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

Lake Wales Chamber Proposes Birth-to-Four Early Childhood Readiness Plan

Local Government and Politics

Allison

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July 20, 2026

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Lake Wales Chamber Proposes Birth-to-Four Early Childhood Readiness Plan
by James Coulter

To prepare young people with the literacy skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce, several educational initiatives have been proposed by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Council (EDC).

At their recent work session on Wed. July 1, 2026, Lake Wales city commissioners received a presentation from the Lake Wales Chamber/EDC outlining strategies for long‑term economic development, including efforts to cultivate a future workforce for prospective businesses.

Skip Alford, President and CEO of the Lake Wales Chamber/EDC, stressed the need to develop well‑prepared future workers and strong talent pipelines to attract new companies, arguing that potential industry cannot exist without potential employees.

“Just as important as bringing manufacturing and industry jobs to the present downtown, if we neglect our youth, all of that is going to be for nothing because we are setting an entire generation or two up for complete failure,” he said. “Every year of delay represents lost human potential, lost productivity, and lost return on investment.”

Alford outlined several initiatives aimed at preparing young people to become future employers and employees. One initiative was the Lake Wales Highland Moguls, a Lake Wales High School program designed to “develop the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders through real‑world business experience.” He said the program will mentor and train students interested in entrepreneurship, working with local economics professors to identify and recruit promising candidates.

While high‑school training matters, Alford claimed the greater priority is supporting young children before they even enter kindergarten, describing early childhood development from birth to age four as “the most critical aspect of a child’s education.”

Alford noted that a child has already developed 90 percent of their brain capacity by age five. Because of this, education must begin well before school enrollment, and failing to do so sets children up for failure, he argued.

“If during those first five years, that capacity has been failed, altered, or received no education whatsoever, the kindergarten teachers are going to continue to inherit a human product that is not prepared and not ready,” he said. “We cannot continue to let the children of Lake Wales, even the youngest of the youngest, not have an opportunity to start learning as early as possible so they can have a decent or successful life.”

Commissioner Terri Miller asked how much time had gone into developing the early‑childhood education model. Alford replied that the initiative is now underway and that he will devote 25 to 30 percent of his time to building it. He noted that, because the program aligns with Superintendent Julie Conrad’s strategic vision, he waited for her plan to be approved before proceeding.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked why the Chamber, rather than the school board, was leading efforts to expand early‑childhood education. Alford explained that the school system does not serve children from birth to age four, leaving a gap that the Chamber is working to fill.

He added that improving childhood literacy is in the Chamber’s best interest, noting that a well‑educated population is essential for sustaining the economy. With the U.S. Southeast now accounting for 33 percent of global GDP and Florida becoming the nation’s largest state economy, further economic growth requires every eight-year-old to be reading proficiently by 2030.

“This is why early learning is critical,” he said. “If other departments aren’t tackling it, it will fall on business to address these and get these done.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson praised the EDC for addressing early‑childhood development and literacy, stressing the need to raise children who can not only read but also comprehend and understand what they read to become strong employees and employers.

“That time is really critical for a child to learn,” he said. “We kind of start them off at five in the education sense, and they are not ready. So there is not enough going on, and there needs to be more going on. So, I’m really proud of Lake Wales.”

Lake Wales Truck Driver Cited After Lumber Shifts Through Cab on I-75

Traffic

Allison

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July 16, 2026

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Lake Wales Truck Driver Cited After Lumber Shifts Through Cab on I-75

A 31-year-old Lake Wales man was cited Thursday morning after a load of lumber shifted forward through the cab of his tractor-trailer on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. on July 16 near mile marker 245.

Troopers said the driver was traveling southbound on I-75 when he slowed abruptly due to traffic ahead. The sudden stop caused the load of lumber being transported to shift forward, crashing through the cab and front windshield before spilling onto the highway.

No injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

The crash temporarily closed the two outside southbound lanes of I-75 while crews cleared the roadway. The lanes reopened at approximately 8:40 a.m.

The driver was cited for failure to properly secure the load.

Upcoming Road Closure on 60 West

Traffic

Allison

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July 16, 2026

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An upcoming roadway closure is scheduled on U.S. Highway 60 West between Bartow and Lake Wales for a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and CSX Transportation railroad crossing improvement project.

