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

Candlelight Christian Academy Wins Mid-Florida Athletic Conference

Sports

Allison

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February 26, 2026

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Candlelight Christian Academy Wins Mid-Florida Athletic Conference
by James Coulter

In a banner night for Candlelight Christian Academy, the middle and high school basketball teams each battled their way to Mid-Florida Athletic Conference championships.

Both the middle school and junior varsity teams for Candlelight Christian Academy rose to the top as Mid-Florida Athletic Conference champions on Thursday evening.

The junior varsity team has especially remained “competitive in their district” with the team “navigating a challenging mid-season stretch” and maintaining a 5-1 district record as of this month, according to reports from MaxPreps.

Their victory proved especially triumphant as the team defeatedan otherwise undefeatable team, which had maintained the upper hand last season, explained Chris Wiseman, Athletic Director of Candlelight Christian Academy.

“One of the things that I am most excited about for our JV team: they defeated a team that was undefeated this season and had beaten us over the regular season, so we were able to overcome them by a pretty good margin earlier this season and were able to beat them at the tournament,” he explained.

Not only did both the middle school and junior varsity teams pull off victory at the conference, but the middle school team maintained a three-year winning streak, Wiseman said.

Wiseman explained that the middle school team experienced a major setback with most of their 8th-grade players moving on to high school, leaving their team high and dry on players, with only one returning starter.

Their success this past season hinges upon the Christ-centered philosophy of the two coaches: Coach Gieloy Cordero (JV) and Coach Sam Rogers (MS).

Keeping true to the Christian school’s commitment to having their staff demonstrate “a relationship with Christ”, as their website states, both coaches have remained equally committed to Christian principles as they have been to athletic prowess and good sportsmanship.

“They are very Christ-centered,” Wiseman said. “They put it at the forefront of everything that they do. Prayer is a big part of it. And then just [them] putting in the work, whether it be their summer camp this past summer, and then just working throughout the off-season and again during the season, practicing daily and never giving up on one another.”

While it would be easy to single out one star player, Wiseman truly believes their success has been a team effort, with not one player being better than the others, and each player playing a pivotal role on the court.

“I don’t think I want to single anyone out or leave anyone out,” he said. “I think this was a team effort. Everybody yesterday during the tournament had a chance to play. Everyone on the roster participated. So, I would hate to single anyone out.”

Playground and Basketball Court Highlight Improvements at Babson Park Playground

Babson Park

Allison

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February 25, 2026

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Playground and Basketball Court Highlight Improvements at Babson Park Playground

Tucked away in the heart of Babson Park, this longtime community favorite is has newer life for families to enjoy. Located at 5th Avenue, Babson Park, FL 33827, the park is one of Polk County’s older neighborhood parks — and now features an improved playground and basketball court.

Conveniently situated between Lake Wales and Frostproof, the park offers a welcoming space for children to play, teens to shoot hoops, and families to gather outdoors. The updated playground provides modern equipment for kids to climb, slide, and explore, while the refreshed basketball court offers a great spot for pickup games and community fun.

Babson Park Playground continues to serve as a central gathering place for residents, blending its long-standing history with new improvements that make it a great destination for outdoor recreation.

Photo courtesy of Polk County Parks and Recreation.

Bartow Man Killed in Early Morning Crash with Semi on SR 60 in Lake Wales

Allison

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February 25, 2026

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Bartow Man Killed in Early Morning Crash with Semi on SR 60 in Lake Wales

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred in Lake Wales this morning on State Road 60 West at West Lake Wales Road North.

Around 3:20 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, there was a two-vehicle crash in the intersection involving a 2026 Freightliner semi-truck and a 2022 Kia K5 sedan. The driver of the Kia, a 32-year-old Bartow man, was deceased upon first responders’ arrival. His passenger, a 37-year-old Winter Haven woman, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The semi was heading east on SR 60 when, for unknown reasons, the Kia – which was also heading east – crashed into the back of it. The driver was not wearing his seatbelt but the airbags did deploy.

The investigation is ongoing.

Bark on Park Returns to Downtown Lake Wales March 20

Events

Allison

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February 25, 2026

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Bark on Park Returns to Downtown Lake Wales March 20

Grab your leash and your pup because it’s time for a tail-wagging good time in Downtown Lake Wales. The City of Lake Wales Recreation is bringing back its popular Bark on Park event on Friday, March 20 at 6 p.m. at Market Plaza on Park Avenue — and it’s shaping up to be a paw-some evening for the whole community.

If you missed it last year, this is your chance to join the fun. Bark on Park invites dog lovers and their furry companions to enjoy an evening filled with pet-friendly activities, tasty treats, community vendors and plenty of space for pups to play and socialize.

The event will feature:

A fun contest A photobooth to capture adorable memories Local pet vendors Groomers and trainers onsite

It’s also a great opportunity to connect with local businesses and meet fellow dog lovers in the community.

