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

Bok Tower Gardens Voices Concerns Over Proposed Toll Road; First of Two Public Meetings on the Matter Tonight, 1/14

Lake Wales

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January 14, 2025

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Bok Tower Gardens Voices Concerns Over Proposed Toll Road; First of Two Public Meetings on the Matter Tonight, 1/14

With the first of a pair of public meetings on the matter just hours away, Bok Tower Gardens is just one local business voicing concerns over the newest proposal of the Central Polk Parkway, a toll road slated to offer an alternate route to I-4 amid a growing amount of traffic on US Hwy. 27.

The body of an email sent to annual members of the Gardens on January 13, 2025 states the following:

Connecting With Our Members

January 13, 2025

Dear Member,

As the landscape throughout Central Florida continues to change, we want our members to be informed about potential changes to our community that may impact the future of Bok Tower Gardens.

Recently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (Enterprise), proposed an Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) for Central Polk Parkway East from SR 60 to US 17/92.

The ACE will evaluate corridor alternatives for a new tolled, limited-access highway from SR 60 to US 17/92.

The proposed highway will link to Interstate 4 and SR 429 (Western Beltway) through the future Poinciana Connector (SR 538), which will serve as a high-speed, alternate travel route to US 27. While traffic is a significant concern, this highway would seriously impact Bok Tower Gardens and the historic communities of Starr Lake and Mountain Lake. We are concerned about the 2025 proposed corridor as this route could negatively impact our viewshed, cause excessive light pollution, and create excessive road noise. The proposed highway could come within a half a mile of Bok Tower Gardens.

Bok Tower Gardens has been working for twenty years and has made significant progress in protecting the Ridge to River Wildlife Corridor along with the Florida Communities Trust, Green Horizon Land Trust, and the Polk County Environmental Lands Program. This wildlife corridor protects a major east-west panther crossing between the Starr Lake and Mountain Lake communities. Unfortunately, the proposed highway could obliterate that wildlife corridor.

What can our members do?
Bok Tower Gardens is suggesting that the state agencies return to the 2012 approved route and appropriate wildlife underpasses be located on that route. The final route of the road should not impact designated conservation areas. We request the highway not be within 2 miles of Bok Tower Gardens to protect our viewshed.

We ask our members to attend the January 14 (Virtual Meeting) and January 15 (In-Person) meetings and recomend the 2012 corridor be considered instead of the newly proposed route. You can register here or click the link below.

Additionally, you can submit written or verbal comments to Jazlyn Heywood P.E. at [email protected] or by phone at 407-264-3298.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep Bok Tower Gardens the jewel of the Ridge and preserve our historical and cultural legacy. We will keep you informed of the progress via your weekly email.

David Price, president and CEO of Bok Tower Gardens, has confirmed the contents of the email, which discusses the proposed roadway. The email also notes what members can do if they are as concerned about the route the new toll road may take.

Lake Wales Daily has requested Price make a statement on the matter with regard to potential effects of the toll road and have received the following response:

“At Bok Tower Gardens, we have been stewards of the land along with the Mountain Lake Community for over 100 years. The vistas and open lands are essential to protect and preserve the historic Olmsted design of the Gardens, grove lands, and community. As citrus declines, the Gardens has worked for decades with the State of Florida, Green Horizon Land Trust, donors, and various landowners to purchase old agricultural lands to restore the land to longleaf pine to preserve wildlife corridors. We understand that Polk County is growing and there will be a need for new roads, but our tireless work and planning should not be undermined by a lack of planning to preserve future road corridors. In 2012, the Polk Transportation Planning Organization worked with the public to set up a road corridor accepted by all. The route was public record. While we were protecting wildlife corridors, the County and municipalities were not protecting future road corridors. Now, they want to take our wildlife corridors, nature preserves, and historic communities to use as road corridors. The proposed 2025 Central Polk Parkway East Corridor could wipe out a documented panther and wildlife corridor and come within 2000 feet of the Gardens. Polk County Commissioners and FDOT should respect good planning, not penalize it.” -David Price

A recent article regarding the proposal may be viewed here: https://lakewalesdaily.com/2025/01/09/fdot-to-conduct-alternative-corridor-evaluation-for-a-new-toll-road-through-part-of-lake-wales/

To register for the webinar, scheduled for tonight, January 14, 2025, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8554031580587034967

City of Lake Wales Approves Purchase of 7 Vehicles, Disposal of 10, for Police Department

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 14, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Approves Purchase of 7 Vehicles, Disposal of 10, for Police Department

by James Coulter

The Lake Wales Police Department will be receiving seven new vehicles and disposing of ten now that the City of Lake Wales has given their approval.

