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
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects on October 10, 2024 for burglarizing a vacant home in Lake Wales in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
On October 10, 2024 at approximately 9:40 AM, deputies responded to a call about a residential burglary in progress on Fast Trot Trail in the Lake Wales area. They arrived and found the rear door pried open, and two suspects inside.
Derik Jansen, 34, and Kathryn Cooper, 50, initially told deputies they were told they “could live there” but then admitted that they broke in to the residence to “escape Hurricane Milton.” The floor of the residence was covered in broken housewares, and the drywall inside was severely damaged. The suspects admitted to causing the damage – it was not caused by the storm.
The owner of the residence was contacted, and he stated that no one had permission to be inside of his home.
Jansen’s criminal history includes drug charges, assault, and aggravated domestic violence. He was charged with burglary and criminal mischief.
Cooper’s criminal history includes aggravated domestic violence. She was charged with burglary, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest.
Both suspects received enhanced charges for burglarizing a residence during a state of emergency.
“In Polk County, we have zero tolerance for criminals who victimize those affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Milton damaged many homes – and Cooper and Jensen added to that damage by vandalizing a home. This is unacceptable behavior, and they will receive enhanced charges for burglary during a state of emergency.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The recreational and commercial stone crab harvest seasons start Oct. 15 and will remain open through May 1, closing May 2.
The minimum claw size limit is 2 7/8 inches.
As a reminder, an unobstructed escape ring measuring 2 3/16 inches in diameter must be located within a vertical exterior trap wall for all recreational and commercial plastic or wood stone crab traps.
Florida Stone Crab Season Opens October 15th. Stone Crab Must Be 2 7/8 inches
Recreational Trap Registration
Recreational harvesters who are age 16 and older (including those normally exempt from needing a license) are required to complete an online, no-cost recreational stone crab trap registration each year. To register, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, sign in, click the “Click here to get a License!” tile, scroll down to the “Saltwater Fishing” section, and select “Recreational Stone Crab Trap Registration.”
Upon completion, each person will receive unique trap registration numbers that must be included on each trap along with the owner’s full name and address. This information must be legible and must be permanently attached to each trap.
Example of recreational stone crab trap
Other tips and regulations
Care should be taken when removing the claws so as to not permanently injure the crab.
Claws may not be taken from egg-bearing stone crabs. Stone crabs may not be harvested with any device that can puncture, crush or injure a crab’s body. Examples of devices that can cause this kind of damage include spears and hooks.
Recreational harvesters may take a daily bag limit of 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less, and may use up to five stone crab traps per person.
Traps that are not being fished should be removed from the water to avoid ghost fishing, a process in which marine species get caught in the trap for extended periods of time and are not harvested.
Stone crab regulations are the same in state and federal waters.
Keep up to date with Florida fishing regulations on your phone by downloading the Fish Rules app in the App Store or Google Play. Learn more at FishRulesApp.com.
Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2024) – Based on the current projections and estimated time of Hurricane Milton’s arrival to Polk County, the following public shelters will be open at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8:
Auburndale High School, 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale
Spessard Holland Elementary School, 2432 E.F. Griffin Road, Bartow
Horizons Elementary School, 1700 Forest Lake Dr., Davenport
George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Highlands Grove Elementary, 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
Sleepy Hill Elementary School, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland
Mulberry Middle School, 500 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mulberry
Lake Marion Creek Middle School, 3055 Lake Marion Creek Dr., Poinciana
Chain of Lakes Elementary School, 7001 Hwy. 653, Winter Haven
Winter Haven High School, 600 6th St. S.E., Winter Haven
Three pet friendly shelters will also be open noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
They are located at:
Haines City High School, 2800 Hornet Dr., Haines City
Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland
Pet owners must bring shot records for their pets, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food.
Special Needs shelters will also open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, for those residents with special and/or medical needs. Special needs shelters are temporary emergency facilities capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition(s) may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility.