Best of all, admission is free.

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, organizers ask that all pets remain properly tended to and on a leash throughout the event. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

Bring your family, bring your friends and don’t forget your furry best friend for a fun-filled evening in Downtown Lake Wales.

For more information or vendor inquiries, contact [email protected] or call 863-678-4192, ext. 1311.

Official Qualifying Period Concludes for Lake Wales City Commission Elections

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 20, 2026

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Official Qualifying Period Concludes for Lake Wales City Commission Elections

Swearing in ceremony for Commissioner Thompson’s first term. Photo: City of Lake Wales

LAKE WALES – The City of Lake Wales officially closed the qualifying period for the upcoming municipal elections today at 12:00 p.m. Following the conclusion of the filing window, the slate for the City Commission seats has been finalized.

Seat 3: Commissioner Keith Thompson Re-elected Incumbent Commissioner Keith Thompson was the sole candidate to qualify for Seat 3. Under city election guidelines, as he stands unopposed, Commissioner Thompson has been automatically re-elected to serve another 3 year term.

Seat 5: Competitive Race Set for April 7 For Commission Seat 5, currently held by Commissioner Robin Gibson, two candidates successfully qualified to appear on the ballot. Residents will choose between:

Eugene Fultz
Terri Awesome Miller

The election for Seat 5 will be held onTuesday, April 7.

Lady Highlanders Power Past Lake Region in 12–6 Win

Kip

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February 20, 2026

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Lady Highlanders Power Past Lake Region in 12–6 Win

By Kip Kirchberg:

As rockets streaked across the Central Florida sky during a Starlink satellite launch, the Lake Wales High School Lady Highlanders were launching a rally of their own, surging past Lake Region for a 12–6 home victory in varsity softball action Thursday night.

For the first couple of innings, the game had the feel of a classic nail-biter, with both teams trading scoreless or low-scoring frames and matching each other defensively.

The tension broke when Lake Wales’ #19 Birdie Cockrell stepped to the plate and delivered the night’s pivotal moment. A three-run home run that broke the deadlock and ignited the Highlanders’ dugout.

Cockrell’s blast opened the floodgates for Lake Wales, providing both a scoreboard cushion and a jolt of momentum that swung the game firmly in the home team’s favor. Lake Region, however, refused to fold, clawing back with a rally of its own to bring the score back within reach and keep pressure on the Highlanders.

Facing that push, Lake Wales responded by shifting into another gear on both sides of the ball. The Lady Highlanders tightened up defensively, limited further damage, and continued to apply pressure at the plate, steadily adding runs until they had built an insurmountable lead. By the final inning, the early tension had given way to a confident closeout as Lake Wales finished off the 12–6 win.

Starting pitcher Zamirya McBurroughs set the tone in the circle for the Highlanders, giving her team a steady presence through the early, evenly matched frames and helping them hold firm long enough for the offense to erupt behind Cockrell’s game-changing swing.

Motorcyclist from Avon Park killed in two-vehicle crash near Frostproof

Traffic

carl

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February 18, 2026

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Motorcyclist from Avon Park killed in two-vehicle crash near Frostproof

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026 near Frostproof.

Deputies were dispatched at about 7:47 am to the intersection of Old Avon Park Road and Sangster Road, southeast of Frostproof.

First responders attempted life-saving measures on one of the victims involved in the crash, but his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased victim was the operator of a 2022 Yamaha motorcycle.

The other person involved was the driver of a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500. He remained at the scene for the investigation and declined medical treatment.

Based on the preliminary investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide detectives, the motorcycle had been traveling west on Old Avon Park Road, and passed a witness in a non-passing zone at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle then approached a curve too fast, and the bike crossed over the center line, into the path of the oncoming Dodge Ram. The two vehicles collided, and the motorcycle came to a rest under the rear axle of the truck.

The roadway was closed for approximately three hours after the crash.

No criminal or civil charges are anticipated at this time, but a final determination is pending the outcome of the investigation which remains ongoing.

Woman Arrested After She Allegedly Battered A School Guardian at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary

LAKE WALES POLICE DEPARTMENT

carl

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February 13, 2026

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Woman Arrested After She Allegedly Battered A School Guardian at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary

LAKE WALES, FL (February 13, 2026) – A woman was arrested early Friday morning after allegedly battering a school guardian, a law enforcement officer, and a school administrator at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary School, according to police reports from the Lake Wales Police Department.

Officers responded to the school on February 13 in reference to a reported battery involving a school board employee.

According to police reports, Chanteel Chardonnay Cuyler attempted to enter the school’s front office without presenting identification. She was stopped by the school’s uniformed School Guardian, Todd Borders.

Police say Cuyler became upset and, even after someone retrieved her identification, allegedly refused to show it to Borders. He then refused her entry onto campus.