At their recent meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a separate item within its consent agenda. That item pertained to the purchase of seven police vehicles and the disposal of ten.

Specifically, according to the city agenda memo, the City has approved “the sixty (60) month lease-purchase of five (5) fully equipped 2025 Chevrolet police patrol vehicles and two (2) police K9 vehicles.”

These vehicles will be acquired from Alan Jay Fleet Sales. As the city agenda memo states: “The capital cost of these vehicles, if purchased outright, would be $538,036.85. Under the lease-purchase agreement, the monthly lease payment would be $10,414 for sixty (60) months, with a total cost of $624,840.”

The City has also approved the disposal of ten surplus vehicles. One of these vehicles will be donated to the Lake Hamilton Police Department.

During the meeting, a resident requested this agenda item be removed for discussion. That resident, Frank Lum, inquired about the value of these vehicles. He noted the vehicle being donated to Lake Hamilton allegedly had “no residual value” while the others were being disposed of.

“I dispose my trash on the curb and they do not pay me for it,” he said. “I’m sure some of this would be of value at a scrap yard.”

City Manager James Slaton explained that any new piece of equipment acquired by the city needed to be approved, which is why this agenda item was being considered. He further elaborated the vehicles being disposed of would be traded for new vehicles.

City Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked if electric vehicles were considered for the purchase. City Manager Slaton explained EVs had been considered, but that the city did not have the necessary infrastructure to facilitate them, especially charging stations.

Mobile Home Fully Involved in Structure Fire in Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 13, 2025

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Mobile Home Fully Involved in Structure Fire in Lake Wales

UPDATED 7:23 p.m.: Polk County Fire Rescue PIO says the call was originally made regarding the home at 110 Ridge Manor Drive and was dispatched to that address. PCFR erroneously reported this address as the location of the fire. The mobile home involved in the fire is located at 118 Ridge Manor Drive.

UPDATED 6:47 p.m. 1/13/25:

Katelyn Overcamp, Polk County Fire Rescue public information officer, has provided the following details regarding tonight’s fire:

“On 1/13/25 at 5:31 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a Mobile Home fire at 110 Ridge Manor Dr. in Lake Wales.

“Upon PCFR’s arrival at 5:36 p.m., crews were met with a fully engulfed in flames. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation. There were no injuries reported or patients transported.”

…

At approximately 5:28 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, a structure fire was reported at 110 Ridge Manor Dr. in Lake Wales.

The fire is said to be a fully involved mobile home. It is a single story structure.

Please avoid this area at this time as firefighters and first responders work at the scene.

Lake Wales Daily has contacted Polk County Fire Rescue for additional details.

This story will be updated.

City of Lake Wales Enters into Contract Agreement for Airport Taxilane Reconstruction and Rehabilitation

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 13, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Enters into Contract Agreement for Airport Taxilane Reconstruction and Rehabilitation

by James Coulter

The Lake Wales Municipal Airport is one step closer to having its taxilane reconstructed now that the City of Lake Wales has authorized a contract agreement.

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda. One of the agenda items involved authorizing a contract agreement for reconstruction at the municipal airport.

The contract agreement will be made with CW Roberts, Inc. for the T-Hangar Taxilane Reconstruction and Taxilane Bravo Rehabilitation project.

According to the city agenda memo: “This project will reconstruct the taxilane that connects our t-hangars to the taxiway. It will also rehabilitate taxilane bravo that connects our FBO ramp to the taxiway.”

