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

Staff Reporter
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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

Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Hosts Parent’s Day Out August 23

Maria Iannucci
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Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Hosts Parent’s Day Out August 23

Parents, do you need to run some errands, have some house projects that need to get done, or just want a day to yourself?

Simply drop off your kids Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11am to 5pm at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center, located at 1001 Burns Ave. in Lake Wales. Kids will have access to various arts and crafts, games and outdoor activities. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The program is facilitated by designated City staff members.

$35 for the first child, $30 for each additional sibling. Kids ages kindergarten to 5th grade are welcome to attend. Registration is required by 3PM on the day prior to the event. For more information, call (863) 678-4192.

Registration Link

Jobs on the Ridge: Current Job Openings in Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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Jobs on the Ridge: Current Job Openings in Lake Wales

Hey Lake Wales job seekers! Ready to find your next gig? We’ve rounded up some awesome opportunities we’ve found available right now local to Lake Wales. Check out the pay, what you’ll do, and how to apply below. Hurry—these spots won’t stay open forever!

The UPS Store: Full-Time Center Associate

The Center Associate delivers world-class customer service to all retail customers by receiving and processing packages for courier shipment and operating copiers, fax machines, binding equipment, laminating machines, and point-of-sale devices. For more information, or to apply, click here.

Lake Wales Charter Schools: Middle School Language Arts Teacher

This full-time position, with a Monday – Friday schedule, has a pay scale starting at $47,500 annually. Bok South Middle School is seeking a dedicated Language Arts Teacher to join the team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for literature and language and be committed to fostering a love of reading and writing in students. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

Ajax Paving Industries: Project Superintendent-Polk County

This position requires a high school diploma or GED, and offers a pay scale of $3,500 per month. The field supervision of construction projects to include interfacing with the project owner or agent, scheduling crews and subcontractors, communicating to the Sales/Marketing Estimators any claims and determining “as built” quantities of work performed. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

Bok Tower Gardens: Environmental Steward

This full-time field position is responsible for controlling invasive plant infestations and related land management activities on Bok Tower Garden conservation lands. Work includes using a backpack sprayer while walking or operating UTV or tractor mounted spray system and documenting treatment status using GPS. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

City of Lake Wales: Growth Management Director

This full-time position garners a salary range of $74,921.60 – $134,160.00 a year. The successful candidate will perform a variety of administrative, clerical and supervisory in planning, organizing and managing the activities of the department, including the major functions of Planning, Zoning, Building Safety, Permit Administration, Plan Review, and Code Compliance. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

In Loving Memory of John Baldwin Eleazer, 75, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of John Baldwin Eleazer, 75, of Lake Wales

Retired USAF Technical Sergeant John Baldwin Eleazer of Lake Wales went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on August 12, 1949, in Flint, Michigan, John was the son of John William and Billie Ruth Eleazer. He graduated from Flushing High School in 1967 and attended Austin Peay University in Tennessee before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in August 1969. Over his 20-year military career, he served honorably at McGuire AFB in New Jersey, Wurtsmith AFB in Michigan, and Charleston AFB in South Carolina, where he retired.

Following his military service, John continued to serve through civilian roles at Collin’s Vending and Ashley Bowling Lanes before dedicating another 25 years supporting the military and U.S. Marine Corps with TDS, Eagan McAllister Associates, SAIC, and Bowhead.

A man of deep faith and patriotism, John possessed a God-given musical talent and perfect pitch that brought joy to many. He considered participating in the Polk County Flight to Honor in April 2025 one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.

John had many hobbies and passions and was skilled and competitive in all of them. When his families were younger, they spent winters in bowling centers and the summers camping and boating on the lake. A talented left-handed bowler, he achieved several perfect 300 games. His most cherished pastime was fishing. His fondest memories are bass fishing on the many lakes in SC and FL with his best friends Bob and Jerry. 

In his retirement years, John returned to lake life on Lake Marion in Eutawville, SC, and Lake Wales. He was elected and ordained Chairman of Deacons at the First Baptist Church of Eutawville, SC, and was a frequent soloist as a member of the praise team there until moving to Florida in 2020. He attended the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales and was a beloved member of Ed Northrup and Crystal Hicks’ life connection group. 

John is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Robin Yoder Eleazer; his brother Alan (Vicki) Eleazer; daughters Michelle (Bobby) Eleazer Smith and Carrie (Steve) Eleazer Horstman; stepchildren Tracie Singh, Timothy (Lisa) Keuhlen, Nikole (Rob) Willis, and Kelly Antonevich; grandchildren Ssgt. Eric (Shanya) Smith, Travis (Morgan) Smith, Sydney Rodgers, Paige and Aubrey Horstman, Kelsey (Ayrro) Cabanilla, Nickolas (Ashley) Williams, Alex Godwin, and Trinton Willis; nephew Joshua (Brandy) Eleazer; great-grandson Kyden Cabanilla; numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews; and he was joyfully anticipating his second great-grandchild in 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Kathy Manning Fee; nephew David Eleazer; and close friend Jerry Wahlers.

