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
At approximately 5:20 PM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, traffic accident was reported at the intersection of scenic Highway 17 and Burns Avenue, directly in front of the Citgo gas station where the two roads meet.
The accident appeared to involve two vehicles that have met almost head on. The airbags have deployed on at least one vehicle.
A blue Hyundai and a gray Lincoln are involved. both vehicles have moderate to heavy damage.
Traffic heading southbound on scenic Highway is clear if drivers are proceeding with caution. Drivers heading northbound on Scenic Highway are being redirected onto Burns Avenue. Additional traffic is being routed through the gas station. Please avoid this area if at all possible.
A second suspect has been arrested in an alleged gang-related sexual assault said to have occurred within Lake Wales city limits on January 22, 2025.
According to the Lake Wales Police Department arrest affidavit, John Justin Duran Ortiz, DOB 9/10/03, was arrested on February 12, 2025 and charged with sexual battery with a firearm.
On January 23, Kristian Valentino Bernal, DOB 1/29/04, was arrested in connection to the same incident and given the same felony charge.
The arrest affidavit for Ortiz initially describes the victim’s statement of the assault, which is also stated in Bernal’s arrest report. This is a link to the article related to Bernal’s arrest, which describes the incident in more detail:
In the description of the sexual assault, the victim refers to a second man at the scene as “No Face.”
The affidavit goes on to state that, at some point after the alleged assault, the victim recognized “No Face” from a page on social media. The victim was able to confirm that the person she saw on social media “was the same person who sexually battered her,” according to the report. 
In the affidavit, it states that there are several photos on social media of “No Face” together with Bernal.
“Many photos contain them displaying firearms and wearing red clothing and red bandannas, a common sign they are associated with gang related activities,” the affidavit further explains.
Investigators were ultimately able to confirm the identity of “No Face” as Ortiz.
Ortiz has been charged with sexual battery with a firearm.
A Mulberry man was arrested by Lake Wales Police Department on January 23, 2025, and charged with Sexual Battery with a Firearm that allegedly occurred during a gang-related event at an unnamed location in Lake Wales.
The arresting officer was called to the scene in reference to a possible sexual battery on the day after the incident in question. The man arrested, identified Kristian Valentino Bernal, DOB 1/29/2004, is said to be the instigator of the crime.
According to the arrest affidavit, which is heavily redacted, Bernal texted the victim the prior day and indicated “…he (Bernal) wanted him(self) and his friends to have sexual intercourse with her.”
The victim said she continually stated via texts to Bernal that she was not interested in participating in that scenario and was only interested in him alone.
The affidavit states, “The messages from (Bernal) stated this needed to occur as it was the ‘protocol’ and mentioned it was for the gang.”
Bernal then went to and entered the apartment, where the victim stated she initially believed Bernal to be alone; however, “there were two other people with him, one of which she only knew as ‘No Face’”.
“No Face” and another unidentified individual are said to have entered the victim’s apartment behind Bernal wearing “ski style masks.”
Bernal is said to have asked the victim to shower and perform other tasks, to which she complied because “she was in fear he would harm her and stated he often has ‘rage fits.’”
The victim stated Bernal “removed a red bandana from his firearm and asked her if she wanted to wear it to feel more comfortable with what was happening and she stated ‘sure.’”, again stating she felt she needed to say yes to avoid harm.
Bernal blindfolded the victim and then began to have sexual intercourse with her. While Bernal was having sexual intercourse with the victim, she “felt additional hands touching her.”
After Bernal was finished with the victim, the male identified as “No Face” began having sexual intercourse with her. The affidavit states that he “choked her to the point of not being able to breathe,’ and she ultimately pushed him away, stopping the assault.
Bernal told the victim to go shower to which she again complied out of fear of being harmed. While in the shower, he “came into the bathroom and told her they were going to get ‘blunts’ and then left.”
