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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

$8 Million Purchase of 197 Acres Near Lake Wales to Host New Wastewater Facility 

Maria Iannucci
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$8 Million Purchase of 197 Acres Near Lake Wales to Host New Wastewater Facility 

by James Coulter 

A new wastewater treatment facility will be constructed near Lake Wales now that 197 acres of property have been approved to be purchased for nearly $8 million by Polk County commissioners. 

At their regular meeting on Tues. Oct. 21, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve an agreement for the sale and purchase of property located along the north side of Masterpiece Road to the north and east of Lake Wales. 

“The site contains approximately 150 acres of contiguous property along Masterpiece Road along with approximately 47-acres located adjacent to the northwest thereof for a total of 197-acres,” wrote R. Wade Allen, Director of Real Estate Services. 

The 197 acres of land will be purchased from the site’s current owner, Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc., for a total of $8,500,000. Funds are available within the county’s Utilities Capital Expansion Fund. 

Furthermore, aside from serving as a site for a new wastewater treatment facility, the property could also facilitate other county operations and services, as well as aid in conservation efforts. 

“After further review, it was determined that any additional property could be utilized for other public services needed in the area to include roadway maintenance, fleet maintenance, and sheriff operation as well as future public service needs that may arise,” Allen wrote. 

Commissioner Bill Braswell asked whether construction of the new facility would take five or ten years; he was told it could be completed in under two years. 

Commissioner Mike Scott praised county staff for acquiring a property that advances conservation goals and allows productive use of adjacent parcels.

Top 8 Affordable DIY Halloween Crafts

Allison
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Top 8 Affordable DIY Halloween Crafts

Top 8 Affordable DIY Halloween Crafts

by James Coulter

Halloween is right around the corner, and you still haven’tdecorated your house. Even worse, you don’t have the spare change to go on a Spirit Halloween shopping spree.

What do you do?

Fear not. You can still get your house decorated for spooky season with some simple crafts. Best of all, they can be made with cheap dollar store items, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

From mummy-wrapped pumpkins to floating sheet ghosts, here are 8 affordable DIY Halloween crafts:

1. Floating Sheet Ghosts

Time: 5-10 minutes each

Cost: $0-$3 each

What’s a haunted house without ghosts? You don’t even need a seance to summon any. You can make your own with old sheets and string. Just drape an old white sheet or trash bag over a small ball or balled-up piece of plastic or paper. Tie the “neck” tight with twine, string, or yarn. Draw eyes and a mouth with a black marker. Then hang from a porch or tree using a fishing line.

2. Gauze-Wrapped Mummy Pumpkins

Time: 10–15 minutes each

Cost: $1–3 per pumpkin (pumpkin costs may vary)

Jack o-Lanterns are scary. Mummies are scary. So what can be scarier than mummy jack o-lanterns? All you need to do is wrap a small pumpkin with strips of gauze, attach the gauze with glue or tape, then draw faces using a black marker or even googly eyes. Voila! Place them on your front porch, and you have a spooky mummified jack o-lantern to delight any mommy or mummy.

3. Giant Spider and Egg Sacs

Time: 15–30 minutes

Cost: $1–$6

Spiders are scary. Giant spiders are scarier. But a giant spider that laid eggs? Now that’s the scariest. Fortunately, this spider is made from yarn. Make the spider from a ball painted black with black pipe cleaners for legs. Then make the egg sacs by wrapping cotton balls with yarn and adding small plastic spiders. Place them around your yard, especially among bushes, and you have a real fake spider infestation.

4. Ghostly mason jar luminarias

Time: 10–20 minutes for several

Cost: $0.50–$3 per jar

A glass jar might not be able to trap a real ghost, but it can certainly contain fake glowing ghosts. Either paint ghosts on jars with white paint and black marker or drape white tissues inside. Add some cheap tea lights (solar-powered are ideal). Then set them around your front porch and steps.

5. Spider Web Table Runner

Time: 20–40 minutes

Cost: $1–6

If you want to decorate the inside of your house with webs, you can choose not to dust and wait for a spider to weave real cobwebs. Or you can make your own from white yarn. Simply lay the yarn on black poster board in concentric circles and connect the spokes with glue or tape. Then glue on plastic spiders. Try lightly misting the yarn with diluted glue for a firmer web that stays put.