U.S. Highway 60 West is scheduled to close on Sunday, July 26 for an FDOT/CSX Transportation railroad crossing improvement project. The roadway will be closed at the railroad tracks located west of the U.S. Highway 60 West and West Lake Wales Road South intersection until railroad crossing improvement work is completed. The roadway is expected to remain closed for approximately two weeks and will result in significant detours as crews make necessary repairs to the railroad tracks.

Local traffic will be detoured using Old Bartow Road and Old Lake Wales Road. Large vehicle and truck traffic will be detoured 31 miles using U.S. Highway 27 and U.S. Highway 98.

For more information about the closure, visit www.swflroads.com/project/453830-1.

Info courtesy of Polk County Government Florida

$50,000 Facade Grant Awarded for Friedlander Department Store Renovation

Local Government and Politics

Allison

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July 15, 2026

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$50,000 Facade Grant Awarded for Friedlander Department Store Renovation
by James Coulter

First, it was a department store. Then, a hardware store. Today, it sits vacant in downtown Lake Wales. Soon, however, the art déco-style building on East Park Avenue will begin a new chapter after receiving a $50,000 façade grant to help restore its historic exterior.

At their regular meeting on Wed. July 1, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board members voted unanimously to approve awarding a façade grant of up to $50,000 to a local historic building, whose façade improvement project exceeds $100,000 in eligible expenditures.

Funding will be provided through the Historic Restoration Façade Grant Program, whose mission is “providing a financial incentive to owners located within the Downtown Historic Overlay District to restore, preserve, and encourage the reuse of downtown’s historic resources, all of which will stimulate investment and raise property values. “

Located at 101 East Park Avenue, the structure was originally built in 1926 as a one‑story commercial building and later expanded to two stories in 1936. It sits on three lots that were purchased by Harry Friedlander in 1924.

The building served as the location of The Friedlander Department Store for seventy years—making it one of the longest-running family-owned businesses in Lake Wales—until closing its doors in 1995. It later became home to the True Value Hardware store, which operated there until 2019. The building has remained vacant since then.

Now, the building will be renovated by its current owner, Michael Andoniades, a developer known for restoring several historic St. Petersburg landmarks, including the Hollander, the Avalon, and the Mary Jean hotels.

The proposed renovation calls for restoring the building’s historic façade with a fresh coat of paint, as well as replacing the awning, refinishing the wooden floors, updating the windows, and converting the upper door into a decorative feature.

Ronni Wood, Assistant Director of the Lake Wales CRA, praised the project as a model of economic development and historic preservation. She added that, as one of the city’s signature buildings, its restoration will complement the planned revival of the nearby Historic Walesbilt Hotel.

“This project truly is an economic development project within the context of historic preservation,” she said. “This is going to be a real first hook and opportunity to get [visitors] out of the hotel and into our downtown.”

City Manager James Slatton also praised the project for addressing a persistent challenge downtown: the shortage of turn‑key commercial space. He noted that many prospective business owners have passed on setting up shop in the area because they cannot afford to renovate buildings and launch a business at the same time.

“They don’t have the capital most of the time to buy the buildings and restore buildings that someone else owns,” he explained. “Their money goes into sustaining their businesses, their inventory, their employment. So we lose a lot of money because we don’t have buildings for them to move into, quite honestly.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie questioned whether the renovation would attract a tenant, asking how officials could be confident the space would be occupied once the work is complete.

Jason Thoma, Managing Partner at Boros Ventures, said the city and his company will work together to attract prospective tenants by offering competitive rental rates, participating in community events to build interest, and assisting with tenant buildouts.

Commissioner Terri Miller voiced firm support for the project, noting that a recent visit to downtown St. Petersburg, where she saw several restored historic buildings firsthand, boosted her confidence in the renovation.

Commissioner Keith Thompson commended the project as an exemplar of the public-private partnerships he believes are necessary to advance downtown revitalization efforts, especially with the upcoming historic hotel restoration.

“What we have seen here has been a heavy lift on the operating side of things, where you have a potential business owner with a great business plan, but then they are asked to rebuild the building at their cost,” he said. “So you have to choose between saving capital for operating to open the doors, or fixing up a building. I don’t think it has been a viable plan for quite some time, and I love everything about this.”

