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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

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

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment. 

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

·        Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

·        Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

·        Reckless driving (F3)

·        One count DUI with property damage (M1)

·        One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. 

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Fairy Festival Coming to Bok Tower Gardens June 14

Photo credit: Bok Tower Gardens

BOK TOWER GARDENS – Come dressed in your fairy best as Bok Tower Gardens presents a summer Fairy Festival like none other! This magical day is perfect for fairies and fauns of all ages, with activities and entertainment throughout the Gardens.

See a fairy godmother take flight from the Singing Tower as she dances amongst the trees, meet fantastical fairies and awesome animals, discover hidden Fairy Doors, and delight your senses with art, music, and plenty of bubbles!

Event Date & Time

Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location

Bok Tower Gardens

Price

Free for members / $20 for non-member adults / $10 for non-member children ages 6-17 (Includes admission for the day) Free for children 5 and under.
Activities are included in general admission – some activities are available while supplies last
Purchase General Admission Now

Please Note:

To assist Bok Tower Gardens with the rising costs of online transactions, a small processing fee is required for to confirm your registration.

Ticket price includes general admission to the Gardens. Tickets are available for purchase at boktower.org, in person at the Visitor Center or by phone at 863-734-1222. All programs and classes promptly begin at stated time and visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before class begins for check-in. Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to the class start time. Culinary events are demonstration based and late arrivals may not be accommodated. For classes held after 5 pm, the entrance gate will stay open for an additional 30 minutes after the start time. Once the gate closes, late arrivals will not be admitted. Due to the nature of culinary events held at the Outdoor Kitchen, Bok Tower Garden may attempt, but cannot guarantee, to accommodate food allergies. Dogs are not permitted at any educational program.

In Loving Memory of George Benjamin Macnamara, 80, of Lake Wales

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George Benjamin Macnamara, 80

George Benjamin Macnamara of Lake Wales passed away Friday, April 18, 2025 at his residence.

He was born May 20, 1944 in Orlando to the late Roger and Dorothea Macnamara. George was a retired Police Officer for Orlando Police Department and was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. He was a member of Saint Marks Cathedral when he lived in Orlando. George was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Macnamara. He is survived by his son, George Benjamin Macnamara, II of Orlando; sister, Martha Behrens of Lakeland; brother, Patrick Macnamara and wife Sandy of Lexington, Virginia; and best friend, Paul Howe.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Registration Opening Soon for Polk State College “Kids at College” in Lake Wales This Summer

Kids in Lake Wales have a new option this year for a great summer experience.

Polk State College, JD Alexander Center, in Lake Wales is offering a week of “Kids in College” July 21-25 2025. Each daily session will run from 8:15 AM to 12:25 PM for kids aged 5 to 13.

While the program has been offered at PSC’s Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses, this is the first year that it will be offered in Lake Wales. The JD Alexander Center is located at 152 E. Central Ave.

The program offers kids the opportunity to experience several exciting classes, such as 3D printing, balloon twisting, and science club, to name a few.

To find out more about a summer full of discovery, or for more information on this program, please visit https://www.polk.edu/kids-at-college/.

Local Business Owner Al Mustafa Opens New Dunkin’ Donuts Location

Photo credit: Al Mustafa

If you run on Dunkin, you are going to be a very happy camper this morning.

The new Dunkin’ Donuts, located at 180 Highway 60 E. in Lake Wales, is open. While the location is open for business, it’s considered a soft opening, which allows the business to fine-tune its operations.

Photo Credit: Al Mustafa

Al Mustafa, owner of multiple locations in Lake Wales and the surrounding area, says that a grand opening celebration is planned in the coming weeks.

This location is open 24/7.

For more information, visit www.dunkindonuts.com.

Photo Credit: Al Mustafa

Volunteers Needed for Flags for Florida’s Fallen Memorial Day Weekend

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Photo credit: Florida National Cemetery

Flags for Florida’s Fallen, a not-for-profit organization with the assistance of hundreds of volunteers that spend Memorial Day weekend placing a flag on each veteran’s grave and thanking them for their service, has requested volunteers to place flags on each grave at the Florida National Cemetery on Sunday, May 25, 2025 in preparation for Memorial Day on the 26th.

The cemetery is located in Bushnell, Florida.

The link to register to participate follows: https://forms.gle/pBZc5AJtG71KAisA7

Father-Daughter Duo Arrested for Theft of Water Well in Lake Wales

In a bizarre and calculated heist, a father and daughter have both been arrested in connection to the theft of a water well bladder from a residential property in Lake Wales, Florida.

