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

Namesake Apostolic Church in Lake Wales Hosting Classic Game Theme Trunk-Or-Treat

Events

Allison

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October 14, 2025

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CLASSIC GAME THEME TRUNK-OR-TREAT

You’re invited to join Namesake Apostolic Church for a night full of fun, family, and faith! If you’re looking for a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, this free Trunk-or-Treat event is the perfect option. The church grounds will be brightly lit and lined with decorated car trunks filled with candy for kids to enjoy — all in a secure, welcoming environment.

This year’s theme is “Classic Games,” bringing to life some of your favorites like Monopoly, Candyland, Super Mario, Pac-Man, and more! Come experience creative décor, festive fun, and a positive community atmosphere.

Namesake Apostolic Church invites everyone to celebrate the season together while shining a light on faith and family. You never know how one fun night could inspire something bigger!

October 31, 2025 | 6:30 PM

Namesake Apostolic Church, 34 Hwy. 60 W., Lake Wales, FL

For details, call 863-678-3961

Lake Wales Chooses Restoration St. Louis to Renovate Historic Walesbilt Hotel

Kip

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October 14, 2025

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Lake Wales Chooses Restoration St. Louis to Renovate Historic Walesbilt Hotel

By Kip Kirchberg

In a significant step toward revitalizing downtown Lake Wales, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has selected Restoration St. Louis as the preferred developer to restore the long-vacant Walesbilt Hotel. The decision, made during the CRA meeting on October 13, 2025, marks the culmination of a months-long process to breathe new life into the iconic 10-story structure that has stood empty for decades.

The Walesbilt Hotel, originally built in 1926 as the Grand Hotel, has a storied history as a centerpiece of Lake Wales’ downtown. Once a bustling hub for visitors and locals alike, the Mediterranean Revival-style building fell into disrepair after closing in the 1990s. Renamed the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in later years, it has been the subject of multiple failed redevelopment attempts, including a prolonged legal battle that ended with the city regaining ownership in April 2025 for $450,000.

City officials issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in June 2025, inviting developers to submit proposals for the hotel’s restoration. By July, four bids were received, which were narrowed down to two finalists in September: Restoration St. Louis Inc. and the Blackmon and Andoniades Families. Both teams presented their visions during a special CRA workshop earlier in October, with Restoration St. Louis proposing to transform the hotel into a Marriott-branded property while redeveloping the surrounding block to include retail and residential spaces.

During the October 13 meeting, the CRA board voted to select Restoration St. Louis as the top choice, citing the company’s extensive experience in historic restorations and its comprehensive plan for the site. “This is a pivotal moment for Lake Wales,” said City Manager James Slaton in a statement following the vote. “Restoration St. Louis brings the expertise and vision needed to not only preserve this historic gem but to make it a vibrant economic driver for our community.”

Meeting to review proposals to Restore Walesbilt

This selection is widely viewed as a positive move for downtown Lake Wales, poised to revitalize the area by drawing tourists, boosting local foot traffic, and attracting new businesses to the surrounding district. The addition of a branded hotel and ground-floor retail is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall vibrancy of the community, turning a long-neglected eyesore into a cornerstone of prosperity.

Restoration St. Louis, based in Missouri, specializes in rehabilitating historic buildings into modern hotels and mixed-use developments. The firm has successfully restored properties like the Cheshire Inn in St. Louis and has a track record of partnering with major hotel brands. Their proposal for the Walesbilt includes restoring the building’s original architectural features, adding 100-120 guest rooms, and incorporating ground-floor retail to enhance downtown foot traffic. The project is estimated to cost between $30 million and $40 million, with potential funding from historic tax credits and city incentives.

The competing bid from the Blackmon and Andoniades Families, local developers with ties to the area, focused on a boutique hotel concept with community-oriented amenities. While praised for its local flavor, the board ultimately favored Restoration St. Louis for its scalability and proven financial backing.

With the selection made, City Manager Slaton will now enter negotiations with Restoration St. Louis to finalize a development agreement. If successful, construction could begin as early as mid-2026, with the hotel potentially reopening by 2028. Residents and business owners in downtown Lake Wales have expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as a catalyst for further economic growth in the area.

The Walesbilt’s revival is part of a broader effort to preserve Lake Wales’ historic charm while fostering modern development. As one local historian noted, “This hotel isn’t just a building; it’s the heart of our city’s story.”

Washington Park: A Hub for Sports and Family Fun in Lake Wales

Outdoors

Allison

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October 13, 2025

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Washington Park: A Hub for Sports and Family Fun in Lake Wales

Washington Park, located at 6000 Washington Avenue in Lake Wales, is a community favorite offering a wide range of recreational amenities.

The park features a baseball field, football field, and basketball courts perfect for league play or casual games.

Families can enjoy the playground, open play areas, and shaded picnic spots with tables and shelters ideal for gatherings. Convenient restrooms and a pavilion make it easy to spend the day outdoors.

Whether you’re looking to join a local sports league or enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends and family, Washington Park offers something for everyone in the heart of Lake Wales.

