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

In Loving Memory of Joseph Franklin, 95, Indian Lake Estates

Obituaries

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November 9, 2024

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Joseph Franklin, 95

Joseph Franklin passed away on November 1, 2024 at the age of 95 at a home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. He was born on September 27, 1929 in Buckingham Township, PA to Titus and Mary (Balling) Franklin. He married Marjorie Smith on March 28, 1954. They had two children: daughter, Debra J. Schieber (Mark Schieber}, and son, John E. Franklin (Valorie Franklin).

Joe went to school in Buckingham township and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of sergeant. He was in the Marine Corps from September 1947 until September 1951. During that time Joe served overseas in the Korean War, leaving the service with an honorable discharge.

Joe and Marjorie settled in Furlong, Pennsylvania to raise their family. Joe held various jobs until he found his passion in woodworking. He started his own business as an antique dealer, opening the Mayfair House in Lambertville, NJ. Joe was a very successful dealer, traveling all over the east coast in search of American and English antiques for his clientele. Joe enjoyed sales, and many of his customers became great friends over the years.

After he sold his business, Joe and his wife moved to Florida, where he enjoyed years of golfing and fishing. Prior to retiring to Florida, Joe also enjoyed spending time in Potter County, PA at his hunting cabin, and fishing at Lac du Fils in Quebec, Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Titus and Mary, and eight of his siblings (Dorothy, Ruth, Sara, Martha, Paul, Mark, John, Bud).

He is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter Debra, son John, four grandchildren (Heather, Amanda, Kelsie, Aubrey}, four great-grandchildren (Michael, Cayden, Leighton, Madison) and youngest brother Dennis.

Joe was one of a kind and always lived life to the fullest and by his own rules. Family and close friends knew they were loved even if it wasn’t said out loud all the time. He’s left his mark on so many and will not be forgotten.

No local service is scheduled at this time. Interment will be held in Doylestown, Pennsylvania at a later date.

Lake Wales Public Library Offers Certain College Level Courses Tuition Free Through Local Bullard Trust

Maria Iannucci

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November 9, 2024

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Lake Wales Public Library Offers Certain College Level Courses Tuition Free Through Local Bullard Trust

The Lake Wales Public Library offers the business and adult learner community the opportunity to take community college level continuing education courses through their link, https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/309/Library.

Through the Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library’s Dell Bullard Trust for Vocation Education a variety of business, recreational and educational courses are available, tuition free, to any Lake Wales Public Library card holder.

Dell Bullard was a pioneer businesswoman in Lake Wales, Florida. She, along with her husband, Doug Bullard, began a successful insurance agency that remains a vital part of the Lake Wales business community today.

Mrs. Bullard believed in the importance of learning throughout a lifetime; a concept Gale Courses continues to promote.

Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor led courses that you can take entirely online.   As a library card holder in good standing, you are entitled to these courses at no cost. Courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin every month.

How to Enroll:

1. Find courses by browsing through the categories on the left of your screen or by using the search bar above. Click “Enroll Now” next to the course of your choice.

2. Select your course start date and click “Continue.”

3. Create a free Gale Courses account, or sign in to an existing ed2go account.

New Students – Enter your email address in the New Student area and click “Create Account.” Complete the “Account and Student Information” page and then click “Continue.”
Returning Students – Enter your account email and password and then click “Sign In.”

You will use your Gale Courses account email and password to log in to the My Classroom area to view your lessons once your session begins.

4. Enter your library barcode in the box labeled Submit. Then click “Use Library Card” to complete your enrollment.

Four Elements Moonlight Music and Floating Lantern Festival at Bok Tower Gardens Nov. 16

Events

Maria Iannucci

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November 8, 2024

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Four Elements Moonlight Music and Floating Lantern Festival at Bok Tower Gardens Nov. 16

Four Elements Moonlight Music and Floating Lantern Festival will be held at Bok Tower Gardens on Saturday, November 16 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

The evening will celebrate the Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind with a creative collision of music, dance, and moonlight.

Aerialists Paula Blackwelder and Berenice Perez will perform the incredible “Double Lyra” under the Tower oaks. Their aerial ballet will begin the evening, and then Dr. Fen-Fang Chen and her students from Florida Southern College will present a night of incredible classical music underneath the Sundial. Geert D’hollander will also be playing the Carillon.

Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets! Keep scrolling to learn more about the Festival.

This event is free for members and included with admission for non-members.

In Loving Memory of Jim Hurst, Jr., 68, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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November 8, 2024

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In Loving Memory of Jim Hurst, Jr., 68, of Lake Wales

Jim Hurst Jr. of Lake Wales, Florida entered eternal glory on 11/7/24.