6. PVC Pipe Tombstones

Time: 20–40 minutes

Cost: $1–$8 total

If you want to make your front yard look like a graveyard, you could “borrow” some tombstones from the local cemetery. However, if you’re looking for a simpler (and more legal) decorating tip, try making your own tombstones. Cut some tombstones from poster board, foam, or cardboard. Paint them gray and draw some epithets with a black marker. Then use wooden stakes or PVC pipe to push into the ground. Weatherproof with a quick coat of clear spray or lean tombstones against heavier objects for wind resistance.

7. Monster-Covered Candy Jars

Time: 15–20 minutes each

Cost: $1–4 per jar

What do you do with all of the candy your little monsters collect trick-or-treating? Why not store them in monster-covered candy jars? Cut up monster shapes with colored felt or craft foam. Then draw or glue on shapes to make the faces. Don’t forget to add some googly eyes. Now you have a monster-covered jar to protect your Halloween candy.

8. Bleeding Candles

Time: 15 minutes for several candles

Cost: $1–5 for supplies

Candles can melt, but have you ever seen one bleed? You can when you make your own bleeding candles. Melt red wax (preferably from old crayons) and drizzle it over white candles to make bloody drips. For a gory effect, add a few nail heads pressed into the candle. Set them in candle holders, and be sure to use precaution when lighting them.

In Loving Memory of Barbara Sue Holsten Dunn, 71, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Barbara Sue Holsten Dunn, 71, of Lake Wales

Barbara Sue Holsten Dunn, born on January 3, 1954, in Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her residence on October 20, 2025. She was a cherished member of her family and community.

In her personal life, Barbara enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests. She had a passion for shopping. A lover of stories, she often found solace in movies and books. She was a Wiccan member.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Dunn, who stood by her side throughout their journey together. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Stephanie Kay Kest, and her husband Thomas, who shared countless memories with her. Barbara was also survived by her siblings, Wanda Lorraine Buckner and her husband Larry, Dwight David Holsten and his wife Penny, Daniel Lee Holsten, and James Richard Holsten Her family continued to expand as Barbara was a cherished grandmother to five grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents, Aubrey and Lillian Holsten.

No services are being held at this time. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Fatal Crash Update: 20 Yr Old Arcadia Man Involved In Horrific Crash Near Eagle Ridge Mall

carl
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Fatal Crash Update: 20 Yr Old Arcadia Man Involved In Horrific Crash Near Eagle Ridge Mall

Lake Wales Police Department Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash 

Lake Wales, Fla. (10/25/2025) – On Saturday, October 25, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers with the Lake Wales Police Department and Lake Wales Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle crash on Chalet Suzanne Road at the entrance to the WaWa gas station. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Chalet Suzanne Road when a 2017 Ford F-150, driven by 20-year-old Gary Boyle of Arcadia, was traveling westbound on the same roadway. The F-150 attempted to make a left turn into the WaWa entrance, crossing into the path of the motorcycle and resulting in a head-on collision. 

The force of the collision caused the motorcycle to slide into a 2008 Dodge truck that was stopped at the stop sign, preparing to turn onto Chalet Suzanne Road. As a result of the impact, both the motorcycle and the Dodge truck became engulfed in flames. The Lake Wales Fire Department responded swiftly and extinguished the fire.  

Despite life-saving efforts, the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the motorcyclist has not yet been positively identified. 

This crash remains under active investigation by the Lake Wales Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit.  

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 or anonymously through Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

Motorcyclist Killed in Fiery Crash Near Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales

carl
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Motorcyclist Killed in Fiery Crash Near Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales

LAKE WALES, Fla. — A motorcyclist was killed Saturday evening following a multi-vehicle crash near the entrance of Wawa Gas Station in Lake Wales.

According to Lake Wales Police Lt. Dale Hampton, the crash occurred on Chalet Suzanne Road near U.S. Highway 27, and the roadway is temporarily blocked as investigators work the scene.