The victim stated she spoke with Bernal’s ex the following day and told her of the incident. Shortly after, “She received a text message from (Bernal) stating no one raped her.”
Bernal was charged with Sex Battery with a Firearm.
Updated 2/20/25: a second suspect in this case has been arrested. Read the article with regard to that suspect below:
The building across the street from the Lake Wales Police Department may soon be converted into an extra building for the department if the City of Lake Wales approves a proposal agreement with a developer.
At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance pertaining to a proposal agreement for project management services for a building annexed to the city’s police department.
Formerly the Family Elder Law Building, the building is located at 122 E. Tillman Ave. across the street from the Lake Wales Police Department. It was purchased by the City on Aug. 29, 2024.
“It is proposed that the Lake Wales Police Department will move several units there,” the city agenda memo states. “In addition, several other areas have been identified to design for the Police Department including training room, several interview rooms, conference room and a storage room.”
Colliers Project Leaders had submitted a proposal agreement to provide project management services for the proposed renovations to the building. This agreement would include services for the design, bid construction, and closeout phases of the project.
“Based on their scope and schedule, the total fee for service is $177,281,” the memo states. “Fees would be invoiced at a lump sum rate of $8,442 per month for 21 months. The total amount is for $177,281 (21 equal payments of $8,442 per month).”
City commissioners were to vote on the ordinance at their city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18. at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.
(A previous version of this article was published on February 19, 2025. That version erroneously implied that the pension distributions were not available for withdrawal until age 73. The ordinance being considered by the City would allow eligible parties to delay the minimum distribution requirements for their pension until 73 if they should so choose. Lake Wales Daily apologizes for the error.)
Retirees from the Lake Wales police and fire departments may be able to delay receipt of the minimum distribution requirement of their pensions to 73 years of age if the City of Lake Wales approves a minimum age increase.
At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners reviewed two ordinances pertaining to the city’s municipal firefighter’s and police officer’s pension plans. Both ordinances would raise the age requirement for which retirees would be able to receive their minimum benefits from 72 to 73.
These increases are in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec 29, 2022. According to the city agenda memo, this act “provides for an increase in ages for required minimum distributions from qualified plans.”
As the memo states: “For many years, retirees were required to begin receiving benefits once they had retired and reached age 70 ½. The first Secure Act, passed in 2019, raised that age to 72. Section 107 of the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 has further extended the allowable tax deferral by again raising the age by which retired participants must begin to receive benefits.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired whether there was a choice in the matter. Human Resources Director Sandra Davis replied that retirees would have a choice of when to withdraw, until they reach the minimum age requirement. As for the City, he explained, it does not have a choice to increase the age requirement, as it is required through the Act.
City commissioners were to vote on the ordinance at their city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18. at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.
Recently, mayoral candidate Curtis Gibson shared a video on his personal campaign Facebook page. The video included clips from a 2022 interview in which Sheriff Grady Judd made positive comments about Gibson.
However, after seeing the newly shared video, Sheriff Judd felt it gave the impression that he was endorsing Gibson for mayor. (It should be noted that Gibson included two paragraphs accompanying the video. The second paragraph explicitly states that this was not an endorsement. The Daily Ridge can confirm the original post did not have that information but was added after it was initially.)
Here is the original post information:
Initial post by Mayoral Candidate Curtis Gibson
In response, Sheriff Judd released a video clarifying that he did not endorse Gibson, stating, “I’m not going to endorse him… think about it!”
Here is the video that Sheriff Grady Judd felt was misleading:
From Curtis Gibson Facebook
As you can see candidate Gibson didn’t directly say Sheriff Judd was endorsing him, but we will leave it up to you to decide.
Here is Sheriff Grady Judd’s response. Again this video speaks for itself.