Born on April 14,1956 to James Hurst Sr. and Louise Crane Hurst. Jim was a devoted husband to Belinda DuBose Hurst for 43 years until her passing in 2022. He was the very loving father of Jimmy Hurst III (Emily) of Frostproof, Marshall Hurst of Lake Wales and Lindsey Shick (Jeremy) of Lake Wales.

Jim took unspeakable joy in life with his 7 grandchildren. Grace Louise, Jamesy, Jude and Sophie Hurst as well as Everett, Ruby and Emmett Shick.

Jim is survived by his 3 children, his son and daughter in law, his brother Mike Hurst of Frostproof and his sister Cindy Wise of Frostproof. He also leaves behind numerous friends and extended family that he always treated as his own family.

A graduate of Frostproof High School in 1974, Jim lettered in 5 sports and was inducted into the Frostproof Athletic Hall of Fame. His bachelor’s degree came from the University of Florida in business administration.

Jim was a trusted and respected Insurance agent his entire life. Helping his clients in the agriculture industry with crop insurance as a focus. He leaves a legacy of kindness and compassion with his beloved co-workers

Selflessness and dedication marked his involvement in civic organizations. Jim was a little league coach for his kids and many others. He was an accomplished umpire and trainer of youth baseball umpires. He was involved in Rotary, Ducks Unlimited, volunteered for youth camps and impacted young people’s lives for good anyway that he could.

Generosity will be his legacy. He believed in and donated to the Lake Wales Care Center, Refuge on the Ridge, FCA and Victory Ridge Academy. He supported both the Lake Wales and Frostproof athletic booster clubs at once. He also gave to and helped many individuals financially throughout the years. Believing that he was a steward of God’s money.

An avid hunter and fisherman, love of family, friends, outdoor sports and athletics were supremely important to him. This however was all secondary to his faith in God. Jim was a faithful and dedicated member of the Church of Christ in Frostproof, Florida. He was a song leader among other duties within his church. He enjoyed his family of faithful Christians and being accountable to the local church. This example resonates with his children and bolsters their faith in Jesus.

James Hansel Hurst Jr. has been called many names while on this earth. Jimbo, Jimmy, Jim, Uncle, Daddy and Pops. Now, eternally restored in Heaven, he has been called “good and faithful servant”.

Kidney cancer has brought his time on earth to an end after 68 years. Faithfully, he recognized that he was fighting a battle that Jesus has already won on a cross at Calvary.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to FCA (www.my.fca.org).

Words of Wisdom From the PCSO Crime Prevention Unit

Polk County

Maria Iannucci

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November 8, 2024

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Words of Wisdom From the PCSO Crime Prevention Unit

PCSO – Social media is a great way to communicate with long-distance friends or family members. Teens can instantly send messages and make or receive video calls through most of the social media platforms. That said, while social media can be fun to use, parents need to be aware of the dangers their children may be exposed to. Additionally, technology continues to grow, everyone should be aware of the benefits and risks it can bring.

Here are some tips to keep your children safe while using any social media platform:

Safety tips for Teens

· Do not share personal info (eg: address, birthdate, etc.)

· Keep passwords and location private.

· Ask for permission before posting pictures or videos.

· Do not accept friend requests from a person you don’t know.

· Do not reply to unknown messages.

· Tell a trusted adult if you see something strange.

· Block or report any suspicious person.

· Follow parent’s rules about your time on social media.

Safety tips for Parents

· Teach your child about the dangers of social media.

· Monitor their social media. Know their passwords.

· Use parental controls.

· Be alert of cyberbullying.

· Set social media boundaries for them.

· Keep devices out of their bedrooms.

· Learn which social media your child wants to use.

· Report if any information has been compromised.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office offers free programs such as Internet Safety and Cyberbullying. If you would like more information or to schedule a presentation, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at 863-298-6677 or email [email protected]

In Memory of Billy Ray Reed, 74, of Frostproof

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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November 7, 2024

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Billy Ray Reed, 74

Billy Ray Reed of Frostproof passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024 at his residence.

He was born June 16, 1950 in Spring City, Tennessee to the late Dale and Pauline Reed; he moved to Frostproof from Tennessee 50 years ago. Billy was a retired framer for Robin Builders and a veteran of the United States Army. He was an occasional gambler and liked to sing karaoke. He enjoyed going to flea markets, fishing, and was an avid CB radio enthusiast.

Billy is survived by his wife of 24 years, Cindy Lou Reed; daughter, Donna (Silk) Groeneveld of Missouri; son, Robert Pavelski of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Kayla, Britteny, Taylor, and Dalton; great-grandchild, Damian.

No local services are scheduled.