Preliminary (unofficial) information indicates that a motorcyclist was traveling toward U.S. 17 when a pickup truck turning into the Wawa parking collided. Witnesses told the Lake Wales Daily that the rider attempted to swerve to avoid impact but was struck by the truck.

At about the exact time a white commercial truck turning out of Wawa was also caught in the collision. Witnesses said the motorcycle burst into flames on impact, and the flames spread to the white commercial truck.

The motorcyclist appears to have died on impact, according to multiple eyewitness accounts.

Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene along with Lake Wales Fire Department units. Multiple ambulances were dispatched, and a portion of Chalet Suzanne Road had been shut while fire and ambulance crews worked the scene.

Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin. Official details are still being gathered.

The Lake Wales Police Department is leading the investigation as far as we know at this time.

Deputies Arrest Lake Wales Man Accused of Breaking Into Auburndale Woman’s Apartment

carl
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Deputies Arrest Lake Wales Man Accused of Breaking Into Auburndale Woman’s Apartment

Press Release Polk County Sheriffs Office

On Friday, October 24th, at about 10:30 pm, a woman returned to her Auburndale apartment to find that her front door was damaged with signs indicating that someone had broken in.

A short time later, she saw the burglar fleeing from her residence, and she recognized the man as someone she used to associate with.

When deputies arrived and entry was made into the apartment, it was discovered that the suspect had rummaged through personal items. A glass pipe containing methamphetamine was also recovered.

The suspect was identified as 31-year old Dustin Gene Kelton of Lake Wales, and he was out on bond with pre-trial release conditions that prohibited him from having any contact with the victim.

Deputies followed-up on some information regarding Kelton’s possible whereabouts, and that information led to his capture on Greenwood Street in Lakeland.

Dustin Kelton was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Burglary, Violation of Pre-Trial Release, and Criminal Mischief.

Additional charges are pending the results of fingerprint analysis on the glass pipe.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Hosting Halloween Trunk or Treat in Frostproof

Allison
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0
O’Reilly Auto Parts Hosting Halloween Trunk or Treat in Frostproof

O’Reilly Auto Parts Hosting Halloween Trunk or Treat in Frostproof

Get ready for a spooky good time at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Trunk or Treat event on Friday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.! The fun will take place at 101 Hwy 630 W in Frostproof.

Families are invited to bring the kids for a safe and festive night of trick-or-treating, candy, and Halloween fun.

If you’d like to participate by decorating your vehicle and handing out candy, please call the store at 863-546-3000 to sign up and help make the event even more exciting for local families.

Welcome, World Travelers! Frozen Ever After Getting New Animatronics

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Frozen Ever After Getting New Animatronics

Welcome, World Travelers! Frozen Ever After Getting New Animatronics
by James Coulter
 
For the first time in forever, the nearly decade-old Frozen Ever After attraction is set to appear brand new with new animatronic figures and other refurbishments.
 
Located at the Norway Pavilion in Disney’s EPCOT Center, Frozen Ever After has been enchanting guests since its debut in 2016. Now, the attraction is set to close for much-needed refurbishments in early 2026.
 
The biggest change will be the animatronic characters, which currently use rear projection mapping for the characters’ facial expressions. However, while initially innovative for the time, these features have experienced “technical difficulties” over the years.


 
As That Park Place reports:
 
“Over time, guests and observers have reported problems with the projection system. For instance, faces have gone dark (displaying blank or black screens) during portions of the show, making the heads appear empty. Some observers have also remarked on alignment issues.
 
Additionally, lighting conditions and visual contrast between projected faces and mechanical bodies can create an unnatural effect. Guests have noted a certain uncanny valley effect, even when the animatronics are working as designed.”
 
The figures are planned to be upgraded with sculpted, physical faces, like the animatronic figures used within Frozen attractions at Hong Kong and Tokyo Disneyland.
 
These figures will utilize new technology, like all-electric motors, 3D printing, that has been developed by Disney Imagineering since the attractions first opened nearly ten years ago.
 
A lot has changed since then, but even when the attraction was new, many of its features proved innovative at the time, specifically for the Elsa animatronic character.
 