The cost of the agreement, which amounts to $871,65, will be funded 10 percent by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and 90 percent by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Annual Darleen Pearson Fishing for Farmers Bass Tournament Feb. 22

Maria Iannucci

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January 13, 2025

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Annual Darleen Pearson Fishing for Farmers Bass Tournament Feb. 22

The 5th Annual Darleen Pearson Fishing For Farmers Bass Tournament, sponsored by the Lake Wales FFA Alumni, will be held at Camp Mack River Resort on Saturday, February 22, 2025

The Lake Wales FFA alumni consists of supporting students from Lake Wales Sr FFA, BOK Academy North FFA , BOK Academy South FFA , McLaughlin FFA & Hillcrest Elementary YLPA.

The tournament will launch at safe light and have a 2:30 p.m. weigh in. Entries will be $80 per two person team which includes a big bass pot. Payouts will be $1,000 for 1st, $500 for 2nd , and $250 for 3rd with a $250 big bass pot.

There will also be some raffles after weigh in and live entertainment from 11am-1pm at the river stage.

Camo Mack River Resort is located at 14900 Camp Mack Rd., Lake Wales.

For more information, or to register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-lake-wales-ffa-alumni-fishing-for-farmers-tickets-1091178065969?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Blue Origin New Glenn NG-1 Going For Overnight Launch

Featured

Maria Iannucci

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January 12, 2025

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Blue Origin New Glenn NG-1 Going For Overnight Launch

Blue Origin has announced it will begin fueling operations overnight for the first flight of its New Glenn rocket. The launch has previously been postponed due to unfavorable conditions, according to Blue Origin’s website.

The launch is planned for 1:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, with a three hour launch window. If successful, the rocket will take off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

In Loving Memory of Joseph L. Berta, 86, of Nalcrest

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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January 12, 2025

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Joseph L. Berta, 86

Joseph L. Berta of Nalcrest passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, at AdventHealth Lake Wales under the care of Vitas Hospice.

He was born April 18, 1938, in Manhattan, New York to the late Joseph and Helen Berta; he moved to Nalcrest in 1992. Joseph was a retired letter carrier where he was also the Union Representative for the Post Office. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and volunteered with the Lake Wales Care Center. Joseph enjoyed bowling and loved to fix things around Nalcrest.

Joseph is preceded in death by his wife, Laurene Berta. He is survived by his daughters, Helene Berta (Gavin), Laurie Schmitt (Michael), Cindy Del Rio, and Debbie Merryfield (Tom); sons, Brian Berta (Susan), Ed Wooding (Christine), and Brian Wooding (Cassey); 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held 5:00 pm Friday, January 17, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.

In Loving Memory of Edith Louise Anderson, 79, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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January 12, 2025

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Edith Louise Anderson, 79

Edith Anderson of Lake Wales passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at her residence.

Edith was born June 1, 1945, in Lake Wales, Florida, to Roy Durrance and Violet Viola Grooms. Edith was a cook at McDonald’s and loved to work. She worked until she was 75 years old. Edith loved her family, and having cookouts. She was of the Pentecostal faith.

Edith is preceded in death by her father, Roy Lee Durrance; mother, Violet Grooms; first husband, Roy Ray Kirkland; second husband, John L. Anderson; sisters, Nellie Lee, Annie Wechter, Sally Figg, Bessie Reed, Faye Johnson, Nancy Mooney and Rosie Durrance; brothers, Fred Cecil Durrance and Lee Roy Durrance; and grandchildren, Michael Guffey and Everleigh Guffey. She is survived by her husband, Richard Stombaugh; daughters, Theresa Kirkland of Lake Wales, Rachel Guffey and husband Bruce of Lake Wales; sons, Glen Kirkland and wife Nancy of St. Augustine, Daniel Anderson and wife Savanah of St. Augustine; grandchildren, Hannah White and husband Joel, James Moss and wife Alexis, Amber Smith and husband Tyler, and Cody Kirkland; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, Molly Bell and Tonya Lee; and many other nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, with funeral services being held at 12:00 p.m., at the Pentecostal Fellowship Center. Those who wish may order flowers from a local floral shop www.flowersbymelanieincpalatka.com
Flowers by Melanie, 102 Oakwood Ave, Palatka, FL 32177 (386) 329-5559

In Loving Memory of Dr. James Dayle Morgan, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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January 12, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Dr. James Dayle Morgan, of Lake Wales

Dr. James Dayle Morgan, a retired dermatologist and dedicated professional, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at WatersEdge Memory Care in Lake Wales, FL, at the age of 88. Born in Perry, Iowa, he dedicated 20 years of exemplary service to the United States Navy before retiring in 1980 with his family and making his home in Lake Wales.