The Special Needs shelters are located at:
FDOH Polk Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow
Ridge Community High School, 500 W. Orchid Dr., Davenport
McKeel Academy, 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland
For the most up-to-date information, please monitor your local news media or call the Citizen’s Information Line at (863) 298-7500 (locally) or toll-free 866-661-0228. Check the county website for updates at www.polk-county.net. You may also obtain further emergency information at www.facebook.com/polkcountyem and www.twitter.com/polkemergency.
Lake Wales Charter School Often Follows Exactly What The County Issues
Dear families,
This is an important update regarding Hurricane Milton.
This storm is expected to continue strengthening and impact our state in the coming days.
Based on the most current forecast, we do not expect significant weather in Polk County tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 7. Consequently, all PCPS schools and offices will remain open during regular hours tomorrow.
However, we will be canceling or rescheduling Monday’s after-school programs and sports. For specific information about rescheduled events, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school directly.
Please be advised that all PCPS schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Oct. 8, Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, in response to this storm.
County emergency officials have directed PCPS to activate some of our schools that will be serving as storm shelters for those evacuating their homes.
County emergency officials will be sharing shelter information with the public as it becomes available. Please note only certain schools will be activated to serve as shelters. Visit the Polk County Government’s website and social media for official shelter information.
Again, all PCPS schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Please note that our decision to close schools does not extend to charter and private schools. We recommend that you contact those institutions directly for any relevant information.
At this time, no decision has been made regarding Friday’s operations for PCPS schools and offices.
We will continue to work closely with emergency management personnel, as well as monitor weather forecasts and this storm’s impact on our community and state.
For any official announcements or updates, please stay tuned for communications via automated phone calls, emails, our website and social media accounts.
As always, your safety is our top priority. We encourage you to prepare adequately and ensure your family is ready for any weather-related challenges.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Please stay safe.
Sand and sandbags are available at the Frostproof Fire Department.
The City of Frostproof, Florida Government is offering a sandbag fill location at the Frostproof Fire Department. This is a self serve location, please bring your own shovel. Bags are available to City residents and are limited to 10 per household. The sand and sandbags will be available 24 hours per day. Bags are left for your use on the honor system after 5:00 p.m. Please adhere to the 10 per household rule.
For those people residing outside the City Limits of Frostproof, Polk County Government is making sandbags available throughout the county on Sunday, Oct 6th and Monday, Oct 7th. Those County locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
NEWS SANDPILE LOCATION: FIRST STREET & TILLMAN AVENUE
In preparation for the storm, the City is providing sand and complementary sandbags while supplies last. Citizens must bring a shovel to the designated sandpile location and be prepared to shovel sand into the sandbags. Citizens may stop by either fire station to receive up to ten empty sandbags.
Step #1: Stop by either Lake Wales Fire Departments to pick up empty sandbags.
Step #2: Head to the sandpile at First Street and Tillman Avenue.
Lake Wales Fire Departments: 600 Chalet Suzanne Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33859 253 W. Central Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853.
The Lake Wales Police arrested Samuel Leone Hamilton, of Carla Ct., Winter Haven on 9/20/24. According to reports Hamilton was allegedly swerving and almost caused two separate accidents that were witnessed by officers. He accelerated at high rate of speed prior to his arrest. He eventually stopped and was taken into custody. He refused a breathalyzer test. He was arrested and charged with Fleeing To Elude & DUI.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions)
“On September 20, 2024, at approximately 1700 hours, I responded to the area of Chevron gas station, Lake Wales, in reference to a traffic complaint.