Lake Wales Arts Council Presents “Fiddles & Fine Art: Instrument & Art Auction” to Benefit Youth Arts Education

Events

Maria Iannucci

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November 7, 2024

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Lake Wales Arts Council Presents “Fiddles & Fine Art: Instrument & Art Auction” to Benefit Youth Arts Education

The Lake Wales Arts Council (LWAC) has announced its upcoming Fiddles & Fine Art: Instrument & Art Auction on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Taking place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the historic Lake Wales Arts Center, this unique event will feature live and silent auctions of original artwork, rare musical instruments, and unique community-donated pieces, with all proceeds supporting youth arts education programs in Lake Wales.

Special Matching Sponsorship Opportunity
In addition to the auction, this year’s event features a special matching sponsorship generously offered by Karla Campbell, a passionate supporter of LWAC’s mission and the transformative impact of music and arts education on young people in Lake Wales. Karla has pledged to match all donations up to $10,000, effectively doubling every dollar raised in support of these programs. This matching gift opportunity means that each contribution will have twice the impact, allowing LWAC and Sandy’s MusicGirls to reach even more children and youth through quality arts education experiences.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM, Auction from 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Tickets: $20 per person (includes hors d’oeuvres)
Dress Code: Cowboy Formal
The Fiddles & Fine Art Auction promises an evening filled with live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a festive atmosphere celebrating art, culture, and community. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on exceptional artworks inspired by Polk County’s natural beauty, rare musical instruments, and other unique items, knowing their support will make a direct impact on youth arts programs.
“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for an event that not only celebrates art and music but also supports the next generation of creatives,” said Tommy Frank, Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council. “With Karla Campbell’s matching sponsorship, this year’s auction is an even greater opportunity to make a difference. Every dollar raised will go twice as far in supporting our mission to empower young people through the arts.”

Limited Tickets Available
Only 150 tickets are available for in-person attendance, so early reservations are encouraged. Community members can also support LWAC’s youth programs from afar by participating in the online auction, which will feature many of the same incredible pieces as the in-person event.

For tickets, online bidding information, or further event details, please visit https://onecau.se/_6bn5d1
or contact the LWAC office at (863) 676-8426 or [email protected].

Join LWAC for an unforgettable evening of art, music, and community, where every bid brings us one step closer to a brighter future for Lake Wales youth.

ABOUT LAKE WALES ARTS COUNCIL:
The Lake Wales Arts Council is committed to fostering the arts in Central Florida through education, performance, and community engagement. Since its founding, LWAC has provided diverse programming that serves artists of all ages, while striving to ensure that art remains an integral part of the community’s cultural landscape.

I Was on a Ride with Lake Wales PD; Then A Missing Person and Fugitive was Apprehended

LAKE WALES POLICE DEPARTMENT

Maria Iannucci

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November 7, 2024

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I Was on a Ride with Lake Wales PD; Then A Missing Person and Fugitive was Apprehended

When I schedule a ride with the Lake Wales Police Department to observe what might happen on any average night, it turned out not to be what I expected.

I was there when, after a fairly quiet evening of proactive police patrol, a call came in just before 9:30 PM.

View from my position of the stop on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales. Photo by Maria Iannucci

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 provided by law enforcement. 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 11/01/2024, at approximately 2124 hours, I, D/S Santos-Diaz #8279, responded to the intersection of Highway 60 East and Alturas Road, Bartow, FL., in reference to information given by dispatch on a vehicle that was marked in FCIC/NCIC as a vehicle being associated with a person with a warrant.

“The initial information given by dispatch was a red 2008 Saturn SUV, bearing FL license #QEE4U, possibly being driven by Leanne Keisling W/F, DOB 03/21/1973 (has an active warrant from Clay County, Indiana).

“Southeast Delta platoon members located and conducted an investigative stop on Highway 60 just west of Highway 27, and made contact with the driver.

“ I then arrived on scene and announced myself as a deputy sheriff from Polk County Sheriff’s Office, FL, and made contact with the white female driver, who identified herself as Leanne Yi Keisling. I was able to confirm his identity by an Indiana Driver’s License she provided (REDACTED).

“I then contacted CIC, who was able to confirm the Fugitive From Justice warrant is out of Clay County, Indiana for Leanne Keisling. The warrant(s) on the NCIC system was for Failure to Appear – Burglary (Case #11D01-2404-F4-000346).

“Leanne fled the jurisdiction of this agency in attempt to avoid being apprehended by law enforcement. Clay County, Indiana advised they would extradite.

“During an inventory of her vehicle prior to it being towed from the scene of the stop, a small pink metal container (eyeglasses container) was located in the rear passenger side floorboard of the vehicle. The contents of the pink container were a glass pipe with burnt substance and a white grainy residue in small baggie.

