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Friday, July 25, 2025

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

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

Back to School Tips for Families: A Smooth Transition into the New School Year

As summer winds down and the school bell looms on the horizon, many families in Polk County are preparing to shift gears from relaxed vacation vibes to structured school routines. Getting back into the swing of things doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and a few helpful tips, families can start the school year strong and stress-free.

1. Start Routines Early

It’s a good idea to ease kids back into school routines at least a week before the first day. Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up times gradually so they’re not shocked by early mornings. Reinforcing morning rituals—such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast—can help children, especially younger kids, feel more prepared and confident.

2. Make a Back-to-School Checklist

From school supplies to lunchbox essentials, having a checklist helps ensure nothing gets overlooked. Include items like breakfast cereal, snacks, backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and any specific items required by the school. Many local stores in the Lake Wales area offer back-to-school sales, so families can save while stocking up.

3. Get Organized at Home

Create a dedicated space at home for homework and school supplies. A desk with a comfortable chair can make a big difference. This can be a quiet corner of a room with good lighting and minimal distractions. Setting up a central calendar for the whole family helps keep track of important dates like open houses, sports practices, and school events.

4. Encourage Healthy Habits

Back-to-school season is a great time to reinforce healthy habits. Make sure your child is eating a balanced breakfast, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Limit screen time before bed to help them wind down naturally.

5. Talk About Feelings

Starting a new school year can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. Take time to talk with your child about how they feel. Encourage open communication and let them know it’s okay to feel nervous. If your child is entering a new school, consider attending orientation events or scheduling a tour.

6. Build in Family Time

With schedules filling up fast, carve out time for family dinners or weekend outings. Staying connected as a family helps kids feel supported and grounded, especially during transitions.

By taking a little time now to prepare, families can make back-to-school season a time of growth and excitement. Here’s to a great school year ahead for all our local students!

In Loving Memory of Beverly Scarborough, 81, of Frostproof

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Beverly Scarborough, 81

Beverly Scarborough of Frostproof passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at AdventHealth in Tampa.

She was born December 29, 1943 in Auckland, New Zealand to the late Roy and Beryl Lamons; she moved to Frostproof from Auckland, New Zealand in 1946. Beverly and her husband Jimmy owned and operated the Badcock Furniture in Frostproof. She was active in the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in the renovation of downtown Frostproof. Beverly was an FFA Alumni, an athletic booster, and would attend her sons sporting events. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, garden designing, floral designing, and photography.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Scarborough in 2010. She is survived by her sons, James “Ben” Scarborough, II and wife Tina of Frostproof,  Barry Scarborough and wife Sherri of Winter Haven; brothers, Bryan Lamons of Lake Wales, Steve Lamons of Lakeland, David Lamons of Corona del Mar, California; sisters, Carol Lamons of Frostproof, Linda Baquero of Winter Haven; grandchildren, Ryan and wife Christine, Kirsten and husband Landon, Cade, Savana, Tanner and fiancé Hailey; and great-grandchildren, Riley Anne and Perry Claire.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 27, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Frostproof. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Frostproof with Rev. Darrol Hood officiating. Interment will follow at Silver Hill Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Golf Cart Accident Reported in Babson Park Involves 15-Year-Old

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At approximately 6:15pm on Thursday, July 24, 2025, a traffic accident was reported at the intersection of Scenic Hwy. N & Golfview Cutoff Rd. In Babson Park.

Preliminary information states that the accident involves a single golf cart, possibly driven by a 15 year-old. The initial report advises the driver has injuries in some capacity.

Please avoid this area as enforcement and PCFR work at the scene.

In Loving Memory of Virginia A. McClellan, 91

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Virginia A. McClellan, 91

Virginia A. McClellan of Tampa passed away Friday, June 27, 2025, at Tampa General Hospital.

She was born December 23, 1933, in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Louis and Blanche Tarsa; she has been a resident of Central Florida since 1959. Virginia was a homemaker who volunteered for the Lake Wales Care Center and the Lake Wales Arts Center. She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Virginia was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Eldridge; Grandson Christian Uecker and brother, Louis Tarsa, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Charles R. McClellan, Jr.; daughter, Kelly Slone Collins and husband Chip of Tampa; sons, Charles R. McClellan, III and wife Teresa of Atlanta, David J. McClellan and wife Kelly of Hollywood; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com

In Loving Memory of Penny Gale Brown, 62

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Penny Gale Brown, 62

Penny Gale Brown of Avon Park passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at AdventHealth Sebring.

Penny was born on March 11, 1963, in Tampa, Florida to Clayton Howard Richardson and Hazel Elliott. Penny did not like to fish but she would often go with her husband. She had a very kind heart and loved to take care of family and friends, but especially her grandbabies.  

Penny is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Pat Brown; daughter, Heather McLeod and husband Patrick of Frostproof; sons, Wayne Nealey of Leesville, Jimmy McLeod and wife Cory of Winter Haven, and Justin Brown and wife Christine of Frostproof; sisters, Marsha Richardson and husband Wendell of Lake Wales, and Doloris Richardson of Lake Wales; brothers, Lindon Richardson and wife Helen of St. Mary’s, Georgia, and Clayton Richardson as well as ten grandchildren. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof with Pastor Sam Haag officiating. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com. 

In Loving Memory of Robert James “Bob” MacDonald, 88

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Robert James “Bob” MacDonald of Winter Haven passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.

