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 — Gladys Elizabeth Howell, a beloved educator, mentor, and community leader whose influence touched generations in Lake Wales, passed away at home on October 31, 2025. She was 99 years old.
Gladys was born on January 9, 1926, in Florida to Richard and Theresa Isom. Her family later moved to Lake Wales, where she attended Roosevelt School, graduating in 1944. She continued her education at Bethune Cookman University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1960, followed by her master’s degree from Alabama State University.
After marrying her husband, Robert Howell, the couple moved back to Lake Wales permanently in 1964. Gladys began her teaching career at her own alma mater, Roosevelt School, and later continued at Polk Avenue Elementary. Over the course of more than 30 years in education, she inspired countless students and families.
She made history as the first teacher in Polk County to raise funds to take her fourth grade class on an educational trip to Washington D C. That trip was just one example of how she went above and beyond for her students. She worked part time at Mountain Lake Estates to help cover the cost of travel and enrichment opportunities for her classes.
Gladys and Robert Howell raised four children, all of whom went on to pursue paths connected to education and community involvement. The Howell family’s contributions to Lake Wales were officially recognized when a city park was named in their honor.
Her community involvement extended far beyond the classroom. Gladys dedicated her time to organizations including Girl Scouts, the NAACP, Lake Wales Care Center, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion, Bethune Cookman Alumni Association, and her home church, First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church.
In 2019, she was honored at the Green and Gold Foundation Gala for her lifelong commitment to education and service. In 2021, during the Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival, she was named the Pioneer of the Year, recognizing her as a cornerstone of Lake Wales history, culture, and civic life.
Her gentle leadership, her passion for education, and her love for Lake Wales shaped lives and strengthened the community she served. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and dedication that will continue to inspire future generations.
Condolences go out to her family, her former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Lake Wales, Florida – The owner of a Lake Wales dry cleaning business was arrested Saturday after threatening a customer and striking a female police officer.
The incident began when a customer called police and reported that James Franklin Brow (04/12/1957), owner of Long’s Dry Cleaners located at 10 W. Central Ave. in Lake Wales threatened to kill him during a dispute over services. When the officer arrived, she met with the victim and developed probable cause to charge Brow for assaulting the customer. When she went to identify and interview Brow to get his side of the story, he was irate, argumentative and closed the door on her.
The officer attempted to enter the business but Brow prevented her from doing so by holding the door closed. As she requested backup, Brow opened the door and told her to leave the property. At that time,the officer told Brow he was under arrest and attempted to take him into custody. Brow pulled away and violently resisted the officer’s efforts by striking her on the head and face several times with his fists. The officer was able to stop the assault, at which time Brow attempted to retreat into the rear of the business. She tried to use her Taser to temporarily incapacitate Brow, however it was not effective. As Brow retreated to the back of the business, he threatened to kill the officer.
The officer remained in the front lobby of the business and waited for backup to arrive. When officers entered the lobby, Brow re-emerged from the rear of the business, this time from the opposite side where he had originally retreated. Officers ordered Brow numerous times to get on the ground yet he refused to comply. Canine Hunter was released to apprehend Brow as he continued to resist officers by walking behind the counter and away from them. With the help of Canine Hunter, officers were able to get Brow to the ground and handcuff him.
The officer was treated and released at the scene for her injuries and Brow was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center due to the canine apprehension.
Brow was Charged with (1) Assault, (2) Resisting an officer/arrest without violence, (3) Resisting an officer/arrest with violence, (4) Battery on a law enforcement officer, (5) Misuse of 911 and (6) Threat of death to a law-enforcement officer.
Brow has a previous 2018 arrest for Assault – domestic violence.
The location history for this business revealed numerous calls to law enforcement over the years for disturbances involving customers.
LAKE WALES — A Frostproof man is behind bars after deputies say he assaulted a victim, held them captive inside a vehicle, and stole personal items during a violent armed robbery Friday morning.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area of County Road 640 and U.S. 27 south of Lake Wales on Friday, October 31, following a report of an armed robbery.
