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

Emergency Sewer Line Repairs and Other Public Work Projects Approved by the City of Lake Wales

City of Lake Wales

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January 24, 2025

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Emergency Sewer Line Repairs and Other Public Work Projects Approved by the City of Lake Wales

by James Coulter

The replacement of gate valves and chlorine storage tanks, along with emergency repairs to sewer lines, are some of the public works projects recently approved by the City of Lake Wales.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Jan. 21, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda, which included three items related to public works projects.

The first consent agenda item was for emergency repairs in the sewer shed for lift station service areas. The repairs will be performed by Innovative Pipeline Systems, through which the city will enter into an agreement.

As the agenda memo explains: “The wastewater facilities have been experiencing higher flows at the wastewater treatment plant and higher lift station run times…[and as such] the old clay gravity sewer mains and needs to be repaired immediately.”

Nearly $53,600 is expected to be expended on these repairs, with $300,000.00 having been budgeted in the Wastewater Division’s Capital budget for this fiscal year.

The second item will be for the replacement of a 12-foot check valve and gate valve at a high-service pump in the water treatment plant. These replacements will be made through Coastal Pump and Equipment.

As the agenda memo explains: “The valves allow the water plant to operate at its full capacity.”

Replacing both valves will cost approximately $32,480, of which $225,000 has been budgeted in the utilities operational budget for this fiscal year.

The third and final item will be the replacement of chlorination storage tanks at the water treatment plant. These replacements will be purchased from and installed by Odyssey Manufacturing.

The original tanks being replaced were installed in 2008. As the agenda memo states: “Due to the corrosive nature of various chemicals involved in the water treatment process, it becomes necessary for components associated with those chemicals to require periodic maintenance and replacement to ensure continued operation.”

Replacing these tanks will cost approximately $23,500, of which $225,000 has been budgeted in the Utilities Operating Budget for this fiscal year.

Cypress Gardens Blvd. Fatal Crash, Explained

Maria Iannucci

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January 24, 2025

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Cypress Gardens Blvd. Fatal Crash, Explained

Polk County Sheriff’s Office has provided the following initial summary of last night’s fatal crash on Cypress Gardens Blvd.:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a crash that occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in unincorporated Winter Haven on Cypress Gardens Blvd. near the intersection with U.S. Hwy 27.

A 2021 Jeep Gladiator being driven by a 52-year-old man from Bartow was heading west on CGB, moving from the right lane into the left lane, when the Jeep began to hydroplane. It was raining most of the day and the roads were wet. The driver lost control and the Jeep crossed over the raised center median and into the path of a 2023 Nissan Sentra that was heading eastbound. A head-on collision occurred, causing the Sentra to rotate, and the Jeep to roll onto its side. A 2016 Audi that was behind the Sentra also collided with the Sentra, due to being unable to avoid it. The driver of the Sentra, a 60-year-old woman from Haines City, was killed. She was the only occupant of her vehicle.

The driver of the Audi, a 58-year-old Winter Haven man, and the driver of the Jeep, both had minor injuries; they were taken to a local hospital. They were each the only occupants of their vehicles.

CGB was closed for approximately 4 hours last evening.

One Dead, Two Injured in Fiery Lake Wales Traffic Crash

Maria Iannucci

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January 23, 2025

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One Dead, Two Injured in Fiery Lake Wales Traffic Crash

The scene at Cypress Gardens Blvd. Where tonight’s accident occurred. Photo provided by an individual who gave permission for use and declined photo credit.

One person is dead, and two others injured, in tonight’s traffic accident on Cypress Gardens Blvd. near Hwy. 27 in Lake Wales.

Brian Bruchey, public information officer at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed that the crash occurred around 5:31 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Cypress Gardens Blvd., west of US 27, is facing traffic issues for both eastbound and westbound traffic. Drivers should continue to avoid this area.

Bruchey has also confirmed one fatality as a result of the crash.

Polk County Fire Rescue PIO Nathaniel Gale says PCFR extricated one person from one of the vehicles that caught fire, and put the fire out. Two patients, neither considered a trauma alert, were transported by ground to the hospital.

No further details are available at this time as there is an active investigation

Nearly $89K Approved to Renovate Former Family Elder Law Building for LWPD

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 23, 2025

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Nearly $89K Approved to Renovate Former Family Elder Law Building for LWPD

by James Coulter

A building across the street from the Lake Wales Police Department will undergo a redesign for $89,000 now that a proposal has been approved by the City of Lake Wales.

At their meeting on Tues. Jan 21, Lake Wales City Commissioner voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda. One agenda item included a proposal to redesign a building recently acquired for use by the city police department.

Located at 122 E. Tillman Ave., the building was formerly utilized by Family Elder Law. The City of Lake Wales purchased it on Aug. 29, 2024.

The building will be utilized by the police department, which is located right across the street, to move several units. To allow the police department to better utilize the building, a redesign has been proposed.

As the city agenda memo states, the proposed redesign, which was put forward by Parlier + Crews Architect, P.A., will include a “training room, several interview rooms, conference room, and a storage room.”

The agenda item had previously been tabled for discussion at the Dec. 17, 2024 meeting for additional clarification.

Had the proposal not been approved, as the memo further clarifies, “the building layout would remain as it is and would not be in the best form for use by the Police Department.”

Now that the proposed redesign has been approved, the City Manager has been authorized to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf, and $89,000 will be expended for the project.

As the city memo explains: “A budget amendment of $89,000.00 will be needed to pay for this building design.”