A Lee ration of life was held on Lake Wales earlier today. A second service will be held in Eutawville, South Carolina at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tampa General Hospital Kidney Donation Center or Polk County Flight to Honor.

Things to Do in Lake Wales Saturday, August 9

Maria Iannucci
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Things to Do in Lake Wales Saturday, August 9

If you’re looking for something to do today, Saturday, August 9, 2025, you have a few possibilities to consider:

The Lake Wales Downtown Farmers Market will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Market St. Downtown. Lake Wales Main Street’s Facebook page states new vendors are expected.

The Back to School Bash at the Lake Wales History Museum is planned from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Grab your school spirit and get ready for a day of fun: Supplies will be available at the Back to School Bash for families in need and will also be donated to the Lake Wales Charter Schools for distribution. Get creative at the craft station. Enjoy face painting and colorful fun.

Bok Tower Gardens invites you to its Beginner Watercolors art class from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Create your own Screech Owl watercolor painting from sketch to finish. All the necessary materials for the class are provided and Polk County – based artist, Kelly Quinn, will share her tips and techniques to guide you step-by-step through the process. They also offer stencils for those who would rather focus on the watercolor aspect only. Participants will receive a 9″ x 12″ watercolor paper with stencils also. This will be held in the Alexander Discovery Center. Members: $55 / Non-members: $75 (Includes admission for the day). Registration required; visit their website to register.

Crash Lands Pickup Truck Off Masterpiece Rd. On Elevated Shoulder

Maria Iannucci
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Crash Lands Pickup Truck Off Masterpiece Rd. On Elevated Shoulder
Photo by Maria Iannucci

Update 7:55 am: Masterpiece Road is now open in both directions. The vehicle involved in the trash remains stuck until a tow truck can remove it.

At 7:24 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025, a traffic accident was reported near 1042 Masterpiece Rd. in Lake Wales, in the westbound lane, just east of S. Lake Starr Blvd.

It was initially reported as a rollover crash, it is in fact, a single vehicle crash, involving in Ford F150, leaving the roadway and becoming stuck off the side of the road on an elevated shoulder. There is no entrapment.

The westbound lane of masterpiece Road is closed and blocked by Polk County Fire Rescue as they work at the scene.well injuries are unknown, there is an ambulance at the crash site evaluating at least one patient.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies are directing traffic past the scene. Please avoid this area of Masterpiece Road if possible, or expect a short delay.

In Loving Memory of Joan Cunnea, 92

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Joan Cunnea, 92

Joan Cunnea was born in Chicago, Illinois where she had a very active and joyous upbringing. In high school, Joan was on both varsity basketball and volleyball teams, in orchestra, played clarinet and flute and later picked up guitar and harmonica.

She was also the squadron leader of the Civil Air Patrol with rank of Staff Sergeant. When close to graduation, she was asked if she would like to join the Air Force as a lieutenant which she chose religious life instead for 23 years. She received her Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing in 1957 and Masters Degree in Nursing in 1965. She worked in hospitals in Chicago, Illinois, Iowa City, Iowa, and Aurora, Illinois.

Joan became involved in the Cesar Chavez movement and joined the boycott in Fresno, CA. She worked as a nurse at a migrant daycare center and had the opportunity to obtain a grant and designed a mobile health clinic, gathered volunteer doctors, nurses and staff and held clinics on various migrant farms. The director of the daycare asked Joan if she would be director. Joan said she would try it for one year and that ended up being 31 years.

Joan’s greatest gift was for Catholic faith. She loved to go on pilgrimages to Knock, Ireland, Greece, Rome, Assisi, the Holy Land and Medjugorje. Three of her most memorable experiences were a hot air balloon ride, snorkeling in Hawaii and a fly-in deep sea fishing trip in Alaska.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John J. Cunnea and Lilian M, Cunnea. Her surviving relatives are her sister, Barbara Cunnea Hodgkinson; sister-in-law, Barbara S. Cunnea; nephew, James D. Cunnea; nieces, Diana C. Cunnea and Susan R. Seager; grandnephews, Kolton T. Seager and Kaden C. Seager; nephew-in-law, Kirk D. Seager; and faithful family friend, Michael Ponte. Laura June Smith was a Sister of Saint Joseph for 17 years. She was a daughter, sister, friend and a spiritual advocate.