Video Provided By The Polk County Sheriff’s Office
For the reader’s benefit we are going ahead and sharing the “Straight Talk with Curtis Gibson” interview:
Full 2022 “Straight Talk with Curtis Gibson”
Editors Note: The Lake Wales Daily reached out to candidate Gibson and candidate Hilligoss for comment. At this time we have not received a comment by candidate Hilligoss. We have spoken to Gibson and he advised he made a facebook live to explain his position. Here is a link to that live video: Curtis Gibson Mayoral Candidate Lake Wales Florida
Editors Note: Both Candidate Hilligoss & Candidate Gibson have made arrangements to post political advertisements on the Lake Wales Daily news. As we have always maintained we as a media outlet do not endorse any candidates.
Make plans to be a part of the Lake Wales Arts Festival this weekend, Friday, Feb. 21 – Sun., Feb. 23, 2025 on the shores of Lake Wailes, 33 N. Lakeshore Blvd.
Kick off the LWAF with Art-B-Que: BBQ, live music, and fun by the Lake. Art-B-Que is an exciting event that combines mouthwatering BBQ, refreshing drinks, and live music, all set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Wailes. It begins at 5:00 p.m., offering an unforgettable evening of food, entertainment, and community spirit.
Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, two beverage tickets, and live music to set the tone for the weekend. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. Bring the whole family—kids 12 and under eat free! Seating is limited, so be sure to grab your tickets in advance as dinner tickets will not be available at the door. Happy Hour begins at 5:00 p.m, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m., and live music from 7-9 p.m. A cash bar will be available.
This event marks the kick-off to the 54th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, a cherished 54- year tradition celebrating creativity and the arts. With over 60 fine artists and artisans showcasing their original work, the festival is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community.
Visitors can explore the festival grounds, discover one-of-a-kind art pieces, and enjoy the LWAF Tasting Trail, featuring local brews and wines from Florida-area breweries and wineries.
Amelia Updike, a founding member of the Lake Wales Arts Festival, said, “The Lake Wales Arts Festival is a true celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring legacy of the arts in our city. As a longtime member of the Lake Wales Chorale and a cantor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, I have seen firsthand how the arts bring people together, inspire expression, and enrich lives. Supporting the arts has been a passion in my family for generations—beginning with my mother-in-law, Fran Updike, who was not only a talented painter but also a champion for local artists and a driving force behind the founding of the Lake Wales Arts Council. Her dedication to the arts shaped this community, and I am honored to continue that tradition by supporting this incredible festival. I encourage everyone to come experience the beauty, talent, and creativity that make the Lake Wales Arts Festival such a special event!”
The LWAF runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025:
10 AM Festival Opens Student Art Show Awards; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
10 AM – 4 PM Hands-on Art Activities, Polk County Kids Tag Art, & Pottery Tryouts; Location: Family Art Activity Tent
3 – 4 PM Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls; Location: Community Hospitality Tent
4 PM Festival Closes
Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director, Tommy Frank, says, “The tradition of the Lake Wales Arts Festival signifies this community’s longstanding commitment to creativity and the Arts. From its humble beginnings in the Publix Southgate shopping center to its sixteen year stretch in downtown Lake Wales to its move to Lake Wailes Park, the festival has evolved to become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike.”
“The Arts Festival maintains a strong commitment to the artist exhibitors who are invited by creating a full weekend festival that entices visitors and patrons to do more than simply look at art. In the tranquil setting of Lake Wailes Park, patrons can hear great music from local performers, enjoy hands-on art activities for children, sip samples from the Tasting Trail and lounge comfortably while pondering a purchase from an artist. Oftentimes, giving folks a variety of reasons to stay helps to encourage would-be shoppers into art-loving purchasers, taking their new art piece to their home collection or adding it to the business office. We’ve even had teachers collect pieces to display in their classrooms for their students to enjoy.”
“Art-B-Que is one of the many events that I love during the Arts Festival weekend. It brings patrons and artists together who might not get to see each other but once a year. The barbeque served is always great; this year coming from Blackburns BBQ in Eagle Lake. The music is always lively; this year featuring performances from King Rab, Alina, Brittany Donaldson, Veelynnuh and music from DJ Fadez.”
