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

Residents in Unincorporated Areas Can Take Advantage of the PCLC Bookmobile

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July 21, 2025

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Residents in Unincorporated Areas Can Take Advantage of the PCLC Bookmobile

The Lake Wales Public Library reminds residents in unincorporated Polk County that library access is available through a Bookmobile.

The PCLC Bookmobile operates in unincorporated Polk County and incorporated cities without public library services.

See the full schedule here.

Polk County Library Cooperative cards issued at any location will be honored at the PCLC Bookmobile. New memberships will be available on the Bookmobile. Sign up for the Bookmobile eNewsletter here.

For questions on Bookmobile rules and policies, scheduling Bookmobile for special events and general information, please email [email protected] or call 863.678.4004.

In Loving Memory of Rockne “Rocky” Edward Grimes, 74, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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July 21, 2025

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Rockne “Rocky” Edward Grimes, 74

Rockne “Rocky” Edward Grimes of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.

He was born July 9, 1951 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Ralph and Cassandra Grimes; he moved to Lake Wales from Ohio 20 years ago. Rocky was a house painter and served with the United States Army for six years. He was a member of Impact Church. Rocky loved to do puzzles and to collect eagles and wolves.

Rocky was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Grimes; as well as other brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 7 years, Kim Grimes; daughters, Andrea Grimes of Ohio, Rozanne Eaton and husband John of Ohio, Nicole Cribbs and husband Larry of Florida, Melissa Fulmer of Kentucky, Andrea Bangs and husband James of Florida; son, Rockne E. Grimes, Jr. of Ohio; sister, Joy King of Ohio; brother, Roger Grimes of Alabama; dog, Roxanne; 14 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Services will be scheduled.

FWC announces Florida Fish Art Contest special recognition

Florida

Maria Iannucci

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July 20, 2025

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FWC announces Florida Fish Art Contest special recognition

FLORIDA- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with The Florida Nomad, is eager to announce The Florida Nomad’s Artist Spotlight Award recognition as part of the Florida Fish Art Contest. They selected youth artist, Sebastian Romo, to receive this year’s Artist Spotlight Award. Congratulations to Sebastian Romo for his creativity in creating this unique artwork of the Florida bass. Way to go, Sebastian!

“From a very early age, Sebastian showed great talent in expressing his ideas through drawing, filling his sketchbooks full of very detailed and accurate designs of everything that interested him,” said Diego Romo, Sebatian’s dad. “His love of being outdoors, immersed in nature, became his passion which led him to become an animal expert, being able to tell you everything about the subjects in his drawings. Sebastian enjoys studying animals carefully and then drawing them accurately in his own unique style. Besides drawing and fishing, Sebastian loves to play sports and travel to new places where he can learn about different environments. He hopes to one day have a career doing what he loves, which is educating people about animals and creating art.”

To see more of Sebastian’s art and his animal encounters, follow him on Instagram @sebastianinthewild

“As a Floridian, a captain and someone who spends every day outdoors, I wanted to create gear that not only performs but also tells the story of this incredible state. Partnering with the Fish Art Program was a natural fit – it supports conservation and education, and that’s what The Florida Nomad is all about,” said Joe Ludvigsen, founder of The Florida Nomad.

The FWC, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, will be hosting the contest again next year, stay tuned for more information. Learn more about the Florida Fish Art Contest and how you can participate next year at MyFWC.com/FishArt.

In Loving Memory of Deborah Lois Rhoden, 48, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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July 19, 2025

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Deborah Lois Rhoden, 48

It is with a heavy heart that we share that our loving sister Deborah Rhoden passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the University of Health Shands Hospital due to complications from her lifelong battle with heart failure.

She was born October 13, 1976 to the late George and LaJune Rhoden. She grew up in Lake Wales with her sister Jennifer Rhoden and brothers George Rhoden, and David Rhoden. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2008, where she became a lifelong Gator fan. After leaving Gainesville for a brief time upon graduation, she returned to UF for work and had been with the college for the last 10 years.

She was a devoted and loving aunt to her nieces, Abigail, Hailey, Emily, Piper, and nephew, Noah. In her death, we have had nothing but support extended from her friends, family, and coworkers.

A visitation/service will be held at Forest Meadows Cemetery Chapel in Gainesville. Following the visitation entombment will be in Forest Meadows Cemetery in Gainesville. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Special District for Outdoor Drinking in Downtown Lake Wales Given Preliminary Approval with 3-5 Vote

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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July 19, 2025

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Special District for Outdoor Drinking in Downtown Lake Wales Given Preliminary Approval with 3-5 Vote

by James Coulter

Visitors to Lake Wales may soon be able to carry a glass of wine or beer as they peruse the downtown area, now that city commissioners have given preliminary approval of a special district permitting outdoor drinking.

