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

Gallery: Halloween 2024, Country Oaks, Lake Wales

Lake Wales

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October 31, 2024

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Gallery: Halloween 2024, Country Oaks, Lake Wales

Trunk or Treat Tonight at Local Church Alternative to Traditional Trick or Treat

Events

Maria Iannucci

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October 31, 2024

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Trunk or Treat Tonight at Local Church Alternative to Traditional Trick or Treat

Namesake Apostolic Church on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales is hosting a Trunk or Treat tonight, Oct. 31, beginning at 6:30 pm.

According to a social media post, the event is being billed as an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.

Have “an unforgettable time of fun, candy, and food trucks! If you are concerned about the safety of your children during this Halloween season, we have the solution for you! A trunk or treat is a completely FREE and SAFE alternative to Trick or Treating. Your children will come to the lighted church grounds where there will be lines of cars that have their trunks decorated and filled with candy! This gives your children a safe way to collect their candy while also enjoying the “BIBLE STORY” themed characters and decor. Get ready to be immersed in classic stories from Biblical times. These stories will be brought to life!
We hope that you will come and participate to help us put a positive, Christian influence on this holiday and our children. You never know the impact that a church could have on your family’s future!”

For more information, call at 863.678.3961.
DATE & TIME:
October 31, 2024 @ 6:30pm
LOCATION:
Namesake Apostolic Church
34 Hwy. 60 W.
Lake Wales, FL 33853 See less

You Can Help the Lake Wales Highlander Band Get to State Competition

Lake Wales Highlanders

Maria Iannucci

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October 31, 2024

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You Can Help the Lake Wales Highlander Band Get to State Competition

Lake Wales Highlander Band Director, Meagan Delacerda, only wants the best for the kids who have worked so hard to find success; they are doing it with drums, flags and a tremendous assortment of other instruments.

The LWHS band has been in a building stage recently, and Delacerda is heading up a growing band program, one that Lake Wales locals love to hear about.

“When I first came in the program in February of 2023 there were 25 people in the advanced band and 10 of them were seniors,” she says. “We slowly started building and we now have 96 members in our marching band and over 155 in our overall program.”

As the band program has been growing quickly, the momentum has only escalated.

“We recently had our 8th grade night where we have over 154 studnets in the band stands who are planning on being apart of the Highlander band,” says Delacerda.

“We have had numerous students make all-state and all-county. We have a jazz band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, beginning band, percussion ensemble and color guard (indoor and outdoor). We are trying to move this program along as much as we can and it is working!”

This year, Delacerda’s goal for the band is to go to state (competition).

“They have worked so hard on our show, “Mi amor”, and we felt as though they were ready. When we finally did make state there was the problem of how do we get them there?”

Now that the Highlanders band has earned their spot at the state competition, scheduled for November 16 at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School in Palm Beach County, FL, their director wants to see them rewarded for their efforts by securing their transportation.

“Lake Wales High School is known for how outstanding our sports programs are,” says Delacerda. “It is not out of the ordinary to have a sport make it to state on this campus. However, the arts is a different story. I believe what these students do is, in a lot of ways, a sport in its self. The countless hours of outside running around on a field pushing air through instruments would tell you that, but there is an artist side to it that is also in effect.”

This is where the Lake Wales community has the opportunity to show their support of the band program they’ve enjoyed for so many years.

This with be the first time in 17 years that the Lake Wales Highlander Band will attend the state competition. Delacerda wants to see them go in style and comfort.

“I brought the idea to my administration on getting the students charter buses for that day instead of the big yellow buses. They deserve to be in a comfortable setting for such an important event.

“They said ‘of course, they would love too’ but our booster club would need to pay a portion. Our Lake Wales Band boosters have been working tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support the band in any way they can so we are trying to build up our funds to get our kids to state!”

If the band makes it to the top 5 at State on Nov. 16, they can attend the finals which will be held at Jupiter High School that same night.