Joan’s favorite prayer was: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you and may my last word be Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Joan’s favorite poem was: “The Hound of Heaven” by Frances Thompson. Joan’s favorite hymn was: “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place”. Resting in the Spirit. Miracle of the Sun in Medj.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 11, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales with Father Luis Osorio officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City.

Cheers! Lake Wales Approves Social District to Permit Outdoor Drinking

Maria Iannucci
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Cheers! Lake Wales Approves Social District to Permit Outdoor Drinking

 

by James Coulter 

Raise a glass to Lake Wales. Because soon you’ll be able to buy a glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage and take it with you anywhere within the downtown area. And it’s all thanks to a new district approved by the city commission. 

At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug 5, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners approved an ordinance adopting a proposed Arts, Entertainment, and Community (ACE) district. The ordinance passed with a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Carol Gillespie and Daniel Williams voted against it. 

The proposed ACE district will permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the downtown area. Visitors to the downtown area will be able to purchase beverages from participating eateries and bars and consume them in special containers to carry with them within the designated social district. 

“Social Districts allow visitors to enjoy an adult beverage while strolling downtown sidewalks and exploring the local storefronts. This encourages them to linger and spend more time in the downtown area. Increased time downtown equals increased window shopping, which results in an increase in sales for local businesses,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Consultant. 

Now that it has been approved, the ordinance will permit the creation of the proposed social district through amendments to the city code. These amendments will: 

⦁ 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. 

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson has previously voiced his support for the social district. He believes the district will help generate further economic development and growth by enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Lake Wales. 

Conversely, Commissioner Gillespie voted against the proposed district. She has expressed concerns that the district could potentially increase public intoxication and unruly behavior. 

“Why is it being called the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment district when all it does is expand alcohol consumption and use in our city?” she asked. “It is not accurate. It is a euphemism. Let’s call it what it really is: a drinking district.” 

However, during previous discussions, Deputy Mayor Gibson had dismissed such concerns. As someone who has worked in the city for nearly 50 years, he has previously stated that not once has he witnessed any displays of public drunkenness at public events that served alcohol. 

Commissioner Keith Thompson, likewise, has averred that the purpose of the district is not to promote drinking, but rather to give visitors the freedom and opportunity to drink their beverages anywhere in the downtown area.

In Loving Memory of Carolyn Hughes Barnhardt, 79, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Carolyn Hughes Barnhardt, 79, of Lake Wales


Carolyn Hughes Barnhardt

April 7, 1946-August 2, 2025

Carolyn Tully Hughes was born on April 7, 1946 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents Winifred Tully Hughes and Edwin J. Hughes. Soon after Carolyn’s birth, the Hughes family moved to Tallahassee, Florida and she would spend her childhood there. Carolyn would go on to become a State Champion diver with Olympic training opportunities, but at the high school level decided to leave diving behind and enjoy her time at Leon High School, where the 1964 graduate was a Cheerleader, Student Government Representative, and Exchange Club Sweetheart. Carolyn lived with close family friends during her Senior year while her family relocated to Lake Wales so that her father Ed could assume the role of President of First National Bank of Lake Wales, which would later become SunBank.

After graduating from high school, Carolyn joined her family in Lake Wales. She spent her first two collegiate years at Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama and then transferred to Florida State University. While at FSU, Carolyn was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1968.

Carolyn came back to Lake Wales after graduation and accepted a teaching job with Polk Avenue Elementary. During this time, she also married Howard Barnhardt of Lake Wales, and they were married for 20 years. Carolyn taught at Polk Avenue for a total of 35 years before and after taking time away from teaching to be a Stay at Home Mom with her two sons.

During her time as a teacher, Carolyn touched the lives of the people she worked with as an employee, coworker, and mentor but her most lasting impact was the one she made on the students she shared her classroom with. Her blend of knowledge and graceful discipline was an early positive influence on many lives, and it is common to run into former students in Lake Wales who remember their time with “Mrs. Barnhardt.”

Carolyn’s contributions to her community were not limited to her time as a teacher, as she served many years as a Team Mom at Lake Wales Little League and several years as Treasurer of the Concession Stand. She also enjoyed going back to Polk Avenue as a Volunteer during her retirement.

Carolyn enjoyed hosting parties with family and friends, spending time outdoors, and watching golf and college football games.  Carolyn grew up and remained an avid supporter of the Florida State Seminoles and became a fan of her son Chad’s USF Bulls, her daughter in law April’s Ole Miss Rebels, and Lake Wales High School Athletics.