Jonathan Beasley: From Sheriff’s Deputy to Furniture Salesman at Royal’s Furniture in Lake Wales

Uncategorized

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2025

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Jonathan Beasley: From Sheriff’s Deputy to Furniture Salesman at Royal’s Furniture in Lake Wales

by James Coulter

Before he became a salesperson, Jonathan Beasley worked as an officer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the county’s honorable Sheriff Grady Judd.

After graduating from high school, Beasley attended the academy and became a county deputy sheriff for four years.

“My Dad asked me when I was going to leave there and go somewhere else. He asked me to please get out of that profession in general,” Beasley explained. “I wasn’t too sure about it because sales was not something I was interested in. But I was already kind of in the people business, working with people, so I was like, ‘I’ll try it.’ I came back and now ten years later I am still here and enjoying it.”

While Beasley no longer protects and serves his community as an officer, he now serves customers by offering them great deals on furniture, appliances, mattresses, and more.

For him, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a customer leave happy with something new to furnish their homes.

“It is hard to explain if you haven’t ever been in sales, but people who sell cars and other people can understand,” he said. “When someone walks out of here, I have done the sales side where they are excited they have a new house or whatever, and they are renovating their room, they are excited to see this new furniture come in. And I have been on the delivery side where we get to put it in the house and they just get excited…It’s just fun to see people get excited about what they are in here shopping for. It’s a good feeling.”

Originally, the store began as Badcock and More. The store opened under Beasley’s grandfather in the 1960s, and his father owned and operated the store after him. However, with the franchise recently facing bankruptcy and closing many of its stores, the Lake Wales location was turned into Royal’s Furniture.

The change has allowed the store to offer an even wider selection of furniture, many of which are locally sourced right here in Florida.

“We were left to figure out what to do next, Beasley said. “Fortunately, we hooked up with the Royal’s Furniture through a former Badcock employee, we hooked up with them and started filling this place up with furniture, and here we are.”

Royal’s Furniture offers a diverse selection of furniture, appliances, and mattresses. Best of all, they offer great financing options that will allow you to take home a new piece of furniture without taking out a loan from the bank.

Royal’s Furniture is located at 126 FL-60 in Lake Wales. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.royalsfurniturelakewales.com/

Recently, Jonathan

Beasley was interviewed by our co-founder, Kip Kirchberg. Listen to portions of the interview on the latest minisode of the Chattin on the Ridge podcast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/minisode-18-royals-furniture-from-deputy-to-salesman

Public Right-Of-Way Vacated near Proposed Stoneridge Development

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2025

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Public Right-Of-Way Vacated near Proposed Stoneridge Development

by James Coulter

Nearly 25 feet of public right-of-way along a road near a proposed mixed-use development has been vacated.

At their meeting on Tues. Oct. 7, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance vacating a 25-foot public right-of-way along Godwin Road.

The strip, located west of Godwin Road and south of State Road 60, abuts the proposed Stoneridge Master Plan Development, a proposed mixed-use development west of the city.

The Stoneridge development is planned for 1,202 acres along Highway 60 and adjacent to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport.

The property was recently annexed with land-use and zoning changes approved by the Lake Wales City Commission.

Stoneridge is anticipated to provide approximately 2,400 single-family homes, 550 multi-family units, and nearly four million square feet of industrial space.

“The right-of-way is unimproved and is not necessary to afford future access to adjacent properties,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Director of Growth Management.

“All applicable public utility providers have been notified of the proposed vacation and no impacts of closure have been identified,” she further elaborated. “Documentation of approval from public and private utilities has been provided.”

Curative Modification Applied to Lake Wales Common Annexation

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2025

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Curative Modification Applied to Lake Wales Common Annexation

by James Coulter

A scrivener’s error was recently corrected on an ordinance annexing 558 acres for a proposed mixed-use development.

At their meeting on Tues. Oct. 8, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance to apply a curative modification to another ordinance concerning the annexation of land for a proposed development.

Last year, on Nov. 19, 2024, city commissioners approved an ordinance annexing 558 acres of land west of the city for the proposed Lake Wales Commons development.

Lake Wales Commons is anticipated to provide 3,200 new residential homes and more than a million square feet of light industrial and commercial space.

However, a scrivener’s error concerning the legal descriptions of the annexed properties was discovered, which required a curative modification to the ordinance.

“According to the City’s special legal counsel for land use matters, Tom Cloud, the City has effectively annexed the property,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Director of Growth Management.

“However, adoption of this curative ordinance is required to correct the descriptions of the land annexed to avoid the unintentional involuntary annexation of property not authorized by the owners,” she continued.

Participation Period of Police Retirement Plan Extended to Eight Years

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2025

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Participation Period of Police Retirement Plan Extended to Eight Years

by James Coulter

Officers working for the Lake Wales Police Department will be able to delay their retirement benefits for eight years now that their plan’s participation period has been extended.

At their meeting on Tues. Oct. 7, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance amending the provisions of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) for law enforcement officers who continue to work for the city.