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 15, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would create an Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE) District and allow the consumption of alcohol in the downtown area.

The ordinance passed with a 3-5 vote. Commissioners Carol Gillespie and Daniel Williams made the only “nay” votes.

The ordinance would create the ACE District through amendments to the city code. These proposed changes would:

⦁ Establish the district’s purpose and boundaries and create the policies for outside consumption in the district, registered establishments, and violations.

⦁ Propose containers approved by the City and signage clearly delineating the boundaries.

⦁ Require registered establishments to provide signage and guidance for customers regarding the district guidelines.

⦁ Follow the same provisions as the Downtown Historic District regarding alcoholic sales and services and outdoor seating areas, and

⦁ Treat all applications for bars in the same manner by requiring approval through a special exception process in the Downtown Historic District and the ACE District.

Dolores Vogel, Vice President of Lake Wales Main Street, commended the city commission for considering the creation of the special district. She felt the proposal would help grow the popularity of the downtown area and draw more residents and visitors to the area.

“These are real exciting times for our downtown,” Vogel said. “People are now seeking authentic places in downtown, and it cannot be duplicated. The quality of place is a huge factor in how successful a community can be. People want to work, live, and socialize downtown.”

Commissioner Gillespie, who voted “no,” expressed her concerns about the proposed district. She feared permitting outdoor drinking in the downtown area would likewise permit drunken and unruly behavior.

“I personally am not in favor of encouraging public use of alcohol,” she said. “Although I recognize the idea that we want our downtown to be vibrant and lively and a place where people want to socialize, that doesn’t mean I want to take the next leap and accept alcohol.”

Commissioner Williams, who also voted “no,” likewise expressed concerns, specifically about drunk driving. While he never experienced any intoxication from residents at local events, he claimed the district would draw people from outside the city. He feared these individuals may not be as respectful to the rules as the city’s “mature great citizens.”

“It only takes one incident of that one person drinking leaving there not in good discipline or sound mind because of the alcohol,” he explained. “I believe giving permission [to drink] will increase the possibility of something bad happening to a citizen of Lake Wales, and for that possibility, I will vote no.”

Deputy Robin Gibson mentioned how, ever since he started working for the city in 1973, he has never seen an instance of drunken behavior from residents at events downtown.

“I think it is unfair to the people of Lake Wales to take a leap from having an event with alcohol as part of it and then leap to public drunkenness and harm to children,” he said. “I think that is really an unfair comment about who we are. We are not that kind of people. And an entertainment district is meant to benefit the heart and soul of the community and [give them] the freedom of choice to enjoy themselves.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson voted in favor of the district because he trusted residents enough to make responsible decisions about their own choices. As such, they did not need the city government dictating those choices for them.

“I trust the citizens and people of Lake Wales to make good choices for themselves and to be responsible for the choices that they make,” he said. “It is about protecting individual rights and freedoms, allowing individuals to choose and live with the choices they have made. I think the people of Lake Wales will make good choices.”

The second reading of the ordinance will be held at a future city commission meeting. If the ordinance is approved, the ACE District will be adopted.

Solar Art Program For Kids At Bok Tower Gardens August 2

Maria Iannucci

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July 19, 2025

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Solar Art Program For Kids At Bok Tower Gardens August 2

Bring your kids to the Ramble Barn in Hammock Hollow to create unique solar art! Using natural materials from the garden—and the power of the sun—they’ll make a one-of-a-kind piece to take home. The project takes about 10 minutes, with materials available from 10 AM to 12 PM or while supplies last.

Event Date & Time

Saturday, August 2, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location

Hammock Hollow Ramble Barn

Price

Free for members / $20 for non-member adults / $10 for non-member children ages 6 – 17 / Free for children 5 and under (Includes Admission)

Registration is not required

In Loving Memory of Martha Virginia Westmoreland, 78, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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July 19, 2025

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Martha Virginia Westmoreland, 78

Martha Virginia Westmoreland of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at her residence.

She was born July 7, 1947 in Boaz, Alabama to the late Jake and Marylou Henderson. Martha was a fruit packer for Hunt Brothers. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lake Wales; prior to that she attended Walker Street Church of God where she taught Sunday school. Martha enjoyed fishing and cooking. She always loved the holidays when she would gather everyone together and spend time with her family.

