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

Staff Reporter
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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

In Loving Memory of Curtis “Curt” Bunce, 83

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Curtis “Curt” Bunce, 83


Curtis “Curt” Bunce, 83

Curtis “Curt” Bunce of West Winfield, New York and Avon Park, Florida passed away Sunday, November 17, 2024 at his Florida residence.

He was born August 13, 1941 in Ilion, New York to the late Claude and Myrtle Bunce.

Curt was a maintenance man for Special Metals Corporation for 40 years. He served in the United States Army from 1959 until 1962 and was proud of his service. He was the Chief Steward and a board member of the International Association of Machinists for many years. Curt was the Director of the Empire Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) in New York and was also on the National Board of the AMCA. Curt was a scout master in the Boy Scouts of America for eight years. He was an Indian motorcycle enthusiast and loved riding his own Indian. He enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, camping, skydiving, and bee keeping. Curt explored many of the non-commercial and uncharted caves of New York State. Curt built his own log home from forest to finish.

Out of all these accomplishments, Curt loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the most.

Curt was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Edwards, Shirley Sanders, and Sandy Combs; and brothers, Dick Bunce and Fred Sterling. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Bunce; daughter, Susan Bunce of West Winfield, New York; sons, Steven Francisco of Richfield Springs, New York and Blake Francisco (Sonia) of West Windfield, New York; sister, Sharon Rolchigo (Joe) of Frankfort, New York; brother, Ronald Bunce of Ilion, New York; grandchildren, Christopher Case of Lubbock, Texas, Erica Fox of Herkimer, New York, Jessica Bruce of West Winfield, New York, Angelina Pulis of Herkimer, New York, Curtis Francisco of West Winfield, and Marie Francisco of West Winfield, New York; and great-grandchildren, Mark Curra of Herkimer, New York and Mason Robertson of West Winfield, New York.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in New York. 

JC Reviews: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the Most Okay-est Christmas Film Ever

Maria Iannucci
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JC Reviews: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the Most Okay-est Christmas Film Ever

By James Coulter 

Every year, new Christmas movies are released, all aiming to become the next big holiday film alongside such classics as A Christmas Carol, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Home Alone. This film certainly aspires to be one of them.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is based on the classic novel written by Barbara Robinson in 1972. The film is directed by Dallas Jenkins, the director of The Chosen, and released by the faith-based Kingdom Story Company.

As such, not only does this movie aspire to be the next great Christmas movie, but also the next great faith-based movie. But does The Best Christmas Pageant Ever live up to its name as “the best”? Or did it fail to meet such great expectations?

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the story of Beth Bradley, a young girl whose mother is tasked with directing their town’s 75th annual Christmas pageant. However, shenanigans ensue when who should decide to volunteer for this year’s play than the Herdman siblings.

As Beth so eloquently explains in her opening narration: “The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied. They stole. They smoke cigars. They cuss and take the Lord’s name in vain.”

Will the Herdmans learn how to behave in time for the pageant? Or will their troublemaking antics make it the worst Christmas pageant ever? (Well, you can guess by the movie’s title how it eventually turns out.)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever certainly aspires to be the next great Christmas classic akin to A Christmas Story. It’s based on a classic holiday tale. It’s set in the nostalgic past. It’s filmed in a warm sepia tone. It’s narrated by a character detailing a humorous event from their childhood. It’s tile even has a similar font to that of A Christmas Story. And every shot is filled with as much holiday decor as humanly possible.

The premise is likewise promising enough. And the movie poster with a flaming Christmas tree certainly looks promising. Six siblings who are the worst of the worst volunteering for a local church pageant with the potential of wacky shenanigans ensuing. It’s like putting a pack of monkeys into a warehouse of bananas. You know things are not only going to go wrong but spectacularly and entertainingly.

 

However, for as bad as the Herdmans are built up to be, the worst we see them are in the opening montage of them causing chaos, all of which climaxes with them setting a shed on fire and watching while smoking cigars. Every other scene with them in it, while promising utter chaos, simply has them acting out like most children do.

 

Admittedly, the whole point of the film is about these children learning to be good by acting in a play about Jesus. Such character development certainly occurs, especially with the oldest sibling Imogen, who aspires to be an actress and sees the church play as an opportunity to do just that.