As Mallory Heinz Ledet, Public Relations Manager, wrote on Disney Parks Blog:
 
“To build the attraction and make it feel like the enchanted Frozen story, it all came down to one wrist. Elsa is known for her magical, ice-forming hand gestures; for her Audio-Animatronics figure to handle the fluid movements just like Elsa does on screen, Imagineers needed enough space to run cables and motors down her arms and hands. They figured out how big Elsa’s wrist needed to be and scaled everything else in the attraction to match.”
 
Frozen Ever After can still be enjoyed in its current iteration from now until early next year at Disney’s EPCOT Center.

In Loving Memory of Patricia Ann Rucks Brown

Allison
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0
In Loving Memory of Patricia Ann Rucks Brown

Patricia Ann Rucks Brown

October 4, 1942 — October 18, 2025

Lake Hamilton, Florida

Patricia Ann Rucks Brown, of Lake Hamilton, Fla., passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. Pat will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and free of all earthly pain.

Pat was born on Oct. 4, 1942, in Hollywood, Fla., to the late William Olan and Blanche Rucks. She was reared in Pompano Beach where she made her home until she was a high school senior. She graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1960. In August 1976 she accepted a position as bus specialist for East Area for the Polk County School Board. Prior to accepting this position, Pat was employed as secretary at First Christian Church for more than six years and a bus driver for six years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Wales and served as department director and Sunday school teacher during the 1970s. For nearly 50 years, she dedicated her life to the Polk County Public School System, retiring as the Area Supervisor of Transportation in 2018.

A devoted member of Shamrock Baptist Church in Haines City for the past 35 years, Pat enjoyed singing in the church choir and always serving in any way that was needed. She was also a part of the Haines City Garden Club, where she enjoyed spending time with friends. She and her husband Richard enjoyed RVing and playing cards with their friends and family.

Pat’s passion for family was evident in every aspect of her life. She treasured the moments spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took great pleasure in preparing meals for family and friends—always ensuring that everyone felt at home. She was known for her chicken and dumplings, veggie bars, biscuits and sausage gravy. Pat wasn’t just known as Grandma to her grandchildren; she was everyone’s Grandma—known by so many as “Grandma Pat.” She had a heart big enough for everyone, and she gave without hesitation, without expectation—just pure love.

Pat is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Richard E. Brown, and their daughters: Alison Freeland and husband Tombo of Winter Haven, Kimberly Browning of Lake Wales, and Brenda Bolden (late husband Jimmy) of Bartow. She is also survived by her sister, Sherrie Hearn, as well as her grandchildren: Bobby Bolden, Kristopher Browning, Jared Bolden, Jessica Proia and husband Bryan, and Sara Grace Freeland. Pat’s legacy also includes her great-grandchildren: Bailey Browning, Kiley Proia, Jared Bolden Jr., Weston Bolden, Kendal Proia, Colt Browning, Kenna Proia, and Elenor Freeland.

She was predeceased by her brother, Billy Rucks, and sister, Dale Barker.

In celebrating her life, loved ones are invited to join the family on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Shamrock First Baptist Church (2661 Marshall Rd., Haines City, Fla.), with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Rick Giles will be officiating.

Reception following the service at Tom Fellows Community Center 207 North Blvd. W, Davenport, FL 33837.

Lake Wales Man Found Hiding in Swamp After Fleeing from Police

Allison
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0
Lake Wales Man Found Hiding in Swamp After Fleeing from Police

Polk County Sheriff’s Office-

Last night (Oct 21/22) while you were sleeping (or trying to sleep in the Timberlane Road area of Lake Wales with the chopper making all that ruckus overhead), we were searching for John Riff, who fled on foot from a traffic stop in the area of Shellcracker Drive and Catfish Road. He buried himself deep in a muddy swamp, and a Lake Wales PD K9 flushed him out. Good boy!

Riff had a baggie of marijuana in the vehicle he stole, and he does not have a valid DL. He’s on felony probation for possession of meth. He was arrested and charged with: grand theft of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, driving without a license, and violation of probation.

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