Dr. Morgan’s illustrious career in dermatology included owning and operating a private practice from 1980 to 2012, following his service as a Navy dermatologist. During his Navy tenure, he held several key positions, including flight surgeon and senior medical officer on the aircraft carrier USS Independence from 1975 to 1976. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1976. Dr. Morgan earned his Bachelor of Science at the University of Oklahoma in 1958 and completed his Doctor of Medicine degree there in 1961.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Morgan was passionate about waterskiing and served as President of the American Waterski Educational Foundation. He played a crucial role in establishing the American Waterski Hall of Fame, which opened in 2013. His achievements in the sport, including national and world titles, earned him an Award of Distinction from the American Waterski Foundation and induction into their Hall of Fame. He also served as a medical editor for Spray Water Ski Magazine from 1981 to 1984 and remained active in professional dermatology associations.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Morgan was an avid hunter and a dedicated collector of Weatherby guns. He enjoyed traveling around the world to pursue his love for the outdoors and firearms, further emphasizing his adventurous spirit and dedication to his hobbies.

Dr. James Dayle Morgan is survived by his devoted wife, Glenda, and his cherished children: Michael Morgan (Kerry), Lori Davis, and Zack Morgan (Nikki). He was also a proud grandfather of Morgan, Lauren, Jordan (Kyle), Bailey (Nolan), Jenna, Lexi (Colton), Madeleine (Paul), Jacob, Clyde, and Quade, and a great-grandfather to Dane. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Leah Robbins, last year.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, located at 221 S 4th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the USA WWF Scholarship Fund (USA – Waterski & Wake Sports Fund) at 628 W. Remington Road, Lakeland, FL 33813, or to the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853.

In Loving Memory of Cheri Schamp Cooper, Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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January 12, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Cheri Schamp Cooper, Lake Wales

Cheri Schamp Cooper, a beloved wife, mother, Mimi, sister, teacher, and friend passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her family.

She was born October 20,1950 in Toledo, OH to the late Ralph and Betty Schamp. She left behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and compassion. Her family was her greatest joy; she cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, creating countless memories.

In her 42 years as an educator at Polk Avenue Elementary, Cheri influenced the lives of many, igniting a passion for learning in her students. Cheri’s warm, caring nature made her not just an educator, but a mentor and friend to those she taught and worked with. She believed in the potential of every individual, and her classroom was a place where every child felt loved and understood.

Cheri loved her family deeply. Her precious grandchildren were the light of her life. She had a unique ability to connect with each of them that made them feel special and valued. Her genuine interest in their lives created a bond that will forever be treasured. Cheri and her husband Barry shared 50 beautiful years of marriage. They built a life rich in shared memories, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Their love was a testament to commitment and devotion, setting an inspiring example for their family and reminding everyone of the power of enduring love.

Cheri was preceded in death by her son, Casey Cooper in 2021. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Barry Cooper; daughter, Amy Gammons (Aron) of Lake Wales; sisters: Kathy Smyth (Tom) of Flat Rock, NC, Christine Hollon (Jay) of Lakeland, FL and Nancy Markowski (Pete) of Syracuse, NY; brother: Robert Schamp (Barbara) of New Port Richey; and four grandchildren: Carson, Lilybeth, Sailor, and Sadyjane.

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, located at 221 S 4th Street, Lake Wales, FL 33853. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Ave, Lake Wales, Fl 33853.

Cheri will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she shared and the lives she touched. In honoring her memory, we are reminded to embrace our loved ones and cherish the moments that truly matter.

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