Missing Frostproof Man William “Bill” Murphy Found Dead In Grove Close To Where He Went Missing

Frostproof

carl

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July 15, 2026

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Missing Frostproof Man William “Bill” Murphy Found Dead In Grove Close To Where He Went Missing

FROSTPROOF, Fla. — The search for a missing Frostproof man has come to a tragic end after William “Bill” Murphy, 31, was found deceased Tuesday in a grove near Lost Grove Road in southern Polk County.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Murphy’s death does not appear to be suspicious at this time. An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday to determine his exact cause of death.

Murphy had been reported missing after he was last seen around 1 p.m. on July 9 on Pfundstein Road in the Lake Wales area. Deputies said he was last seen wearing black Under Armour shorts, no shirt, and possibly no shoes. His vehicle was later located near Alat Road and Lost Grove Road in the Frostproof area.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated Murphy was known to abuse narcotics and appeared to be under the influence when he disappeared.

Family members, volunteers, and law enforcement spent several days searching the rural area where Murphy was last believed to have been. According to reports from those involved in the search, Murphy was ultimately located by family members in a grove near Lost Grove Road. The Sheriff’s Office has not officially identified who made the discovery.

Volunteer search organization We Are the Essentials joined the effort, deploying drones, ground search teams, and a K-9 unit to search hundreds of acres of orange groves and wooded property. During the search, the organization urged nearby residents to check game cameras, Ring doorbell footage, and outbuildings for any possible clues to Murphy’s whereabouts.

Daily Ridge observed a large law enforcement presence Tuesday morning near the intersection of Lost Grove Road and South Wardlaw Road, where deputies had established a perimeter in the area before the Sheriff’s Office later confirmed Murphy had been found deceased.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Marks Off Area Near William Murphy’s Found Vehicle – Photo Credit Daily Ridge Reader

The investigation remains active pending the results of the autopsy, but investigators say there are currently no indications of foul play.

County Commits Nearly $1.7 Million Toward New Caloosa Lake Fire Station Along ABC RD

Local Government and Politics

Allison

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July 9, 2026

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County Commits Nearly $1.7 Million Toward New Caloosa Lake Fire Station Along ABC RD

by James Coulter

Lake Wales will soon have a new fire station, built from a prototype that has become an industry standard, after the county approved the project’s guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction services.

At their regular meeting on Tues. June 16, 2026, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) addendum with Miller Construction Management, Inc. for the construction of the Caloosa Lake Fire Rescue Station 21.

To fund the project, $1,693,204 will be transferred from the Emergency Medical Millage Fund Reserve for Future Capital Expansion. With total construction costs estimated at $4,696,968, the project will require a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) amendment.

The fire station is one of four stations planned for the county. The other three projects include:

Nalcrest Fire Rescue Station (Nalcrest) — currently on hold until a water plant is constructed near the site.
Watkins Road Fire Rescue Station (Haines City) — completed construction in June 2024.
Bradley Junction Fire Rescue Station (Bradley) — previously approved with Caloosa for pre-construction services.

The station’s floor plan is based on a prototype developed by the Lunz Group. According to the group’s website, the design was intended for replication “at multiple sites across the County with only small tweaks,” an approach that “reduced design fees” and “demonstrated fiscal responsibility.”

The core prototype features a dual-bay design with apparatus bays engineered for future expansion, along with clearly defined decontamination zones physically separated from residential areas. This separation helps mitigate the spread of carcinogens, contaminants, and other hazardous exposures within the facility.

The BoCC commissioned the prototype design in 2019, approved it in 2020, and brought it to fruition in 2021 through the design and construction of the Kathleen Fire Rescue Station in Lakeland.

This design was developed to help meet the growing demand for services driven by population growth. According to the Lunz Group website, the Lakeland–Winter Haven metropolitan area experienced the second-highest population growth rate in the United States between 2019 and 2020, increasing by 2.7 percent.

Commissioner Mike Scott praised the construction of the new fire stations, highlighting the prototype’s design, which he said has become “almost industry-leading.” The new facilities will not only enhance safety for residents but also help control future costs by avoiding greater expenses down the road. Scott noted that building the stations now would be “less than what we would have to spend in the future” as construction costs continue to rise.

“So, hats off to the county for looking at a program perspective of implementing this [prototype] successfully, not only managing how we spend our money but also how effective and efficient we are with it as well,” he said.

Lake Wales To Honor 2026 Polk County Pioneer Robin Gibson With Official Day

carl

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July 6, 2026

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Lake Wales To Honor 2026 Polk County Pioneer Robin Gibson With Official Day

By Carl Fish

LAKE WALES, Fla. — Just weeks after being named a 2026 Polk County Pioneer, longtime Lake Wales attorney and community leader Robin Gibson is set to receive another honor.