Also admittedly, this is the movie’s strongest appeal. The message is essentially that no one is “too bad” or “too far gone” to become a better person, and everyone has the opportunity todo just that with a little help from Jesus. In that regard, this Christian movie is certainly better than most other faith-based films like God’s Not Dead, which is less about faith and more about right-wing grievance politics.

Unfortunately, despite showing such promise, the movie essentially falls flat. By no means is the movie “bad”, but it’salso not “great” either. It’s rather bland and mild–or “mid” as the kids these days say. Sure, it has some humorous lines and moments, but nothing that would elicit more than a chuckle.

I compared this movie to A Christmas Story. It certainly aspires to emulate that film. However, what I feel it lacks are any iconic moments that really stand out. When you think of A Christmas Story, you think of Flick getting his tongue frozen to a flagpole, or Ralphie almost getting his eye shot out by his toy gun, or him getting his mouth washed out with soap after saying a curse word.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever doesn’t have any similar iconic moments that stand out. The most is the titular Christmas pageant at the very end, which, no spoilers, while mildlyamusing, is also a bit of a mild letdown. Otherwise, this movie lacks any memorable moments that would make this film, well, memorable.

Overall, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a decent enough movie. By no means is it objectionable, and anyone of any age can watch it and gain some enjoyment. It’s okay, is what I’m saying. But the next best holiday classic it is not. Give it a watch, if you want. Just curb your expectations.

First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church Hosting Fall Fest on Sat. Nov. 23

Maria Iannucci
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First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church Hosting Fall Fest on Sat. Nov. 23

Winter may be right around the corner, along with Christmas, but it’s not too late to celebrate the fall season. And a local church is certainly helping the community celebrate the remaining autumn days with its annual fall festival.

First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating its fall festival on Sat. Nov. 23, 2024, from 8 AM to 3 PM. The fall festivities will include a bounce house, train ride, horse ride, and other carnival-style games.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda. One of the agenda items was a special permit application for the church’s fall festival.

Now that the city has officially approved the special event permit, the church will be able to have Lincoln Avenue temporarily closed during the duration of the fall festival from 8 AM to 3 PM. The road closure will include the length of the roadway from D Street to E Street.

“Staff has reviewed the application and has no issues with the street closing,” wrote City Clerk Jennifer Nanek. “The church is handling all site set ups, sanitary facilities, trash receptacles and trash clean up. Insurance has been provided as required.”

To learn more about First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church and its upcoming events and functions, call 863-676-2112, or visit its Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/FIMBCLW

 

Another Motorcycle Reported to Have Crashed on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales in Seemingly Unrelated Accident

Maria Iannucci
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Another Motorcycle Reported to Have Crashed on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales in Seemingly Unrelated Accident

At approximately 7:25 PM, November 22, 2024, a traffic collision was reported at 4309 US Highway 60. Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk County Fire Rescue responded and are on scene. This accident is reportedly just west of the train tracks.

It is unknown if the road is blocked at this time. Polk County Fire Rescue has confirmed that one patient has been transported by ground to the hospital.

An update to the story will be made when information is confirmed by law-enforcement.

Accident Involving Motorcycle Blocking Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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Accident Involving Motorcycle Blocking Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales

UPDATE 7:28 p.m.: Polk County Fire Rescue PIO reports that no one was transported.

At approximately 6:48 PM, November 22, 2024, a call was received at Polk County Fire Rescue with regard to a traffic collision at US Highway 60 eastbound and Stokes Road.

Preliminary finding show that a motorcycle is involved. Injuries are being assessed and law-enforcement is on scene. Both eastbound lanes of Highway 60 are either fully or partially blocked. Traffic is currently running in the shoulder.

Please avoid this area as law-enforcement continues to work at the scene. There will be an update when we receive one from law enforcement.

Polk Sheriff’s Charities Giving Away Free Turkeys Saturday

Maria Iannucci
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Polk Sheriff’s Charities Giving Away Free Turkeys Saturday

Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, is sponsoring a free turkey giveaway Saturday, November 23, 2024, at three Polk County locations (see below).

They are joined in this effort once again by The Freedom Tour volunteer organization based in Lake Wales whose mission it is to provide quality food and love to those in need. The Freedom Tour will be providing boxes of food as well.
 