He was born November 21, 1936 in Weymouth, Massachusetts to the late Alexander and Margaret “Edna” MacDonald; he moved to Winter Haven from Braintree, Massachusetts in 1979. Bob was the owner and operator of MacDonald Enterprises and served with the United States National Guard. He was an avid golfer and was a member of Cypress Wood Golf Club.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Penny MacDonald; and son, James M. MacDonald. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Harvey and husband Brian of Winter Haven; grandchildren, Julia, Kristie, and Shane; and three great-grandchildren.

No services are being held at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to Good Shepherd Hospice House (https://www.chaptershealth.org/for-volunteers-donors/personal-giving/). Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

In Loving Memory of Lucille M. Oftedahl, 93, of Lake Wales

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Lucille M. Oftedahl, 93

Lucille M. Oftedahl of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Lakeland Hospice House.

She was born May 30, 1932 in Delavan, Minnesota to the late George and Martha Yoder; she moved to Lake Wales from South Dakota in 1980. Lucille was a homemaker and a member of Lake Wales Lutheran Church. Reading was a passion of hers and she was known for her walking. She was a sports fanatic, often knowing the names of the players and their stats. 

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband in 2014; both parents; four sisters; and two brothers. She is survived by her sons, Michael Oftedahl and wife Audrey of Lake Wales, Brian Oftedahl and wife Deb of Mitchell, South Dakota, Kevin Oftedahl and wife Atsuko of LaVergen, Tennessee; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. 

No services are being held at this time. 

In Loving Memory of Ronald Wayne Salisbury, 68, of Lake Wales

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Ronald Wayne Salisbury, 68

Ronald “Captain Ron” Salisbury of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025, at AdventHealth in Lake Wales, Florida.

Ron was born on July 3, 1957, in Milford, Delaware to Reuben Wesley Salisbury, and Dolores Mai Sneed. In the late 70s, Ron moved from his birth state of Delaware to Florida. He resided in Key West before moving to Lake Wales but maintained his home in Key West. He was very proud to be a member of the Conch Republic. He attended the University of Delaware and became a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, before succumbing to the call of adventure. He gained a certification in Celestial Navigation which launched him on his maritime career. Shortly thereafter, Ron earned his first masters license and began his professional career as a captain on private yachts. He worked his way up the ladder in the maritime world, eventually commanding some of the largest ships on the ocean, including the largest motor-sail vessel ever built at the time. He worked in the New York harbor, out of the gulf states for the oil industry, and in Alaska, Africa, South America, and Europe. He was of the Protestant Faith. 

Ron is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sisters, Lola S. Tajen of Knoxville, Tennessee, Rita J. Salisbury of Seaford, Delaware, Denise R. Ball of Hartsfield, South Carolina, and Diane L. Conaway of Vista, California; brother, Richard W. Salisbury of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, Alev Ozipinici, Demir Tajen, Aaron Salisbury, Kevin Conaway, Chris Conaway.

Services will be held on Thursday July 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.  Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

In Loving Memory of Billy Winford Easton, 96, of Frostproof

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Billy Winford Easton, 96 

Billy Winford Easton of Frostproof passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025 at his residence. 

He was born September 13, 1928 in Ashland, Kentucky to the late William and Irma Easton; he moved to Frostproof from Ohio in 1971. Billy was a retired master electrician . He was an active member of Family Life Church in Frostproof and was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed working out in the yard and garden as well as going fishing. Billy loved to watch football and could often be found dancing with the ladies to live music. 

Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Conner in 2016; son, Ronnie Easton in 2016; and brothers Jack Easton and Ronald Easton. He is survived by his daughters, Billie Sue Hutto and husband Michael of Frostproof, Tamira Hilton and husband Gary; sons, Danny Easton of Blairsville, Georgia, Charles Townsel of Frostproof, Joe Townsel of Mississippi; grandchildren, Melinda, Kenny, Mikenna, Jamie, Grayson, Bailey, Travis, Michelle, Dustin, Nikki, Curtis, Trinity, Kelsey, Taylor; and several great-grandchildren. 

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025 at Family Life Church in Frostproof with Rev. Kelly Galati officiating. Interment will follow at Silver Hill Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com. 

Children’s Audition Coming July 28-29 for Lake Wales Little Theatre Fall Production

Lake Wales Little Theatre will soon be hosting auditions for its latest kids production, which would come here later this fall.

The upcoming production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure Will be holding auditions for children, grades 3 through 9, and homeschool children ages 8 to 15 On July 28 and 29th at 6 PM at the theater. The opening short program will be open to children ages five through seven.

No advanced preparation is required; interested parties should bring their passion and imagination. The audition will include a cold read, and a short singing segment.

A perusal script is available at the Lake Wales Public Library.

Online Script Preview at https://www.pioneerdrama.com/searchdetail.asp?pc=PETERMUSIC

Digital audition form

The performance dates will run from September 19-28, 2025.

Soar away to Neverland in this magical adaptation drawn from the beloved novel with fresh, original music! 

The Darling children love to hear of Peter Pan’s adventures during his visits through the open window of the nursery.  Then one night after Nana has taken his shadow and Wendy has sewn it back on, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell whisk the children off to Neverland to be part of the adventures.  All your favorite characters are there, including Captain Hook and his pirate crew, Princess Tiger Lily and her tribe, and of course, the Lost Boys and Girls! 

A rousing and lovely musical score by the award-winning team of Rockwell and Bogart includes “The Boy Who Never Grew Up,” “Fly Me to Neverland,” “Follow the Leader,” and “Home Sweet Home.”