ave.
Lake Wales, FL 33853

Cost: First child is $15 and every additional child within the same family is $8.

In Loving Memory of Betty Ann Mercer, 88, of Lake Wales

Betty Ann Mercer, 88, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving children, husband, and sister.

Born at home “out in the sticks” near Griffin, Georgia, on October 18, 1936, Betty Ann was the daughter of the late Daisy Gladys and Horace Carr Byne. She grew up on a farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens, and cows, and from an early age found joy in the beauty of the natural world.

After graduating from high school, Betty Ann worked at the Borden Milk Company near Atlanta and later moved to Lakeland, Florida, to attend Southeastern Bible College. In 1958, she met William Rex Mercer, and just three months after their first date at Cypress Gardens, they were married. Together, they became educators and members of the Polk Education Association.

While teaching full-time in Frostproof and raising two young children, Betty Ann earned her master’s degree in school guidance and counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park. In 1975, the family moved to Lake Wales, where she worked at Hillcrest Elementary for more than 20 years, first as a second-grade teacher and later as a guidance counselor. She inspired a love of reading and learning in her students, and her dedication was recognized in 1988 when she was honored as Polk County Teacher of the Year.

Betty Ann was a committed member and leader at First Assembly of God, now Impact Church. She taught Sunday School and founded a Women’s Aglow fellowship. She had a passionate vision for the church’s new building to be located at the entrance to Bok Tower Gardens, where, after much prayer and negotiation, it indeed stands today. She truly embodied Edward Bok’s sentiment encouraging  people to make a difference in their world: “Wherever your lives may be cast, make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

Betty Ann was cherished by all who knew her. She was calm, gentle, and kind – a nurturing presence who never spoke a harsh word. She gave of herself freely, caring for her family, her students, her church community, animals, and anyone in need. She was the heart of her family and a source of endless love, support, and quiet strength. She found much happiness in tending to her plants and garden, sitting outside watching the sandhill cranes, or reclining peacefully with a cat or two on her lap. The next time you see a butterfly, hear birds singing, or see a beautiful sunset, please take a moment to remember our sweet Betty Ann.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Joan and her brothers, Horace Jr. and Harmon Byne. She is survived by her faithful husband of nearly 67 years, William Rex Mercer; her sister, Nora Alice Chapman of Lake Wales; her brother, Dr. William Marcus Byne of the Bronx, New York; her loving daughter, Lanna Mercer Barbaroux and life partner, Eduardo Beltran of Austin; and her adoring son, William Steven Mercer, who cared for his mother with great devotion in her final years.

A celebration of Betty Ann’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Maria’s Meal Picks: Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Pineapple Salsa

Photo: La Crème de la Crumb, via lacremedelacrumb.com

Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Pineapple Salsa is just the dish you need to transport you to somewhere tropical even if you can’t quite yet get there in real life. Starting with a sweet/spicy/tangy marinade and ending with a delicious, slightly spicy pineapple salsa, this dish is delish start to finish! 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time : 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • ▢ 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – pounded to even 1/2 inch thickness – see note
  • ▢ steamed white rice for serving – optional

chicken marinade

  • ▢ ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ▢ juice of 2 limes – 2-3 tablespoons
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons minced garlic 
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ▢ 3 teaspoons allspice
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon honey

pineapple salsa

  • ▢ 1 cup diced pineapple
  • ▢ ½ onion – diced
  • ▢ handful cilantro – roughly chopped
  • ▢ 1 jalapeno – diced, optional
  • ▢ juice of 1 lime
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons honey
  • ▢ salt to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl stir together all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken, toss to coat. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. 
  • While the chicken is marinating, combine all salsa ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. Optional: combine in a blender or food processor and give it a few pulses. Chill until ready to use. 
  • Use tongs to transfer chicken to a preheated grill or skillet over medium heat (discard marinade) and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through. 
  • Serve chicken with pineapple salsa. 

Notes

If you have large chicken breasts, rather than pounded them to 1/2-inch thickness, you can slice them in half lengthwise.

Lake Wales City Commission Approves Two Ordinances to Facilitate Future Annexation of Hickory Ridge Subdivision

by James Coulter

 

Two ordinances have been approved that will allow for the future annexation of the Hickory Ridge subdivision into the city limits in exchange for access to the city’s water system.

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 1, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted to approve two ordinances related to the annexation of property into the city limits.

The first ordinance was the second reading for the annexation of .25 acres of land located west of Capps Road and contiguous to the city limits. The property’s owner, FLLWCC, had petitioned for the annexation in September 2021. No development plans are currently contemplated for that property.