“For the seventh year in a row we are blessed to be able to provide turkeys to our citizens, thanks to the generous donations made year-round to Polk Sheriff’s Charities. We’re so grateful to the volunteers at the Freedom Tour for the use of their refrigerated trucks and for their food donations as well. It is so heartwarming to work with such a generous group of men and women and to be able to make a positive difference in others’ lives.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 
 
The turkeys will be distributed one per family, one per vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No identification or pre-qualification will be required to receive a turkey.
 
Deputies will be at each location to hand out the frozen birds, which are in the 15 to 17 pound range. Up to 1,200 turkeys will be given away.
 
The locations and times where the turkeys will be distributed are:
 
East Polk: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Church on the Hill, 1111 Scenic Hwy, Dundee;
Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot south of the church from Old Scenic Hwy, then will be directed around the back of the church to the distribution point. Cars will then be directed to exit north onto Old Scenic Hwy towards Dundee.
 
Central Polk: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Lake Region High School campus, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake;
Cars will be directed to enter onto Cameron Road from US 17, which turns into Gilbert Street, then onto Thunder Road, through the school parking lot to the distribution point, and back out onto Gilbert Street.
 
West Polk: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lakes Church (AKA Church at the Mall), 1010 East Memorial Blvd, Lakeland;
Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot from the westbound lane of Memorial at the intersection with Ingraham Avenue, and then will be directed to the rear parking lot of the church to the distribution point. Cars will be directed to exit westbound onto Memorial, or straight onto Ingraham Avenue.

City of Lake Wales Plans to Convert from Septic to Sewer System with Amended Comprehensive Plan

Maria Iannucci
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City of Lake Wales Plans to Convert from Septic to Sewer System with Amended Comprehensive Plan

By James Coulter

The City of Lake Wales, within ten years, will be determining the feasibility of converting a local development from a septic to a sewer system now that it has officially amended its comprehensive plan.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance to amend the City of Lake Wales Comprehensive Plan.

The amendment was made to comply with House Bill 1379, which addresses new requirements for municipalities “to close out existing septic tanks and convert connections to public sewer.” Specifically, the bill requires local municipalities like Lake Wales to amend their comprehensive plans “to evaluate the feasibility of connecting homes on septic to sewer.”

According to the bill: “Within the local government’s jurisdiction, for any development of more than 50 residential lots, whether built or unbuilt, with more than one onsite sewage treatment and disposal system per 1 acre, the element must consider the feasibility of providing sanitary sewer services…”

The City of Lake Wales has since identified a development within its jurisdiction that meets these criteria, with it having more than 50 residential lots, and more than one onsite sewage treatment and disposal system per one acre.

As such, City Clerk Jennifer Nanek wrote in the memo that the city will “consider the feasibility of providing sanitary sewer services within a 10-year planning horizon and will identify the name and location of the wastewater treatment facility that could receive sanitary sewer flows after connection.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked whether there were other developments in the city that met the requirement to have their septic systems converted to sewer. Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Director, answered that the city does have a few similar preexisting developments but not many.

“The public work department is in the process of undergoing a wastewater master plan where they are identifying all of those areas,” she said. “Other than that, most of our inner-citydevelopments are on municipal sewer.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson commented on how septic systems contributed to urban sprawl. He explained that septic systems required a certain amount of land to dissipate the wastewater, which required housing to be likewise spread out.

Gibson argued that switching from a septic to a sewer system would cut down on urban sprawl and housing costs, and in the process, preserve the existing countryside. Likewise, most developers considered sewer systems a qualifier for developments, as they are interested in quality developments and not urban sprawl.

“Some people are upset because we are against septic tanks,” he said. “We made a choice. That speaks to who we are.”

City of Lake Wales Gives Preliminary Approval to Mixed-Use Development for 2.75 Acres on Harding Avenue

Maria Iannucci
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City of Lake Wales Gives Preliminary Approval to Mixed-Use Development for 2.75 Acres on Harding Avenue

by James Coulter

Nearly three acres of land along Harding Avenue in Lake Wales will be developed into a mixed-use development with commercial and residential property now that the City of Lake Wales has given preliminary approval to four ordinances.

At their regular meeting on Mon. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of four ordinances concerning the annexation, zoning and land use designation change, and special permit of 2.75 acres of land on Harding Avenue.