The victim told deputies they were struck with a blunt object and held against their will inside a vehicle. During the ordeal, the suspect allegedly threatened the victim with a wrench and stole personal property.
The victim was able to escape by climbing out of the passenger window and contacting law enforcement. PCSO reported that the victim suffered visible injuries to the head, neck, arms, and legs.
Deputies located the suspect’s vehicle — a Chevy Equinox — and recovered the victim’s stolen belongings. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Brock Tyler Sherrill of Frostproof.
Sherrill was arrested and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center, where he was charged with:
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Sherrill has an extensive criminal history, including 8 prior felony convictions, 9 misdemeanor convictions, and two previous stays in Florida state prison.
Laureen Ann Beck, a beloved teacher, mother, grandmother, and community member, passed away peacefully at her residence on October 24, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on February 4, 1931, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Laureen lived a life that was dedicated to family, education, and service to her community.
Laureen’s educational journey began at Wyandotte High School, followed by further studies at Michigan State University, where she met her husband, John Beck. She later obtained a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University, underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning and her passion for teaching. This passion guided her career as a respected educator, where her impact on countless students left an enduring legacy. After teaching, she joined the family business, which is where she retired.
Beyond her professional life, Laureen was an active member of both the Athens First Congregational Church in Michigan and the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, where she fostered connections with her faith community. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), reflecting her dedication to community service and women’s empowerment. Laureen generously volunteered at Bok Tower and the Lake Wales Art Center, where she shared her love of arts and culture.
Laureen was passionate about the great outdoors, cherished reading, and enjoyed activities like camping, boating, and canoeing. These hobbies were an integral part of her life, allowing her to explore the beauty of nature and create enduring memories with her family.
Laureen is survived by her loving daughters, Sally Beck; Carol Beck Blundy and her husband David; and Barbara Barfield and her husband Joseph. She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and the treasured great-grandmother of eleven
great-grandchildren. Her legacy will continue to thrive through her family, who hold dear the countless lessons and love she imparted throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Beck; her daughter, Joan Beck and her husband, Tom Thornton; and her beloved parents, Frank and Ann Lee. Each of these individuals played a significant role in her life, and they will be remembered with fondness.
A visitation will be held on November 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. A funeral service and interment will take place in Battle Creek, Michigan at a later date. These services will honor Laureen’s remarkable life and celebrate the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
Laureen Ann Beck will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will remain in the hearts of her family and friends, forever inspiring those fortunate enough to have known her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales (16 N 3rd St, Lake Wales, FL 33853). Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.
Lawrence Edward DeGrenier, a devoted husband, father, and respected member of his community, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital. Born on December 31, 1948, in North Adams, Massachusetts, Lawrence lived a life marked by dedication and service.
He had a fulfilling career as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, where he was known for his diligence and commitment to his work. Lawrence also proudly served in the United States National Guard, embodying a spirit of service that defined much of his life. He pursued his education with an Associates Degree, which laid a strong foundation for his career and personal growth.
For ten years, Lawrence called Nalcrest home, where he became an integral part of the community. He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Association of Active & Retired Federal Employees. He notably served as the past Treasurer of the Lake Fox Village Home Owners Association, where he has lived for the last five years, contributing to the well-being of his neighborhood and ensuring its vitality. He was a member of a social committee and was the director of bingo.
Lawrence leaves behind his beloved wife, Judith DeGrenier; daughters, Krista Ruggiero and husband Justin, and Emily Bracy; son, Terrence DeGrenier, and his wife, Blanca; grandchildren: Scotty, Sean, Olivia, Will, Lucas, Dominic, Tyler, and Sofia, along with four great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life.
Lawrence is also survived by his brothers, Dennis DeGrenier, and Wayne DeGrenier, his wife, Cheryl; and his niece, Debi Kendall, her husband Carl.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary DeGrenier, whose love and guidance shaped the remarkable man he became.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Lake Fox Clubhouse in Winter Haven. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.