According to the report, Cuyler allegedly tried to force her way past Borders. Police say Borders used his body to prevent her from entering. Cuyler then allegedly shoved Borders and jumped into his face in an aggressive manner, causing him to push her back. Cuyler reportedly fell to the ground.

Investigators say she then attempted a second time to force her way past Borders despite being ordered off campus. According to police, she was stopped again and allegedly threw punches and kicks, striking Borders.

An off-duty Lake Wales Police Officer, Landon McCosco, was reportedly on campus at the time and witnessed the incident. According to police reports, McCosco assisted in attempting to restrain Cuyler. Officers say McCosco identified himself multiple times as a law enforcement officer, but Cuyler allegedly stated she did not care who he was and struck him.

During the altercation, police say Cuyler also allegedly kicked the school’s principal, Kim Griffiths.

According to the Lake Wales Police Department, video evidence shows Borders was performing his duties in preventing Cuyler from entering the school office when she allegedly attempted to barge past him, committing trespass on school grounds.

Police say Cuyler had to be physically restrained after allegedly attacking Borders a second time and striking multiple individuals.

Chanteel Chardonnay Cuyler was charged with:

Multiple counts of Felony Battery on a School Board Employee Felony Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer Trespass on School Grounds

The investigation remains ongoing.

Lake Wales CRA Approves New Program (HOME) to Assist Residents with Disabilities

City of Lake Wales

carl

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February 11, 2026

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Lake Wales CRA Approves New Program (HOME) to Assist Residents with Disabilities

by James Coulter

A new pilot program aims to help Lake Wales residents with disabilities stay safe and independent in their homes.

At their regular meeting on Tues, Jan. 13, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board voted unanimously to reallocate $50,000 from its Housing Rehabilitation budget to launch the Housing Opportunities for Mobility and Equity (HOME) program.

**Lake Wales Launches $50,000 HOME Program to Improve Accessibility for Residents with Disabilities**

Assistant City Manager Deena Drumgo described the new program as a way to provide “accessibility-focused home repairs and modifications” for residents in the Lake Wales CRA district.

“The program enables individuals with mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive challenges to age in place by making their homes safer and more accessible,” she wrote. “By funding modifications like ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and non-slip flooring.”

This program would benefit the nearly 11.8 percent of Lake Wales residents, or roughly 2,100 people, who live with a disability, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data.

Drumgo mentioned how her own brother was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which confined him to a wheelchair, and how many of her other relatives also had muscular dystrophy, requiring modifications to their homes.

Sometimes, I think the disabled community is overlooked,” Assistant City Mgr. Deena Drumgo

“Sometimes, I think the disabled community is overlooked,” she said, emphasizing the program’s potential impact.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked if people with disabilities applying for the program would be required to have some relation with the home or property owner.

Drumgo clarified that applicants will need approval from the property owner before any work can begin.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson praised the initiative as another sign of momentum in local housing efforts, citing past successes with legacy housing and fine-forgiveness programs.

“It is huge for the benefit of our citizens,” he said. “We are on a roll.” – Lake Wales CRA Chair Robin Gibson

Commissioner Keith Thompson added that mobility challenges following his knee surgery opened his eyes to the daily barriers many residents face.

“Whether permanently or temporarily, your life changes,” he said. “I think it is going to be overall a net positive for our community and people who are struggling with mobility.” Lake Wales City Commissioner Keith Thompson

Editor note: At this time the Lake Wales Daily doesn’t know how the process will work to pick candidates for this program. We are reaching out to the city for clarification on how exactly the program will work.

Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida

Entertainment

Allison

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February 11, 2026

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Welcome, World Travelers! New Fast and Furious Coaster Coming to Universal Studios Florida

by James Coulter

Get ready to go on a fast and furious ride on a new roller coaster based on the Fast and Furious movies!

Universal Orlando Resort (UO) recently announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-octane roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.

“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests in the driver’sseat of the high-speed thrills of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious universe like never before,” a press release stated.

“Riders will experience the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree drifting as they speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers – including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk,” it continued.

The new attraction will be similar to the roller coaster of the same name set to open on the West Coast at Universal Studios Hollywood later this year.

The ride will be constructed on the former location of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which closed on Aug. 12, 2025, after nearly 16 years in operation.

Also closing to make way for the new attraction will be Fast & Furious: Supercharged, which first opened at the park in 2018, and will be set to close after nine years in operation.

Based on a similar segment of the Universal Hollywood Tram Tour, the screen-based attraction allowed guests to experience a ride based on the first Fast and Furious film.

The new attraction is being built following a surge of guests to Universal Orlando resorts following the opening of Epic Universe, a 750-acre park with five themed lands, including Super Nintendo World.

Since opening in May 2025, the new park has drawn in 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during its initial summer, setting it on pace for roughly 5.8 to 7.3 million annual visitors.

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