The incident, which unfolded on March 17, 2025, began when 29-year-old Tawnya Michelle Vega allegedly stole a 32-gallon water bladder tank from a residence on Smokey Road. The well system was an essential part of the home’s water supply, located approximately ten feet from the northwest corner of the property. The theft rendered the well potentially inoperable, and early estimates for repairs, including electrical components, could reach up to $5,000.

The next day, deputies made contact with 55-year-old Michael Vega near the scene. He was found walking away from the property with a wrench in hand. Though the tank was not found on him at the time, further investigation linked both him and Tawnya to the crime.

A witness reported seeing Tawnya’s distinctive vehicle at the scene, and she was later observed running to and from the well area with an unidentified accomplice. Another key tip came from another source, who messaged a relative of the property owner via Facebook, warning that Tawnya had announced plans to steal the well after borrowing a wrench from another individual. Detectives later found the stolen tank at a residence on Poe Road, installed with new PVC piping and back-fed into the home with a garden hose.

Michael Vega was arrested on March 19 and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, and petit theft. During his interview, he denied involvement but admitted to being on the property looking for a bicycle. After being shown evidence, he changed his story multiple times.

Tawnya remained at large until April 18, when Polk County Sheriff’s deputies located her at a home in Camp Mack. She was arrested and charged with burglary, petit theft (2nd offense), and possession of burglary tools. Additionally, she was served with a warrant for failure to pay child support.

The case is a striking example of see something, say something, digital tips and community cooperation can aid law enforcement in solving a unique and costly theft—one that literally stole the water from a family’s home.

National Weather Service Issues Red Flag Warning

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National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a red flag warning for April 20, 2025. Details: 

…CRITICALLY LOW HUMIDITY WITH GUSTY WINDS WILL RESULT IN ELEVATED FIRE DANGER… .Very dry warm breezy conditions today will cause relative humidity values to drop below critical levels, and wind speeds will be 15 MPH or greater this afternoon. This will create Red Flag conditions across the vast majority of the forecast area. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon today to 7 PM EDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA…Sumter, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Coastal Levy, Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Sarasota, Coastal Charlotte, Coastal Lee, Inland Levy, Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Pasco, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Manatee, Inland Sarasota, Inland Charlotte and Inland Lee. * TIMING…From noon today to 7 PM EDT this evening. * WINDS…Southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 30 percent. * IMPACTS…Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

In Loving Memory of Harvey Lee Roper, 70, of Lake Wales

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Harvey Lee Roper of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at George Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.

He was born January 23, 1955 in Wilson, North Carolina to the late William and Doris Roper; he moved to Lake Wales from Bartow in 1987. Harvey was a retired copy machine repairman. He loved to be on the open road riding his Harley, but especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Harvey was preceded in death by his brothers, Lewis Roper and Billy Roper. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lisa E. Roper; daughter, Stephanie Roper of Lakeland; sons, Brandon Roper of Lake Wales, Chrisopher Roper of Lakeland, Eric Roper; brother, Ray Roper; and two grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time. 

Florida Gators Basketball Great Walter Clayton Jr. Cuts the Ribbon for Opening of Renovated Albert Kirkland Gym

Famed University of Florida basketball player, Walter Clayton Jr., was in Lake Wales on Friday, April 18, 2025, to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Albert Kirkland Gymnasium.

A small motorcade of vehicles, including representatives of Lake Wales Police Department and Lake Wales Fire Department, as well as several vehicles provided by the Low Payment Kings, arrived at the Gym with Clayton and his family.

The public was invited to attend the event, and many citizens took advantage of the opportunity to witness Clayton return to the Kirkland Gymnasium. Lake Wales Mayor Jack Hilligoss spoke at the event, welcoming Clayton back to the City where he lived and spent part of his high school years.

Clayton cut the ceremonial ribbon along side his mother, Cherie Foster, which officially opened the gym after the flooring was recently restored.

At one point, the All-American basketball player looked off to his left and said, “I think that’s where I hit my first dunk.”

United Way Children’s Kindness Pop-Up Class Coming May 6

In partnership with InnerAct Alliance, The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center will be hosting a new Humane Education Program titled “Kindness Class” on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center.

Children aged 4-5 years old will engage in lessons using high quality, age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities that reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare and care for nature.

The class is offered at no charge to any family wanting their child to attend.

Class size is limited. Please reserve your space online and be on time. Anyone arriving 15 minutes late to class may not be able to attend.

The Lake Wales Family Recreation Center is located at 1001 Burns Avenue, Lake Wales.

Register here: https://uwcf-kindnessclasslw.rsvpify.com