I, Officer Natal (L433) was dispatched to the area Hwy 27 south and Chevron gas station near Hunt Brothers Road. I then made contact with a silver in color GMC Sierra bearing Florida registration tag Y329SF. I observed the vehicle in question swerving out of his lane and nearly crashing into another motorist. After observing the vehicle reckless driving, I conducted a traffic stop near Hwy 27 North and Central Avenue. The vehicle continued traveling North on the outside lane on Hwy 27 ignoring my lights and sirens on my agency issued marked patrol vehicle. then observed the vehicle nearly side swipe a tractor trailer, which was traveling in the middle lane. I observed the vehicle accelerate in an attempt to flee from me. At this time, I advised dispatched that I was in pursuit of the vehicle.
Samuel Hamilton
The vehicle reached speeds over 90 MPH passing Mountain lake Cut-Off on Hwy 27. I attempted to catch up to the vehicle and observed the vehicle slow down due to a Polk County Sheriff Deputy blocking his lane path. The vehicle came to a stop in the middle lane near the intersection of Hwy 27 and Washington Avenue. I ordered the driver out of the vehicle and to throw his vehicle keys on the road. I asked the driver to exit the vehicle and to walk backwards to the sound of my voice. The driver, later identified as Samuel Leone Hamilton, was taken into custody using my agency issued handcuffs and placed in my marked patrol car. I ran Hamilton’s using D.A.V.I.D. and discovered Hamilton licensed was suspended on 09/09/2024. I also discovered Hamilton has a previous conviction for DWSLR dated on 04/11/2024.
I observed indicators that led me to believe Hamilton was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. I was able to indicate the smell of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. In addition, I was able to observe Hamilton slur his words and be extremely repetitive with the things he was stating. Hamilton displayed several indicators of impairment.
PHASE 2 Personal Contact:
I made contact with Hamilton and observed his speech to be slurred/mumbled, his eyes to be blood shot/watery, and a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and person. I observed him to be unsteady on his feet and had a hard time exiting the vehicle. Hamilton had to hold onto the side of the vehicle for support to exit the vehicle.
Based on these indicators I asked Hamilton to submit to a serles of Field Sobriety Test (SFST’s) and Hamilton consented to those test.
Prior to conducting the test. I asked Hamilton a series of medical auestions.
I was able to determine based on Hamilton answers that he was not suffering from a medical issue or diabetic episode. I also questioned Hamilton of any pre-existing body pains prior to conducting SFST’s. Hamilton advised of knee pain he has endured when he was younger, but was still able to walk correct. Based on what Hamilton advised, SFST’s were conducted.
PHASE 3 Pre-Arrest Screening / Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SEST’S):
I conducted the following Field Sobriety test (SFST’s) with the following results:
Horizontal Gaze and Nystagmus – observed 6 of 6 clues 4 or more clues is an indicate of impairment
Walk and Turn – Observed 8 of 8 clues 2 or more clues is an indicates of impairment
One Leg Stand – Observed 4 of 4 clues, 2 or more clues is an indicator of impairment.
Based on my observations I determined Hamilton was operating a motor vehicle with in Polk County, Florida and based on my training and experience was determined to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol to the point where his normal faculties were impaired.
I advised Hamilton of the DUI charge, he advised they understood, and I took him into custody without incident.
Post Arrest Procedures / Breath Testing:
I transported Hamilton to the Polk County Processing Center. During the transporting process. Upon my arrival at the Processing Center for breath test at 2100 hours, I began a 20-minute observation period at 2130 hours.
At the conclusion of the 20-minute observation period, I requested Hamilton provide two breath samples to determine his breath alcohol level. Hamilton stated he was refused to provide a breath sample. After being read
Implied consent Hamilton said no and not consented to take the breath test because I know my license is suspended.
I advised Hamilton he would be charged with refusal as well of the DUI. Hamilton advised he understood.
I issued Hamilton one Florida DUI citation (AIE9ICE) for Florida state statue charge and Fleeing to elude with lights and sirens active High Speeds (AKA4HQE). Furthermore, I released him to Book-In staff to complete the booking process.
Hamilton refused to provide a breath sample during the same incident.