To donate to the fund covering expenses to transport the Lake Wales Highlander Band to State, use Zelle:

[email protected]

In Loving Memory of Katrina Ann Ybarra, 64, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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October 30, 2024

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Katrina Ann Ybarra, 64

Katrina Ann Ybarra of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at AdventHealth Celebration.

She was born January 29, 1960 in Bartow to the late Billy and Susie Davis; she has been a resident of Lake Wales for 45 years. Katrina was a homemaker and a very smart person. She was an artist with a special love for painting and drawing. She loved to fish and talk to people.

Katrina is survived by her husband, Tomas Ybarra; daughter, Stormee Ybarra of Portland, Oregon; son, Thomas Ybarra of Lake Wales; sister, Deyonnia Yourn (Frank) of Mulberry; and brother, Billie Davis of Georgia.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens.

Man Charged With DUI After He Fled Police Crashing Into A Parked Vehicle & Traffic Lights

carl

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October 30, 2024

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Man Charged With DUI After He Fled Police Crashing Into A Parked Vehicle & Traffic Lights

The Lake Wales Police arrested Marquis Futch, DOB 12/3/1995, of Lake Wales and charged him with DUI Involving Property Damage, Fleeing To Elude Law Enforcement, Driving While License Suspended Or Revoked. The incident occurred on October 18 around 3:54am.

The following is a redacted, but unedited portion of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. 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. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) :

“On 10/18/2024, myself and Officer Robertson responded to 28 W Seminole in reference to a disturbance. Before arriving, dispatch informed me that the suspect involved in the disturbance had been drinking alcohol and is currently refusing to give REDACTED, the reporting person her car keys back.

REDACTED advised to dispatch that the suspect, Marquis Futch will pull off in the vehicle once he sees Law Enforcement. As I arrived on scene, I saw REDACTED’s vehicle which is a black in color Saturn sitting in front of the residence. I parked my marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle directly in front of the Saturn and was able to see Futch sitting in the driver’s seat.

Once I exited my marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle, I began walking towards Futch while he was in the Saturn. Once Futch saw me walking towards him, he put the vehicle in drive and began driving around my patrol vehicle. I flashed my flash light at him (and) gave him the command to stop. Futch did not cooperate and began driving west on Seminole Avenue at a very high rate of speed.

Officer Robertson was able to get behind Futch and activated his emergency lights on his marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle. Futch failed to stop for Law Enforcement and turned south on Martin Luther King Blvd at a high rate of speed. Futch then began approaching the intersection of Martin Luther King Blvd and Central Avenue. While coming up to the intersection, Futch lost control of the vehicle and proceeded to collide with two traffic lights and also a parked vehicle. The Saturn being driven by Futch came to a final rest in between two light poles flipped over on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

After Futch crashed the vehicle, I got out of my marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle and drew my agency issued handgun and gave Futch commands to put his hands up. Futch refused to keep his hands up and began reaching around the vehicle. Futch was not cooperating with Law Enforcement commands and kept trying to grab his cell phone and cigarette.

The Lake Wales Fire Department arrived on scene and assisted with getting Futch out of the vehicle by smashing a sun roof window. Futch crawled out and then began receiving medical treatment by Lake Wales Fire Department and also Polk County EMS.

While on scene Willie Moore, stated he was outside of his residence located at 203 Park Avenue when he saw the black Saturn drive south on Dr Martin Luther King Blvd. Moore stated he also saw Law Enforcement behind him with emergency lights on. Moore stated after seeing the black Saturn, he then heard Futch crash.

Futch was transported to the Lake Wales Advent Health Hospital and Polk County Sheriff Deputy Register (#8725), arrived at the hospital and began evaluating Futch for possibly driving while intoxicated. While on scene, I learned that Futch’s license was revoked on 07/21/2017.

While Law Enforcement was interviewing Futch at the hospital, post Miranda Futch stated he knew Law Enforcement was trying to stop him. Futch stated he saw me park my Marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle in front of him but still continued to flee from Law Enforcement. Futch also admitted to seeing Officer Robertson behind him with his emergency lights activated.