Carolyn is predeceased by her parents Edwin J. Hughes and Winifred Tully Hughes and survivors include sons Brett Barnhardt (Christina) of Vero Beach and Chad Barnhardt (April) of Lake Wales, grandchildren Quintin Branch of Orlando, Kelsey Barnhardt of Winter Haven, and Pyper Barnhardt of Lake Wales, and brothers David Hughes of Lake Wales, and Jimmy Hughes (Jean) of Havana.

Carolyn’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 9th at 11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lake Wales Charter School Foundation at the following address:

Lake Wales Charter Foundation

Carolyn Barnhardt Memorial Fund-Polk Avenue Elementary

130 East Central Avenue

Lake Wales, Florida 33853

Enjoy the Past Preserved for the Future as Florida Flywheelers Releases Their 2025-2026 Event Schedule

Maria Iannucci
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Enjoy the Past Preserved for the Future as Florida Flywheelers Releases Their 2025-2026 Event Schedule

The 2025-2026 Florida Flywheelers show season schedule has been released and it’s time to mark your calendars.  The Florida Flywheelers Antiques Engine Club hosts a variety of highly anticipated monthly events from November through February across their 374 acres in Fort Meade.

The 29th annual Fall Fuel Up will run November 5–8, 2025, from 8 AM to 4 PM each day. An antique car cruise in will be held on November 8.

The Christmas in the Village drive-through tour will be held December 12-13 and December 19–20, 2025, from 6 PM – 9 PM each evening. This is a drive-through event. Admission will be toys, food, or a monetary donation, according to their flyer. 

The 38th Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Swap Meet is scheduled for January 14–17, 2026, from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. This event features a large “swap meet” where people can buy, sell, and trade antique engines, tractors, and related parts. An antique car cruising will be held on January 17.

The 33rd Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show is planned for February 20 5–28, 2026, from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. Displays of antique engines and tractors, demonstrations, and other related activities are planned. This show will also feature International, Ford, and New Holland equipment.


There will be many machines on display. Flywheel engines, steam engines, antique tractors, antique cars, a machine shop, and daily demonstrations of historical construction equipment, blacksmithing, and as sawmill powered by a dimension. A daily antique car Tractor parade will be held.

Food vendors will be on site, as well as a gift shop, flea market, and swap meet vendors. golf Carts will be available on site for rental.

For more information, please visit www.floridaflywheelers.org.

Proposed Social District Raises Concerns about Public Drunkenness and Potential Exclusion of Certain Businesses 

Maria Iannucci
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Proposed Social District Raises Concerns about Public Drunkenness and Potential Exclusion of Certain Businesses 

by James Coulter 

A proposed social district, which will allow outdoor drinking, has raised some concerns about public intoxication and the potential exclusion of businesses in the downtown area. 

During their recent workshop on Wed. July 30, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance for next week’s regular meeting. The ordinance will approve amendments to the city code to create a proposed social district in Downtown Lake Wales. The ordinance passed its first reading with a 3-2 vote at the previous city commission meeting on Tues. July 15. 

If approved, the proposed Arts, Community, and Entertainment (ACE) District will permit the outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages. Visitors will be able to purchase beverages in a special container from participating bars and restaurants and consume their drink within the downtown area. 

“We believe it will attract more people to our downtown to spend money,” said City Manager James Slaton. “We believe it will give downtown businesses more opportunities to make money and be successful by being able to offer another product. And we believe people are going to enjoy it.” 

Commissioner Carol Gillespie, who had voted against the ordinance, had raised concerns about the district encouraging public intoxication. She also raised concerns about the district’s boundaries excluding some businesses over others. She inquired if businesses built outside the district would be able to participate. 

“They will not,” answered Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson. “It’s called an incentive.” 

Commissioner Gibson then inquired about how the district’s boundaries were determined. Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Director, answered that the boundaries began with the mixed-use designated properties within the downtown area. However, as those boundaries were initially too broad, the new boundaries were created working outward from the historic district. 

“The goal is to bring people into the downtown area,” she said. “So that’s what the district looks like in the downtown area.” 

Commissioner Keith Thompson, who had voted in favor of the ordinance, dismissed any concerns about public intoxication. If such unruly behavior were to occur, the commission would revisit the issue. Otherwise, he did not see such behavior as likely to occur if the district is approved. 

He compared the downtown area currently prohibiting outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages purchased from local businesses to a movie theater that sold concessions but did not allow them to be eaten while watching a movie. 

“This is not about alcohol, it is about freedom,” he said. “We are trying to encourage and incentivize downtown and make that a thriving, flourishing area once again. And I think that the district will encourage that. This is to encourage people to come down to Lake Wales and have the freedom to enjoy it.” 

The Lake Wales City Commission will vote on the second reading of the ordinance on Tues. Aug. 5 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

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