Lake Wales police officers who remain employed after becoming eligible for retirement can now defer pension payments for up to eight years, now that the City has increased the maximum participation period.
At their regular meeting on Tues., Oct. 21, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance that extends the maximum participation period in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) for police officers.
DROP allows active police officers to remain employed while delaying receipt of their pension payments.
“Upon separation from employment, the member receives the accumulated DROP benefits and begins to receive the previously determined normal retirement benefit amount,” wrote Sandra D. Davis, Human Resources Director.
Previously, the maximum participation period for DROP was five years. Now, that period has been extended to eight years. Similar extensions had been approved by the Florida Legislature and several other municipalities.
POLK COUNTY — A Pasco County firefighter is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he stalked a vehicle for more than seven miles during a late night road rage incident and pointed a handgun at the male passenger.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, around 1:45 a.m. on October 25, 2025, a female driver and her male passenger were traveling northbound on Highway 98 South. The two noticed an orange Dodge Charger rapidly closing in behind them. The driver attempted to switch lanes several times to allow the Charger to pass, but each time she changed lanes the Charger followed her into the same lane and stayed close behind.
Investigators say the Charger continued to tailgate them aggressively as the vehicles approached the intersection of Highway 98 South and Combee Road. At that point the male passenger briefly got out of the vehicle to see why they were being followed. According to the arrest report, the driver of the Charger stared at him, then raised a handgun and pointed it directly at him. The passenger immediately got back into the vehicle and told the female driver to drive away.
The victims called 911 as they attempted to get away, traveling down Edgewood Drive and into Lakeland. Despite multiple opportunities to break away, the Charger continued following them, even making the same lane changes as they did. Investigators later measured the distance between the initial contact and where officers stopped the suspect. Deputies estimate the victims were followed for approximately 7.4 miles before law enforcement intervened.
Lakeland Police located the Charger near South State Bank on Florida Avenue South and initiated a traffic stop. Deputies identified the driver as Dy’Sean Broome, 32. Inside the vehicle was an empty holster on the floorboard. During an inventory search prior to towing the car deputies located a black and gray Zigana PX9 9mm handgun.
Broome told deputies he believed the victims were upset with him and that he was the one being followed. Detectives reviewed video footage the area and determined that Broome was the one following the victims and not the other way around.
After reviewing evidence and statements deputies arrested Broome on the following charges:
• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Aggravated Stalking causing fear of injury or death
• Improper Exhibition of a Firearm
The Daily Ridge contacted Pasco County Fire Rescue to confirm Broome’s employment status. A public information officer with Pasco County Fire Rescue confirmed that Broome is currently employed by the department.
This is not the first time Broome has been involved in a road rage related case. Court records from a previous Polk County Sheriff’s Office incident in 2017 show Broome was arrested after deputies say he threw a water bottle into another vehicle during a traffic dispute. The bottle struck a passenger leaving injuries. At that time Broome was employed as a firefighter with the City of Lake Wales. Prosecutors originally charged him with a felony before the case was reduced. Broome later entered a no contest plea to disorderly conduct and was required to complete anger management.
The current case involving a firearm remains active and the charges are pending judicial proceedings. Pasco County Fire Rescue has not released information regarding whether disciplinary action will occur following Broome’s arrest.
LAKE WALES – When the sign on the side of the busy road quietly changed from the much-loved “Chalet Suzanne” to one reading “Refuge on the Ridge,” people had questions. What happened to Chalet Suzanne? And what exactly was Refuge on the Ridge?
Five years later, those questions have faded. God seems to have been in the details with Chalet Suzanne closing and the need of a facility like Refuge on the Ridge. The facility is now well known throughout the community and has earned a reputation of its own. The faith-based facility is dedicated to helping men find freedom from addiction while restoring their marriages and families.
“The only requirement is that you want to change,” said Pastor Andy Blair, Executive Director, and founder of Refuge on the Ridge.