The second ordinance was the first reading of a proposed annexation of 47+ acres of land located west of Capps Road and currently under development within unincorporated Polk County. The property’s owner, Garden Street Communities, had petitioned for the annexation in August 2021.

 

Both annexations are related to Hickory Ridge, a 73-lot single-family residential neighborhood subdivision. Likewise, both annexations were proposed to help annex the subdivision into the city limits in exchange for municipal water.

“City sewer service is not yet available to serve the project; therefore, the lots are designed for septic tanks,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Director of Growth Management.

“As the project nears final plat, it is in the City’s best interest to act on the annexation agreement now, before the lots are officially platted and recorded in the County,” she further elaborated.

City Commissioner Keith Thompson supported both ordinances out of what he called his “blue collar pragmatism.”He argued that voting against these ordinances would be to vote against potential revenue for the City.

“I do not see the point of turning up greater tax revenue for the city,” he said. “If we pass it up [this opportunity] because we don’t like how they flush their toilets, I don’t think it does our city any service.”

Dirt Bike Involved in Neighborhood Crash, Sends Driver by Helicopter to the Hospital

Photo by Maria Iannucci

At 11:57 am on Friday, July 4, 2025, a traffic collision was reported near 405 1st St. N. in Lake Wales. The crash involves a dirtbike hitting a protruding item from the ground in a grassy area near a neighborhood and beside the railroad tracks.

LWPD has confirmed that theadult driver is being transported by helicopter as a trauma alert as a precaution. Please avoid 1st Street in this area as first responders work to take care of the scene.

PCSO to Host Back to School Bash in Lake Wales July 12

In fact, Polk Sheriff’s Charities is hosting three Back to School Bashes at three different PCSO substations from 9:00a.m. to 12p.m. (noon) on Saturday, July 12th, 2025.

If Lake Wales is convenient, you’ll want to come to the Eagle Ridge Mall entrance, near the Southeast District substation that day, located off of US Hwy 27.


PCSO will be giving out book bags filled with school supplies! Your child must be present to receive the backpack.

In Loving Memory of Phillip Cole Tyler, 84, of Lake Wales

Phillip Cole Tyler, 84

Phillip Cole Tyler of Lake Wales passed away at Advent Hospital, Lake Wales on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

He was born in Morristown, Tennessee to the late E. Eugene and Lucille C. Tyler on January 15, 1941. The family moved to central Florida in the late 1940s. His family opened several office supply stores in this area.

Eugene and Lucille operated the store in Lake Wales. Phillip served in the United States Army for three years right after high school and operated his own copy equipment company when he returned to Lake Wales. He took over operation of Tyler Office Supply when his father passed until his own retirement in 1998. He was an avid reader, enjoyed helping people, and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Lake Wales.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Lucille Tyler. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Tyler; son, Cole Tyler and wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Heather Tyler; brother, David Tyler and his wife Connie; and granddaughters, AnnMarie and SaraBeth Tyler.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 6, at 3:00 PM. Private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales. 

Rockin’ the Ridge 4th of July Event Aims to be a Blast

CITY OF LAKE WALES – Hip Hip Hooray — it’s time to celebrate Independence Day! Join us at Lake Wailes Park for our annual Rockin’ the Ridge Fourth of July Celebration — a free, family-friendly event starting at 3 PM.


Enjoy an exciting lineup of activities, including rock climbing, inflatables, train rides, live entertainment, photo booths, and complimentary face painting. Don’t miss the patriotic stilt walkers roaming the park — perfect for fun photo ops, so have your cameras ready!


Food trucks and local vendors will be on-site serving up tasty bites and refreshing beverages.

Performance Lineup:
National Anthem: Kay Faith
Boothe for 2
I-4 North Band
Gettin Results Band
Music By: DJ Fadez

The fireworks show begins at 9 PM, so bring your blankets or chairs and grab a great spot on the lawn for an unforgettable display!

Tropical Weather Update Calls for Increased Development, Rain Chances

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Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
800 AM EDT Thu Jul 3 2025

For the North Atlantic…Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America:

  1. Near the Southeastern U.S.:
    An area of low pressure is forecast to develop along a weakening
    frontal boundary near Florida or the Atlantic coast of the
    southeastern United States by Saturday. Environmental
    conditions appear only marginally conducive for some slow
    development, but a tropical or subtropical depression could form in
    this region over the weekend or early next week while the system
    drifts northward or northeastward. Regardless of development, heavy
    rainfall is possible across portions of the southeast U.S.,
    particularly across the west-central Florida coast.
  • Formation chance through 48 hours…low…20 percent.
  • Formation chance through 7 days…medium…60 percent.