During its July 7 meeting, the Lake Wales City Commission is expected to proclaim July 7, 2026, as “Mr. Robin Gibson Day,” recognizing Gibson’s decades of service to the community and his lasting contributions to preserving the history of Lake Wales and Polk County.

The proclamation follows Gibson’s recent recognition by the Polk County Historical Association as a 2026 Polk County Pioneer. The annual designation honors residents who have made significant contributions to Polk County and helped preserve its history for future generations. To qualify, recipients must be at least 75 years old, have lived in Polk County for at least 50 years, and complete an oral history interview documenting their memories and experiences.

Gibson, 89, has called Lake Wales home for approximately 60 years. Earlier this year, he completed a four-hour oral history interview, sharing memories of his life and the growth of the community over the past six decades.

A familiar name to generations of Lake Wales residents, Gibson has spent decades serving the community as an attorney and civic leader. In addition to his private law practice, he served for many years as attorney for the Lake Wales Charter Schools and has played a role in numerous local organizations and initiatives that have helped shape the city.

According to the proclamation, the Polk County Historical Association and the City of Lake Wales are grateful for Gibson’s efforts to preserve the stories and history of the community through the organization’s ongoing oral history program.

Gibson was formally recognized as a 2026 Polk County Pioneer during the Polk County Historical Association’s Annual Meeting and Pioneer Luncheon on June 23 at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland.

If approved as expected, the proclamation will officially designate July 7, 2026, as “Mr. Robin Gibson Day” in the City of Lake Wales, honoring a man whose influence has been felt in the legal profession, education, public service and the community for decades.

Chick-fil-A Coming to Lake Wales

Food

Allison

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July 2, 2026

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City of Lake Wales, FL-

Chick-fil-A is setting-up shop in Lake Wales! The restaurant chain just received site plan approval from the City’s growth management department.

Known for its’ crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, nuggets, waffle fries, and milk shakes, Chick-fil-A is constructing a restaurant on Hwy 27 next to Wawa.

Chick-fil-A is the fifth restaurant chain recently attracted to the City of Lake Wales, along with four other new restaurants, Slim Chickens, Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.

Defense Asks Judge to Throw Out Murder Charge in Fatal Lake Wales Shooting – Stand Your Ground Hearing Upcoming

LAKE WALES POLICE DEPARTMENT

carl

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July 1, 2026

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Defense Asks Judge to Throw Out Murder Charge in Fatal Lake Wales Shooting – Stand Your Ground Hearing Upcoming

By Carl Fish | Daily Ridge

The man accused of fatally shooting a Lake Wales teenager last December is asking a Polk County judge to throw out the murder charge, arguing he acted in self-defense and is protected under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.

Attorneys for Miles Edward Brown recently filed a motion seeking immunity from prosecution, asking the court to dismiss the second-degree murder charge stemming from the December 2, 2025, shooting death of Jayvyn McFadden.

The filing is the defense’s version of events, not findings by the court. Prosecutors will have an opportunity to challenge those claims during an upcoming Stand Your Ground hearing.

In the motion, Brown’s attorney says Brown was sitting inside a parked Chevrolet Cruze on a public roadway in a residential Lake Wales neighborhood when McFadden allegedly approached the vehicle while armed with a hammer. The defense argues Brown believed he was in imminent danger and fired in self-defense.

The motion also argues Brown was not engaged in criminal activity at the time and therefore had no legal duty to retreat before using deadly force.

According to the defense, Brown left the scene after the shooting, spoke with family members, and later went to the Lake Wales Police Department on his own. The filing says he waived his Miranda rights and consistently told investigators he acted in self-defense.

The motion also references statements the defense says were made by witness Delvin Todd, McFadden’s cousin. According to the filing, Todd told investigators McFadden wanted to “fight” before the shooting and admitted McFadden had been carrying a hammer. The defense further claims Todd told investigators he moved the hammer away from McFadden’s body after the shooting and notes that detectives recovered a hammer near the scene.

Those assertions come directly from the defense’s motion. They have not been adopted by the court or proven during any hearing, and the State is expected to contest them.

Under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, a defendant can ask a judge to dismiss criminal charges before trial if they believe they were legally justified in using deadly force. If Brown establishes a legally sufficient claim, prosecutors must then show by clear and convincing evidence that he is not entitled to immunity.