The online application process takes about 30–60 minutes, providing staff with valuable insight into each applicant’s stage of addiction and readiness for recovery. Blair is involved in every aspect of the program, from meeting each man and talking about their recovery to renovation work, but one of his biggest ongoing challenges is financial. It takes roughly $20,000 a month to keep the facility’s doors open with less than 10 percent of that being labor or salaries.
To help meet that need, Blair organizes two annual fundraisers, a concert and a clay shoot. “Because of the vision God gave me for this place, we never turn anyone away because of their ability to pay. As a matter of fact, it’s close to 0 percent who pay anything to come here,” he said. “We are also very particular about any type of government grants. We talk about God here, that’s the core of what we believe is the key to recovery, and I will never compromise that for any amount of grant dollars or any other reason. All that being said, we are funded by the generosity of individuals, companies, and surprisingly very few churches.”
This year’s concert, A Celebration of Gratitude for Recovery on the Ridge, will feature the Lonesome River Band with special guest Dennis Parker on Nov. 22.
The 10-month residential program serves about 20–25 men at a time, offering a safe, structured environment away from chaos and distraction. Blair said keeping the number small allows staff to build strong personal relationships with each participant and their family.
“The first 30 days are a blackout period,” Blair explained. “There’s a really good chance they’ll finish the program if we can get them centered physically, emotionally, and spiritually during those first days.”
The men begin work each weekday for 3 – 4 hours to help offset the cost of their program. To be partially self-sustaining, Refuge on the Ridge operates several small businesses, including lawn care, mobile auto detailing, a food truck, and a remodeling business. Some participants also work with local partners such as The Care Center and area thrift shops. Recently, the organization was donated a greenhouse that they will eventually use to grow their own vegetables.
“Having jobs makes them responsible and accountable,” Blair said. “Ninety-seven percent of our graduates have gotten full-time jobs when they commenced from the program. We use the word commencement as opposed to graduation. Commence means to begin or to start. To graduate means that you are finished with something – that it’s complete. We believe that recovery is a new way of life, that when you leave here, your life is just beginning, it’s not completed.”
Participants, or “campers,” come from all walks of life. While most are local, some travel from across the country. The program provides everything they need, meals, lodging, healthcare, dental care, and even help obtaining driver’s licenses, ID cards, or resolving probation matters.
Blair understands the fear many feel when they first arrive, because he’s been there himself. He’s been sober for 19 years.
“When they first come here, they are freaking out because they ‘have to’ spend 10 months here,” he said. “The real magic begins when they figure out that, ‘I get to be here.’”
Refuge on the Ridge
After his rehabilitation, Blair’s journey eventually led him to Lake Wales, where he served as Family Life Pastor at HighPoint Church. While spending quiet time near the lake beside the old Chalet Suzanne property, Blair said God laid it on his heart that the property should become a rehabilitation center.
“After I told the HighPoint leadership in 2020 that the Chalet needed to be a rehab, they asked me if I wanted to do it — and I said, ‘nope,’” he laughed.
“But they told me to wait to see if God was in it.” Eight months later, he resigned from his position and began turning that vision into reality. While Refuge on the Ridge was birthed out of HighPoint Church, Refuge on the Ridge is an independent ministry as a 501c3 organization, with a governing board of community leaders.
“I am extremely grateful for my time at HighPoint and the support they still give us. I just knew that we needed to be independent because we are a ministry for our community, our area, and even our entire country,” he said.
The months that followed were filled with renovations. Every room of the former Chalet was transformed — almost entirely by Blair, two other staff members, and a team of volunteers.
“The only professional we’ve paid to do anything here, as far as renovating, is a plumber,” he said.
Each room houses two campers, creating a sense of accountability and “big brother” mentorship. The entire program, Blair said, was modeled after Dunklin Memorial Church in South Florida, where he trained for four months before opening Refuge on the Ridge.
So far, Refuge on the Ridge has seen 54 men graduate, four marriages restored, and 40 children reunited with their fathers.