Martha was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bobby Westmoreland; daughters, Denise Upchurch and husband Richie of Lake Wales, Tonya Bradly and husband Jimmy of Geraldine, Alabama; son, Michael Westmoreland and wife Jessica of Lake Wales; sisters, Loretta Pollard and husband Andy of Boaz, Alabama, Esther Hudson and husband Joe of Boaz, Alabama, Jennifer Henderson of Crossville, Alabama; brothers, George Henderson and wife Kathy of Boaz, Alabama, John Henderson of Boaz, Alabama, Steven Henderson of Boaz, Alabama; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Polk County Fire Rescue Fight House Fire in Lake Wales; Two Transported to Local Hospital, 10 Pets Lost

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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July 18, 2025

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Polk County Fire Rescue Fight House Fire in Lake Wales; Two Transported to Local Hospital, 10 Pets Lost

At 5:20 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, a structure fire was reported to Polk County Fire Rescue. it was quickly determined to be a residential fire, affecting a good portion of the house.

Witnesses say the smoke was visible from miles away.

Upon arriving at the scene, multiple units from PCFR were observed assisting at least two injured persons.

Amber Smith, Communications Division Director for Polk County Fire Rescue, has confirmed via an email statement that two patients were transported with injuries.

“Polk County Fire Rescue crews battled a residential house fire in Lake Wales on Friday evening. One adult and one pediatric patient were taken to a local hospital.

“Crews responded to the fire at 237 Shady Oak Ave., in Lake Wales at 5:20 p.m. The fire was fully involved when crews arrived on scene. Three adult dogs and seven puppies died in the fire. No PCFR personnel were injured in the fire.

“The incident is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office.’

LWPD Arrests Former GrowHealthy Employee for Allegedly Stealing Over 20 Pounds of Marijuana

LAKE WALES POLICE DEPARTMENT

Maria Iannucci

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July 18, 2025

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LWPD Arrests Former GrowHealthy Employee for Allegedly Stealing Over 20 Pounds of Marijuana

A former employee at GrowHealthy, a facility, licensed to cultivate cannabis for medical purposes, has been arrested in connection to the alleged theft of over 20 pounds of marijuana from the property.

Kadeem Jones, DOB 3/25/92, was arrested on July 17, 2025 in connection with a theft reported at the facility earlier this month.

Lieutenant Dale Hampton, public information officer for Lake Wales Police Department, released the following statement today with regard to the arrest:

“On July 9,2025 former employee, Kadeem Jones, was reported to have entered the GrowHealthy facility before his scheduled shift and stole approximately 21.52 pounds of cannabis. The value of the cannabis was valued at $132,833.

“Detectives attempted to obtain the surveillance video footage but after eight days of no action taken, the Lake Wales Police Department executed a search warrant at the GrowHealthy facility located at 309 South Acuff Road. After reviewing footage of the incident, he was seen gathering white tubes containing cannabis into a plastic container and putting the container on top of a black tub also containing cannabis. Surveillance footage shows Jones walking out of the building with the tub, placing it into a vehicle and proceeding to drive away from the facility.

“Upon the report, Jones was initially identified by the Director of Compliance and Security … through electronic logs that show where Jones scanned his badge to enter. His identity was later confirmed by his supervisor…after reviewing the surveillance footage.

“On Thursday, July 17, detectives visited his residence in Dundee and 33-year-old Kadeem Jones was arrested for Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sale, Grand Theft greater than $100,000 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The missing cannabis has not been located and the investigation is ongoing. The Lake Wales Police Department will be forwarding the investigation to the Department of Health who is responsible for licensing businesses to cultivate, process, and dispense medical marijuana to qualified patients.”

Polk County Commissioners Approve Spending $506K+ on New Internet-Based Phones and Services

Polk County

Maria Iannucci

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July 18, 2025

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Polk County Commissioners Approve Spending $506K+ on New Internet-Based Phones and Services

by James Coulter

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and other government departments will be receiving new internet-based phones and services, now that county commissioners have approved two cooperative agreements.

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 15, 2025, Polk County commissioners voted unanimously to approve cooperative agreements with Optus, Inc., and Carahsoft Technology Corp. for software-based phones and implementation services.

The agreements with Optus and Carahsoft will require one-time costs of $438,864.26 and $67,331.18, respectively. Funding is available within the Information Technology Operating Fund.

These agreements will help replace outdated equipment and services for the Sheriff, Public Defender, State Attorney, Guardian Ad Litem, and Court Administration.

“Over the last 30 years, the county has used NEC phone system equipment for the board and constitutional desk phones,” wrote Brad Howard, Senior Procurement Analyst.

“With many of the enterprise phone equipment providers transitioning their products to the cloud, IT met with the stakeholders to establish requirements, then vetted various cloud telephony providers, selecting Zoom because they met the requirements and in addition have a reputation for reliability and uptime,” he further elucidated.

Commissioner Bill Braswell inquired whether the internet-based phone services would be available in case of an emergency, especially a power outage.

“It seems like a bad idea not to have a wired backup system,” he said. “If the internet goes down, no one can call us.”

A county staff member replied that the phone and internet services use the same system. They use the same lines, only with different equipment.

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