Judge Mark F. Carpanini has scheduled a hearing on the motion for August 5, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. at the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow. Court records show three hours have been reserved for the hearing.

Brown remains charged with second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. If the judge denies the motion, the case will continue toward trial. If the motion is granted, the murder charge could be dismissed before a jury is ever selected.

Daily Ridge previously reported on the shooting and the events leading up to Brown’s arrest. The August hearing is expected to be one of the most significant proceedings in the case to date, as the court weighs whether Brown’s actions were legally justified under Florida law.

A Life Lost, Another Changed: How Unresolved Conflicts Between Young Adults Lead To December 2nd Shooting In Lake Wales

From Battalion Chief to “Coach Mike,” Florida’s Special Olympics Bocce Team Brings Home the Gold

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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June 30, 2026

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From Battalion Chief to “Coach Mike,” Florida’s Special Olympics Bocce Team Brings Home the Gold

By Anita Todd

LAKE WALES – For ten days this month, he enjoyed being called “Coach Mike” by the 4-member bocce team representing Florida at the Special Olympics USA Games Minnesota 2026. The team brought home three gold medals, three silver medals, and one fourth and one fifth place in bocce.

From left Coach Mike Lunsford, the two athletes who won the mixed doubles Gold medal, and assistant coach Mary Adamson.

For Mike Lunsford, his final promotion in his 40-year careerwith the Polk County Fire and Rescue Department made him“Chief.” The hard-earned and well-respected title of battalion chief was important but not as much fun as “Coach Mike.”

Lunsford was one of 1,500 coaches, 4,000 athletes, 12,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states who traveled to Minnesota to come together for the Games. Featuring 19 sports, the Games shined a light on the abilities and strengths of people with intellectual disabilities, according to the Special Olympics website.

“The team responded well to me. It was a little bit daunting because there’s little contact with them during the year,” Lunsford said. “But they warmed up to me calling me Coach Mike.” The medals and honors the team brought home were a culmination of different events including doubles, singles and unified teams.

Arriving in Minnesota, the team and coaches.

The team members were selected from applicants from all over the state. Lunsford was only able to get together with them a couple of times before the Games. This is simply because members are scattered all over the state making getting together hard. However, their regular coaches continued to work with them to prepare

Like the athletes, Lunsford was one of dozens who applied to be the leader of the Florida bocce team. Being named coach allowed him to mark it off his bucket list.

“These Games teach young people how to play but also sportsmanship,” Mike said. “Pam (his wife) and I teach to play strictly by the rules. You must live by the rules in sports and everywhere else too.”

The Lunsford’s, who live in Lake Wales, got involved in the organization when their son began participating at nine years old– 23 years ago.

“This is a high honor to be selected as the coach,” Mike said.

Their son has participated in numerous sports but in 2022 he was selected to go to the Special Olympics games held in Orlando that year. There, he earned a gold medal in bocce. Bocce ball is a popular outdoor game that blends skill and strategy, often enjoyed in backyards, parks, and specialized courts. In bocce, participants – either as individuals or teams – take turns throwing bocce balls with the goal to land them as close as possible to a smaller target ball.

“We told Joseph to choose two sports that he liked and was good at,” Pam said. “We wanted him to excel at two and be more focused.” Joseph, now 32, chose adaptive golf and bocce. He has also played softball, baseball, bowling and corn hole.

For these Games, Joseph and Pam had to stay home and watch Mike (Dad) and the Games via live stream. When asked what Joseph thought about his Dad being the coach, he simplified it with one word: “Awesome.”

Pam, a retired registered nurse, said they see the rewards that participating in the Games provide.

“We see the reward – not only with our son but with other Olympians.”

The Lunsford’s said that coaching the athletes is a community effort working together for their good. Winter Haven Police Department Sergeant David Keigan is also a coach.

In addition to volunteering as “Coach Mike,” he often helps outat their church and tries to follow a quote: “If you take anything from your community, you are obligated to give it back.”

The Games are held every four years and Lunsford said that it was an amazing experience just to attend – let alone coach.

“I don’t care what sport it was, when they (the athletes) weren’t on the field, they were best buddies,” Lunsford laughed. “But, on the field they were all business. We could all take some lessons from them on sportsmanship.”

For more information about Special Olympics, visit specialolympics.org.

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