“Being faith-based makes all the difference in the success rate,” Blair said. He also credits the small number of residents and the length of the program. “We give them all the tools they need to live a life of freedom from drugs and alcohol, whether they choose to use them or not is up to them.”
Blair said that he knows Refuge on the Ridge is exactly where he needs to be. “There is no greater feeling than to see a child or wife looking at their dad or husband with love and excitement about the changes they see in him. It’s better than any high I ever had. I literally wake up every day and can’t wait to get to work.”
The upcoming fundraiser, A Celebration of Gratitude for Recovery on the Ridge, will feature Lonesome River Band and special guest Dennis Parker. The event will be held Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at HighPoint Church. The Refuge food truck, Gary’s Big Back Burgers, will be on site and tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/34r5t8su.
Get ready to experience the fur-tastic world of Disney’s Zootopia with the all-new 4D show “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Fri. Nov. 7, 2025.
The show will feature characters from the Zootopia film franchise as they gear up to celebrate Zoogether Day, a time when the citizens of Zootopia, predator and prey alike, celebrate diversity and togetherness.
As Disney Parks Blog reports: “Zoogether Day, a celebration of unity amongst the diverse biomes across the city, will be recognized with special performances such as ice-skating spectaculars from the heart of Tundratown! Synchronized swimming direct from Marsh Market! Tiny mouse drone shows soaring over Little Rodentia! And of course, a musical finale by superstar Gazelle – all of which we’ll see from the livestream watch party.”
The 4D show will utilize special “Carrot Vision” glasses that will allow guests to see various Zootopia characters pop out of the screen, along with other special effects.
However, one character who will be making a live in-person appearance will be Officer Benjamin Clawhauser, Gazelle’s number one fan and off-duty ZPD officer. The character will be depicted as an all-new Audio-Animatronics figure inside the theater.
“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will be hosted in the Tree of Life Theater, previously home to “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” (based on Pixar’s 1998 “A Bug’s Life”), which recently ended its 27-year run.
This attraction follows in the footsteps of other Zootopia-themed attractions in Disney Parks worldwide, including the Zootopia-themed land that opened in 2023 at Shanghai Disneyland.
Aside from appearing in the new show, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will also appear as character meet and greets at Discovery Island near the Tree of Life at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot. Both characters will be wearing new clothes from their new movie, Zootopia 2, coming to theaters Wed. Nov. 26.
Even more Zootopia fun will be had at the Discovery Trading Company, which will be selling Zootopia merchandise starting on the “Zoogether Together” opening day of Fri. Nov. 7.
LAKE WALES — A family was displaced Monday night after a fire broke out at the Lake Wales Garden Apartments, located at 504 South 4th Street.
According to the fire report, Lake Wales Fire Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and Lake Wales Police Department responded around 8:12 PM to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a second-floor apartment in Building 10. Smoke was already venting from the windows when firefighters arrived.
Fire At Building 10 In Lake Wales Garden Apartments (Photo Credit: Kendall LeRoy Davis II)
Crews made entry into the burning unit while others evacuated residents from all eight apartments in the building. Fire officials confirmed that the entire building was safely evacuated, and firefighters performed a primary and secondary search to ensure no one was left inside. They also searched for the resident’s missing pets.
The fire was quickly brought under control, though smoke continued to push through the structure during overhaul.
Fire At Lake Wales Garden Apartments (Photo Credit: Kendall LeRoy Davis II)
Investigators say the fire originated in a bedroom and was caused by a candle, which was determined to be an unintentional ignition. Damage is estimated at $100,000 to the building and an additional $25,000 to contents.
No injuries were reported.
Fire crews ventilated neighboring apartments and checked for extension. Seven of the units were later cleared for residents to return, but the fire-damaged apartment was deemed unsafe.
A resident who alerted neighbors is credited by firefighters as helping make sure everyone was able to evacuate.
The displaced family, including adults and children, is receiving assistance.