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Power Outage East of Lake Wales; Over 1,500 Without Electricity

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 23, 2025

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Power Outage East of Lake Wales; Over 1,500 Without Electricity

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, at approximately 1:05 p.m, it was established that approximately 1,551 customers of Duke Energy are left without power.

According to Duke Energy‘s power outage map, the cause of the power outage is unknown at this time.

The outage area includes portions of Hwy. 60, Walk-In-Water Rd., and the area surrounding Lake Rosalie.

Duke Energy estimates that power is currently estimated to be restored by 5:15 p.m. this evening.

In Loving Memory of Paul Joseph Och Jr., 82

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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January 22, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Paul Joseph Och Jr., 82

Paul Joseph Och Jr ,age 82, of Florida passed away with his family by his side, following his battle with dementia, on Tuesday, January 21st. He is survived by his children Thomas and wife Becky of Florida and Patricia and Thomas Welsh of Bethel Park, brothers Robert and wife Kathleen, and William, his brother in law Glenn Pfeil, several nieces and nephews, and two grandchildren.

Paul was predeceased by his wife Kathleen “Candy”, his parents Paul and Magdalena, brother James and sister Barbara.

Paul grew up on Mt. Washington and raised his family in Whitehall. He was a devoted father and grandfather.. He was employed with Giant Eagle for many years. He was a member of Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Church.

The family is grieving in private and will have no public services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Hope (St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin) Catholic Church or Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimers.org. Interment will be at St. Casimir, Whitehall PA.

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Ann Mann, 95, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 22, 2025

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Elizabeth Ann Mann, 95

Ann T. Mann of Lake Wales passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at Advent Health Lake Wales.

Ann was born December 6, 1929, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, to Joseph Bee Templeton and Sara McCarley Templeton. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Erskine College and went on to complete her Master of Sciences and Arts at the University of South Florida.

Ann was a retired teacher and administrator. She taught second grade at Polk Avenue Elementary. At McLaughlin Middle School, she taught seventh grade science and also served as the Assistant Principal.

Ann was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. She served as a Sunday School teacher, became the first female Deacon of the church, and was very active in local and Presbyterial Women of the Church.

She was a former member of the Lake Wales Women’s Club. She enjoyed fellowship with long-time friends, playing card games, especially Bridge, and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald L. Mann; and sister, Miriam McLendon. She is survived by her daughter, Martha Mann McKenzie of Lakeland; and son, Don L. Mann, and wife Shelby, of Vernon, Alabama; Grandchildren, Joe McKenzie (Mandie), Jennifer Pruitt (Jacob), Michael Mann (Yanelin), Kathryn Davis (Houston); great-grandchildren, Alyssa Mann, Sara Mann, Julie Mann, Owen McKenzie, Jackson Pruitt, McKenzie Davis, Ella McKenzie, Joshua Pruitt, Clay Davis, and Emma Grace Davis; nieces, Anne Campbell (Jeff), and Kathryn Edmunds (Michael) and nephew, Stephen McLendon (Sheila).

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales with Reverend Mackay Smith officiating. Ann requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the college of your choice.

In Loving Memory of Ruth Ann Foster, 73, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 22, 2025

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Ruth Ann Foster, 73

Ruth Ann Foster of Lake Wales passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 at home.

She was born March 23, 1951 in Big Spring, Texas to the late Jesse and Dora Mendoza. Ruth Ann was a retired teacher for the Houston School System and the Hillsborough County School District. She was an upbeat member of First Baptist Church of Plant City and Lake Wales where she loved to share her faith with others. Ruth Ann enjoyed reading, attending bible studies, singing, making jewelry and gardening. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Ray Foster. She is survived by her daughter, Kaitlyn Boston (Daniel) of Lithia; sister, Dora Mendoza of Lake Wales; and grandchildren, Kali Boston, Cheyenne Boston, and Avery Boston.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. Flowers can be sent to First Baptist Church of Lake Wales (305 E Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, Florida 33853).

Hwy. 60 Lake Wales Crash Temporarily Shuts Down Roadway

Maria Iannucci

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January 22, 2025

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Hwy. 60 Lake Wales Crash Temporarily Shuts Down Roadway

At approximately 6:37 PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, a traffic collision was reported to Polk County Fire Rescue near the intersection of Highway 60 W. and Mammoth Grove Road in Lake Wales.

From our location, only one vehicle was visible; the vehicle had heavy damage and was in an unlit area of the highway.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Carrie Horstman, says that the westbound lanes of Hwy. 60 were temporarily shut down, but are now open to traffic.

Polk County Fire Rescue PIO, Nathaniel Gale, says that an individual had to be extricated from a vehicle, and was transported by ground to a hospital.

This article will be updated if additional information becomes available from law-enforcement.

SILVER ALERT: 90-Year-Old Man with Dementia Missing

Polk County

Maria Iannucci

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January 22, 2025

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SILVER ALERT

PCSO: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a Silver Alert for missing and endangered 90-year-old Ronald James Riggleman, of Lake Eaglebrooke Way in Lakeland.

He was last seen at 10:53 a.m. this morning (January 22nd) leaving the area of US Hwy 98 South and Innovation Drive, heading south on 98 in his silver Kia Soul with a Florida U.S. Marine Corps specialty tag RJ825.

Mr. Riggleman is 6′ tall with gray hair and brown eyes. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue jacket. He suffers from dementia.

If you see Ronald Riggleman, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Thank you!

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