Under this amendment, eligible members will be able to participate in DROP, with the participation period extended from five to eight years.

“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.

“Foster & Foster, Inc., the Police Officers’ Pension Board’s Actuarial Consultants, have determined that adopting the Ordinance will have no impact on the assumptions used in determining the funding requirements of the program,” Davis further elaborated.

A similar extension was approved by the Florida Legislature in 2022, along with several other municipalities.

Cooking on the Ridge: Apple Dump Cake

Cooking

Allison

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October 13, 2025

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Cooking on the Ridge: Apple Dump Cake

by James Coulter

Fall is here. Apples are in season. And what could be more fitting than homemade apple pie.

Sometimes you don’t have the time or patience to make an apple pie. But sometimes you want something more satisfying to eat than a store-bought pie.

What do you do?

Why not try making an apple dump cake? It has all the warm, comforting gooey-ness of an apple pie with only half the effort. All you need to do is dump apple pie filling and cake mix into a baking dish and bake it in the oven.

Of course, if you’re willing to put in a little more effort, you can prepare your dump cake using fresh apples.

Here’s two recipes for apple dump cake: one with apple pie filling, and the other with fresh apples.

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Apple Dump Cake (w/Apple Pie Filling)

Ingredients

• 2 cans (20-21 oz.) apple pie filling

• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix

• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Caramel sauce (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

2. Dump apple pie filling into dish and spread evenly.

3. Sprinkle cake mix over filling and spread into even layer.

4. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix, then sprinkle on cinnamon.

5. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

6. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.

7. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.

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Apple Dump Cake (w/Fresh Apples)

Ingredients

• 6 apples

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar.

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar.

• 2 tsp. cinnamon.

• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

• 1 box (13.25–16.5 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix

• 1 cup melted butter (or 2 sticks sliced)

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Caramel sauce (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

2. Peel, core, and slice apples.

3. Mix apples slices with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

4. Dump apple mixture into baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Sprinkle cake mix over apple mixture and spread into even layer.

6. Pour melted butter or lay out sliced butter over cake mix.

7. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

8. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until cake has cooled.

9. Serve with vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or both.

Polk County School Bus Driver Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Safe, Fleeing in School Bus

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

carl

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October 11, 2025

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Polk County School Bus Driver Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Safe, Fleeing in School Bus

LAKE WALES – A Polk County School Board employee has been arrested after allegedly stealing her father’s safe containing nearly $1,800 in cash, prescription medication, and legal documents — then fleeing the scene in her school bus.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence in Lake Wales on October 3, 2025, in reference to a theft. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with victims Allen Keith Tyson and Michelle Tyson.

Allen told deputies he had asked his daughter, Shanon Nacole Powell, who works as a school bus driver for the Polk County School Board, to come to his home and pick up a gun to bring to one of his friends for safekeeping while he was in the hospital.

Powell went to the residence as requested but could not find the gun. She later learned that Allen had already given the gun to his friend before entering the hospital.

While at the residence, Powell and Michelle became involved in a verbal altercation. Michelle told deputies she did not want to argue, so she grabbed her keys and left the residence to avoid further confrontation.

A few minutes later, Michelle returned to the residence to retrieve her safe and dogs. When she arrived, she observed Powell standing outside a truck parked in front of the residence.

Michelle said she placed the safe—which contained the title to Allen’s land property, prescription medication, and approximately $1,800 in cash—into the backseat of her blue 2021 Chevrolet Equinox using the rear passenger door. She briefly turned her back to get her dogs, and when she turned back around, she saw Powell inside the backseat of the vehicle, entering through the opposite rear door, removing money from the safe.

Michelle told deputies she attempted to stop Powell, but Powell took the cash and the safe and then left the scene in her work vehicle, identified as a Polk County School Board bus.

Allen and Michelle stated that Powell did not have permission to enter the vehicle or remove the safe and money.

The property reportedly taken included:

One black fire safe valued at $69 $1,800 cash

Total value: $1,869

Following the investigation, deputies determined that Powell violated the following Florida Statutes:

F.S.S. 810.02(4)(b): Burglary – unoccupied conveyance, unarmed F.S.S. 812.014(2)(c)1: Grand Theft – greater than $750, less than $5,000

Powell was arrested on related charges.

Fall Festival Returns to First Baptist Church of Lake Wales

Allison

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October 10, 2025

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Fall Festival Returns to First Baptist Church of Lake Wales

Get ready for a sweet night of family fun! The First Baptist Church of Lake Wales will host its annual Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy an evening filled with festive activities, treats, and community fellowship.

To help make the night extra special, the church is collecting candy donations. Contributions can be dropped off in the Children’s Lobby, Church Office, or in the candy bins located in the Fellowship Hall.

The Fall Festival has become a beloved tradition for families across Lake Wales — a chance to celebrate the season together in a safe, fun-filled environment. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities, so grab your costumes, bring your sweet tooth, and come enjoy one of the community’s favorite fall events!

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