“Utilizing a NARK #15 test kit, I conducted a field test on the burnt substance inside of the glass pipe and the grainy substance, which achieved a blue color indicating the presumptive positive for the presence of methamphetamine.

“Post Miranda, Leanne stated she was not aware she had a warrant out of Indiana, as she had believed her lawyer had told her she was good until a further court date. As per the white grainy substance located in her vehicle, she informed me she had no clue it was there and she denied ever using or having any drugs in her possession.

“Leanne fled the jurisdiction of Clay County in attempt to elude being apprehended, and is a fugitive of justice, as defined in FSS 941.13, Fugitive from Justice.

“Leanne was also in possession of methamphetamine, as defined in FSS 893.13(6a), Possession of Methamphetamine, as well as, in possession of a glass pipe and containing methamphetamine, as described in FSS 893.147(1), Possession of Paraphernalia.

“I transported Leanne to the Sheriff’s Processing Center without further incident.”

As a passenger in a Lake Wales Police Department police vehicle, I was able to observe the situation as it occurred from the time we arrived at the scene.

It’s important to know that members of both Lake Wales Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office were on scene.

Vehicle Crashes into Train Crossing on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales and Two Transported to Hospital

Maria Iannucci

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November 7, 2024

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Vehicle Crashes into Train Crossing on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales and Two Transported to Hospital

At approximately 7:32 this morning, according to Brian Bruchey, public Information Officer for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, both PCSO and Polk County Fire Resuce or dispatched to the area of Highway 60 E. and old Old Bartow Road to a vehicle collision.

Upon arriving, it was found that a vehicle collided with part of the railroad, crossing apparatus, and now the arms are malfunctioning.

“There may be some interference with some traffic flow until CSX gets the arms working properly,” says Bruchey in an email sent to Lake Wales Daily.

Polk County Fire Rescue says that two were transported to the hospital as a result of the accident.

It appears that only one vehicle is at the scene. No other information regarding the accident is available at this time.

The accident occurred in the eastbound lanes of Hwy. 60. A tow truck and police vehicle are on scene as of 8:30 am. There does not appear to be blockage in the road, please avoid this area if possible while the debris is cleared.

There appears to be someone working on the railroad signal. Please use extra caution if driving through this area until that signal is fully functional.

Proposed Fire Station Coming to Nest Egg Road in Lake Wales; City Commission Votes Unanimously for Approval

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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November 6, 2024

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Proposed Fire Station Coming to Nest Egg Road in Lake Wales; City Commission Votes Unanimously for Approval

by James Coulter

Residents living south of Lake Wales can expect a new fire station to be built on Nest Egg Road now that the Lake Wales City Commission has approved the acquisition of property there.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 5, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda, which included an item concerning the acquisition of five acres of land on Nest Egg Road.

The property is being considered by the Lake Wales Fire Department as the location of a new fire station. The proposed station would be situated nearly five miles from the main station in town, thus providing quicker response time for emergency calls, Joe Jenkins, City Fire Chief, explained at a workshop last week.

“It [the property] is currently outside of the city limits, but there are plans to annex into city limits,” Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, wrote in a city memo. “This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries. The City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to procure the property.”

The land is being provided by McKenna Brothers, Inc. for the price of $300,000. The land has been appraised for $200,000. Chief Jenkins explained the city should consider acquiring the land now at that price as the land could potentially increase in value or become unavailable.

Now that the agenda item has been approved, the City of Lake Wales has been authorized to approve the vacant land contract with McKenna Brothers, Inc., approve a budget amendment for $300,000, and authorize the city manager to “execute the necessary documents on behalf of the city.”

City Commissioner Robin Gibson requested to pull the agenda item for discussion. He approved the idea of acquiring the land for a new fire station but expressed concern about the price.

“The thing that concerns me at the session was that the property is appraised for $200,000 but we will pay $300,000,” Gibson explained. “That concerns me. I am interested in the price differences and other locations for the branch and fire station. There was a good discussion about it. We are paying so much more than the appraised value, our constituents need to know that.”

City Manager James Slaton replied that the property was chosen because of its availability and its location. He explained that the City had reached out to other property owners, but many properties were not available for sale. He also explained that the location was the most opportune to provide expedient response times for emergency calls, especially in light of future growth.

“We called out the best piece of properties for the citizens, and we have other land owners that are unable to sell some property, so the location was selected because of its geography,” he said.

Chief Jenkins assured the commission that the site was not chosen “arbitrarily.” He and his crew studied the area for potential sites for future fire stations, and the property on Nest Egg Road proved to be the most opportune in terms of location and ability.

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