Due to Futch failing to stop for Law Enforcement with activated emergency lights, driving while license suspended, and failing to listen to Law Enforcement commands, he is being arrested for Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement, driving while license suspended and resisting an Officer without violence.”

A video post to Lake Wales, News, Updates & Reviews by Sasha Buerge shows more of the crash scene: Click Here

Cooking on the Ridge: Three Sister Soup

Featured

Maria Iannucci

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October 30, 2024

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Cooking on the Ridge: Three Sisters Soup

by James Coulter

Two weeks ago was Indigenous Peoples’ Day (formerly known as Christopher Columbus Day). To commemorate the occasion, I decided to try a traditional indigenous dish: Three Sisters Soup.

This traditional recipe originates from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people, though it is also enjoyed by the Cherokee and Chickasaw. The soup is so named because it contains the three sister crops–beans, corn, and squash–which grow together.

This recipe originally contained only vegetables. However, I decided to add some meat to it to give it a little more–well–meat. I decided to use ground turkey to keep with the indigenous theme. My other option would have been venison, but—well—you can’t exactly buy that at the grocery store.

Also, the original recipe used stovetop instructions. However, I opted to use my trusty slow cooker instead. Because who doesn’tlove making meals with a crockpot? You dump all the ingredients in at the start of the day, then set it and forget it until dinner rolls around. Convenient.

Overall, this soup was very hearty. The ground turkey gave it a chili consistency, and with it having been cooked in beef broth, I almost forgot it was ground turkey. It was really beefy—only leaner.

As for the rest of the soup, it certainly tasted good, especially on a cool Virginia autumn day. Again, it was almost like a chili. However, some of the other people I ate with claimed it was slightly “fruity.” I’m not sure about that. The spices certainly added a much-needed “kick.”

(The following recipe was taken and modified from Palatable Pastime):

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. chopped garlic

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium zucchinis, diced

15.5 oz. canned corn kernels

14.5 oz. canned diced tomatoes

4 cups beef broth

15.5 oz. canned kidney beans

2 tsp. ground cumin

1.5 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. chili powder

4 tbsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. chopped cilantro

Instructions

1) Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pan.

2) Add remaining ingredients and simmer gently for about 30 minutes. (Or place in slow-cooker and set on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours or more).

Aerial Mosquito Control Spraying Rescheduled Across Polk County

Polk County

Maria Iannucci

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October 29, 2024

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Aerial Mosquito Control Spraying Rescheduled Across Polk County

According to a Polk County Emergency Management’s social media page, aerial spraying for mosquitoes in Polk County was originally scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 25-27; due to delays, spraying was scheduled to begin last night at 8 p.m. and stop Thursday morning. There will be no aerial spraying for mosquitoes on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31; however, spraying will resume the night of Friday, Nov. 1.

Due to the acreage being covered, it is necessary to spray multiple days. Spraying is scheduled from dusk to dawn; approximately 8 p.m. through 5 a.m., while most residents are indoors.

The decision for aerial spraying was made due to the overwhelming increase in the mosquito population, with the advisement of county health officials and in direct response to residents’ recent requests. Residents may notice low-flying aircraft applying a low volume of insecticides approved for mosquito control.

Should you have any questions or concerns about aerial spraying, please contact Polk County Mosquito Control at (863) 534-7377.

Polk Deputy’s Investigating Shooting Near Lake Buffum In Unincorporated Lake Wales

Lake Wales

carl

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October 29, 2024

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Polk Deputy’s Investigating Shooting Near Lake Buffum In Unincorporated Lake Wales

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 46 year old Lake Wales man for attempted murder Tuesday evening.

The following is a redacted, but unedited portion of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit (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 Daily Ridge 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. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) :

“On October 29, 2024, per supervision’s request, I responded to REDACTED in Lake Wales, Florida about a dangerous shooting.