Admission to the Festival is free. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Art-B-Cue, please call (863) 676-8426, visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org, or email [email protected].
Lake Wales Police department has released information with regard to an arrest in a case Lake Wales Daily has recently reported on:
LWPD- On February 11, 2025, officers responded to the area of Washington Avenue and Jewel Street in reference to a noise disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located the victim laying near the intersection with a deep laceration to the neck and a stab wound to the torso. Polk County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded and began life-saving measures to the victim.
During the investigation, detectives learned the victim engaged in a verbal argument with the suspect, 49-year-old Jamie Lydell Bibbs of Lake Wales Florida, over $4.00 used to purchase crack cocaine. The altercation became physical when Bibbs struck the victim in the face. As the victim was trying to defend himself, Bibbs pulled out a knife, cut the victim’s throat and stabbed them in the side. After intensive care from medical professionals, the victim’s life was saved and is expected to recover. Detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Bibbs for the charge of attempted murder in the 2nd degree.
Police along with special agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) were able to locate and arrest Bibbs today at a Lake Wales residence.
“Today’s arrest is another great example of the law enforcement partnerships we have in Florida, and our mission to keep our communities safe,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “I am proud of the swift actions FDLE’s agents and Lake Wales Police Department’s investigators’ took in this investigation to get this violent criminal off of our streets.”
Lake Wales – A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on March 7th in downtown historic Lake Wales to celebrate the re-opening of Market Plaza and Park Avenue. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with a Taste of Downtown. Guests get to sample complimentary appetizers, wine and beer from local downtown restaurants and bars.
“We want this to be a celebration for everyone,” said Ronni Wood, executive director of Lake Wales Main Street.
The redesign features on-street parking, enlarged sidewalks, enhanced lighting, outdoor seating and dining areas. The landscape architecture comprises street trees, native plants, hanging-flower baskets and rain gardens.
More roads are scheduled to be transformed in downtown.
Orange Avenue and Crystal Avenue will be rehabilitated with funding from a federal grant and intergovernmental agreement with Polk County. Both roads will be resurfaced and include increased sidewalk coverage, street lighting and street landscaping.
First Street, Central Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and A Street will be redeveloped into complete streets with nearly $23 million in grant funding from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.
City Manager James Slaton said, “The RAISE grant greatly impacts the historic core of Lake Wales, accelerating the revitalization of the historic district and northwest neighborhood.”
The revitalization of the city’s historic core is part of the award-winning “Lake Wales Connected Plan,” a long-range plan, initiated by Lake Wales Main Street and facilitated by City staff.
One of two design proposals will be chosen for a fire station to be built near Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road.
At a workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed two proposals for design services for a proposed fire station.
The station will be built on five acres located near the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. Currently, that property is outside the city limits, but the city has plans to annex it.
As the city agenda memo stated: “This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries.”
Two proposals for design and architect services have been submitted by two developers: Colliers Project Leaders and Parlier + Crews Architects, P.A.
The Colliers proposal agreement is estimated to cost $71,910 (with fees invoiced at a lump sum rate of $7,990 per month for 9 months) and will provide “project management services for the design of this project.”
Meanwhile, the Parlier + Crews Architects proposal is estimated to cost $246,000 and will provide “full architectural and engineering services.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked why the city would require a consultant to oversee the work of an architect, and why the city would simply not oversee the architect’s work directly.
Ken Guyette, Principal Associate with Colliers Project Leadersreplied that the consultant does more than simply oversee the architect, but also supervises several stages of development.
Scott Crews, an architect with Parlier Crews, explained how his work overseeing multiple government entities has allowed him to realize how many projects rely heavily on third-party peer review to ensure projects are implemented smoothly.
City commissioners will vote on the two proposals at their upcoming city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.