These ordinances would annex the subject property into city limits, amend its Future Land Use designation of NAC Neighborhood Activity Center, amend its Zoning designation of C-5 Village Center, and approve a Special Exception Use Permit to allow a Mixed-Use Planned Development Project (PDP).

The proposed development would include, according to the city memo, “two, two-story mixed-use buildings to include 15,098 square feet of ground-level commercial and 14 market-rate apartments on the second floor.” It would also include outdoor patio space and a reduced front setback to hide the parking behind the building, “creating a better building-to-street relationship along US Highway 27.”

The owner, Lino Cervino, had been contemplating plans for the property for several years. Originally, he had intended to develop it for commercial use; however, after discussion with the city’s planning staff and “considering the ambitions of Lake Wales Envisioned”, he opted for a mixed-use development.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson praised the project, claiming it would help with infill, collect as much of the population in the city limits, and save the countryside as much as possible.

One resident, Charlene Bennett, likewise praised the project, claiming that it was preferable to another project approved earlier that evening concerning 558 acres outside the city limits.

“Unlike that annexation, which was growth for growth’s sake,”she said. “It [helps alleviate] urban sprawl.”

Orange Blossom Revue Receives $25,000 Grant from City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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Orange Blossom Revue Receives $25,000 Grant from City of Lake Wales

by James Coulter

The Orange Blossom Revue draws in hundreds upon thousands of visitors to the City of Lake Wales. Those visitors help generate hundreds upon thousands of dollars in taxable revenue for the city.

As such, the City of Lake Wales has decided to support this local music festival, which has almost become a local institution in itself, by donating more than $25,000 toward the Orange Blossom Revue.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda. One agenda item was a $25,000 grant for the Blossom Charitable Foundation to support the music festival’s infrastructure needs.

“The Orange Blossom Revue is an annual music festival that has become a significant cultural event for Lake Wales,” wrote City Clerk Jennifer Nanek. “The festival has grown substantially over the years, attracting a diverse audience and contributing to the local economy.”

“However, the event’s increasing popularity has also led to increased infrastructure needs, including power, fencing, and stage equipment,” she continued. “To ensure the continued success of the festival and its positive impact on the community, additional funding is required to support these infrastructure improvements.”

For more than a decade, the Orange Blossom Revue has attracted residents and visitors alike to scenic Lake Wailes Park for a “sophisticated soiree” of art and music.

This year’s lineup includes top-name musicians JJ Grey & Morfo, the War and Treaty, Robert Earl Keen, the Steep Canyon Rangers, the Sam Grisman Project, Emily Nenni, Wyatt Ellis, and Van Plating.

The Orange Blossom Revue will be hosted on Fri. Dec. 6 and Sat. Dec. 7 at Lake Wailes Park, located at 33 N Lakeshore Blvd., Lake Wales, FL 33853.

 

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.orangeblossomrevue.com

Lake Wales Man Arrested After Fleeing From Police in Stolen Vehicle

Maria Iannucci
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Lake Wales Man Arrested After Fleeing From Police in Stolen Vehicle
Nicholas Reynolds, provided by LWPD

The Lake Wales Police Department has released a statement today with regard to an incident involving a stolen vehicle in Lake Wales.

On November 21, 2024, officers responded to a stolen vehicle on Dr. J. A. Wiltshire Avenue.  While on scene still investigating the incident, the stolen vehicle (2015 Chevy Malibu) was observed driving east on Florida Avenue.  Officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver (Nicholas Reynolds) fled North on Scenic Highway.  The vehicle slowed prior to the intersection of Chalet Suzanne Road and Scenic Highway when a passenger attempted to exit the vehicle.  Reynolds accelerated while the passenger was exiting the vehicle, running over the passenger causing minor injuries. 

The vehicle was located shortly after traveling on Waverly Road. Reynolds then abandoned the stolen vehicle at the intersection of Scenic Highway and Waverly Road and attempted to flee on foot through the orange groves.  Reynoldswas quickly apprehended by officers and taken into custody.  

The driver was identified as Nicholas Reynolds, 41, of Lake Wales.  Reynolds was arrested and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated battery, fleeing to elude, driving while license suspended, and resisting an officer without violence.  

 

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