I contacted the victim, REDACTED, who advised he was operating his dirt bike eastbound on Lighthouse Ave toward his residence when he observed the suspect, Raul Mojica, walking from Raul’s residence at 4575 Lighthouse Ave and attempting to wave the victim down. The victim stated the suspect had something long and black tucked under his arm as he approached the roadway. The victim did not stop and continued eastbound to his residence located at REDACTED. As he passed the residence located at 4575 Lighthouse Ave, the victim felt a sharp pain in his back. The victim returned home and notified his parents of the incident. The victim had numerous welts with broken skin with slight bleeding. The victim’s shirt had numerous holes in it also. The victim was treated by Polk County Emergency Medical Services and released on scene for minor injuries.

The victim and his family responded to 4570 Lighthouse Ave and observed the suspect in the roadway with a black Stevens, model 320, 12 gauge shotgun. The suspect walked to the gate of his property and put the firearm through a slot. The victim’s father secured the firearm until law enforcement arrived on the scene.

The suspect was taken into custody and was advised of his Miranda Rights via an agency-issued Miranda Warning card.

Post Miranda, the suspect stated while on his private property, he accidentally discharged his firearm in an attempt to scare his dogs. The suspect stated the firearm was pointed in a southern direction toward the ground. He denied firing the firearm in the roadway or towards the victim.

A red 12-gauge casing was found in the roadway in front of the suspect’s residence. Approximately 20 yards east of the casing was wadding from the projectile, and approximately 20 yards east of the wadding, a plastic cap from the projectile was located.

Through the investigation, it was determined probable cause existed to file criminal charges against the suspect, Raul Mojica, for the following Florida State Statute violations:

F.S.S. 782.04*., Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm (FL), the defendant willfully and intentionally entered the roadway and discharged a firearm at the victim, striking him with the projectile and causing injury.

F.S.S. 790.15(4)., Discharge Firearm in Residential Area (M1), the defendant entered the roadway and discharged his firearm while in a residentially zoned area.

F.S.S. 790.10., Unlawful Display of a Firearm (M1), the defendant willfully and intentionally display a firearm publicly.”

Area where PCSO is searching after shooting call.

Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Opens Registration For Jr. Lifeguard Course

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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October 29, 2024

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Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Opens Registration For Jr. Lifeguard Course

The Lake Wales Family Recreation Center has opened registration for their Red Cross’s Jr. Lifeguarding course. Here in Florida, Lifeguards play an integral part in keeping pools and other waterfronts safe.

This course is tailored for youth from the ages of 11-14 that may aspire to a career in Lifeguarding or virtually any other role as a first responder. Participants will learn the foundations of activating an emergency action plan and following through with basic life support skills.

Upon registering, participants will receive a Jr. Lifeguard t-shirt, pocket mask, rescue pack, and be given the opportunity to shadow a Lifeguard while the pool is in operation.

The class begins in December. Register your future Lifeguard at the link here: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/lake-wales-fl/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzMzA0MTA=

In Loving Memory of Harold Stephen Wysock, 99, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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October 29, 2024

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In Loving Memory of Harold Stephen Wysock, 99, of Lake Wales

Harold Stephen Wysock of Lake Wales passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at his residence.

He was born July 4, 1925 in Springfield, Massachusetts to the late Stephen and Louise Wysock; he moved to Lake Wales from Fort Meade 15 years ago. Harold developed and managed the New England Mobile Home Park in Hollywood, Florida. He served with the United States Army during WWII. He enjoyed traveling and gardening. Harold loved farm animals including exotic animals and birds. He was a family man and a jokester. He loved the country and would often say “you can take the man out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the man”.

Harold was preceded in death by his sister, Lilla Curtis. He is survived by his wife, Lise Wysock; daughter, Cheryl Bossarte (Larry) of Lake Wales; son, Glenn Wysock (Gina) of Winter Haven; brother, Paul Wysock of Clayton, Georgia; grandchildren, Gregory Bossarte, Katie Wysock, and Sara Wysock; and great-grandchildren, Daxton, Ian, Ellie, and Leo.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Chaplain H.L. McConnell officiating.

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