Based on the facts in this investigation, Samuel Leone Hamilton was criminally charged with one count of DUI and One count of fleeing to elude with lights and sirens activated High Speeds.”
Lanny “Scott” Huckaby of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
He was born January 9, 1957 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to the late Wayne and Sue Huckaby; he moved to Lake Wales from Virginia 40 years ago. Scott loved his job as a truck driver. He also spend several years as a Polk County Firefighter in the early 90s. Scott enjoyed fishing and cooking BBQ. He previously ran the smoker for the community kitchen at the Lake Wales Care Center along with other friends. He loved his grandchildren dearly and loved playing Santa Claus for them around Christmas.
Scott is survived by his wife of 41 years, Anita Huckaby; daughter, Alisha Ruble (Josh) of Babson Park; son, David Huckaby (Samantha) Lake Wales; sister, Sheila Tabor (Gary) of Pampa, Texas; and grandchildren, Jeremiah, Ava, Oliver, and Watson.
In a shocking move the owners of the Crazy Fish Bar & Grill posted on social media Monday night, Sept 30, that the restaurant will be closing Oct 19th.
Comments were wide ranging from sadness, confidence in the future and frustration as the restaurant was appreciated by many.
Prior to Jim & Jeannie Christensen buying the restaurant around 2002 it was a biker bar affectionately known as the Bears Den! The two of them ran the restaurant and built it into a community staple until they sold in 2019. Then new owners Matthew Brock & Dwayne McQuillen. They also invested in Harry’s Old Place as well as two newer unique restaurants in Brakes Burger Garage and Locoritto.
This is a developing story and we will update it shortly.
Post on Facebook by the Owners of Crazy Fish
“Attention Crazy Fish fans. I write this post to officially announce the closing of our restaurant. Our last day of operation will be October 19 2024.
Our plan is to regroup, make some needed repairs and come back with the next evolution of this location, Crazy Fish Key West Kitchen. We intend to open in the spring of 2025.
Come join us over the next 3 weeks and help end on a high note and celebrate the hard working staff that made it all possible over the years.”
Jim & Jeannie Christensen being interviewed by non other than Emeril Lagassi for the show Emeril’s Florida
WOMAN CRITICALLY INJURED DURING WINTER HAVEN HIT & RUN CRASH; DRIVER ARRESTED
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PRESS RELEASE
A woman was critically injured early Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, after she was struck by a car on a Winter Haven roadway. The driver of the car fled the scene in his vehicle, but he was located and arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office later that same day.
The crash occurred at about 2:50 am, at 3547 Recker Highway, in front of DA Place Hookah Lounge.
Just prior to the crash, deputies were heading to the location after several calls were received regarding a large number of people in the roadway in front of the business.
When deputies arrived, the large crowd was uncooperative and provided little information regarding the hit & run.
The deputies found the injured pedestrian; she was identified as 37-year old Cierra Tempestt Wright of Auburndale.
Ms. Wright was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries to include: a fractured skull, brain bleed, fractured jaw, fractured pelvis, and broken arm. She was listed in critical, but stable condition.
PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives attempted to find witnesses, but despite the large crowd, nobody claimed to have seen the crash.
Evidence at the scene revealed that Ms. Wright was struck in the middle of the westbound lane of Recker Highway.
“Through the investigative efforts of our Traffic Homicide detectives, who are the very best at what they do, a blue 2020 Ford Fusion was found in Lake Wales that had damages consistent to those that would occur by striking a pedestrian. The driver was then located, and an arrest was made. We’re praying for a full and speedy recovery for Ms. Wright.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Detectives discovered that the Ford Fusion had a damaged right front headlight and damaged windshield that had hair embedded in it.
41-year old Terry Gardner of Lake Wales admitted to detectives that he was driving the Ford in the area of the crash, but he claimed that he thought the damage on his vehicle was from a brick that was thrown at his car.
Terry Gardner was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury (F2).
