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 City Commission Voices Opposition to Central Polk Parkway East Through Revised Resolution

City of Lake Wales

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February 21, 2025

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Lake Wales City Commission Voices Opposition to Central Polk Parkway East Through Revised Resolution

by James Coulter

Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a revised resolution expressing their opposition to a controversial proposed parkway that would cut through the city.

At a special meeting on Tues. Feb. 11, 2025, city commissioners reviewed a resolution on proposed alignments for the Central Polk Parkway East.

Proposed by The Florida Turnpike Authority (FTA), the parkway is planned to connect to U.S. Highway 17-92 from SR 60 on the west side of Lake Wales with a planned Poinciana Connector segment connecting 17-92 with I-4.

However, since its proposal, the parkway has proven quite controversial among residents, many of whom fear it would disrupt local wildlife and the environment.

At their previous meeting on Tues. Feb. 4, several city residents took to the podium during public comments to speak out against the proposed parkway.

That evening, city commissioners voted unanimously to table the resolution and motion for revisions to have it “convey the sentiments of the Commission to Florida Turnpike Enterprise,” wrote City Clerk Jennifer Nanek in the minutes of the special meeting.

“The proposed alignments for the parkway have the potential to significantly impact the City of Lake Wales, including disruption to existing development, encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, and potential conflicts with the City’s long-term development plans as outlined in Lake Wales Envision,” she wrote.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson claimed the parkway would bring about “urban sprawl on steroids”, arguing against how the proposed extensions would build a new divided highway through the city’s rural areas.

“He emphasized the need for a thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing the proposed alignments with an elevated roadway solution along the existing State Road 27 corridor,” Nanek wrote. “He argued that the potential cost savings associated with avoiding the need for extensive right-of-way acquisition and construction in rural areas could significantly offset the higher initial construction costs of an elevated roadway.”

City Manager James Slaton and Growth Management Director Autumn Cochella plan to meet with FTA representatives and to keep the city commissioners apprised.

Bulk and Yard Waste to be Picked Up Every Other Week Under Amended City Contract

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 21, 2025

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Bulk and Yard Waste to be Picked Up Every Other Week Under Amended City Contract

by James Coulter

Do you have yard waste that you want to be picked up by the garbage truck? Well, you may need to set it out sooner rather than later, as bulk and yard waste pickup with be changed to every other week rather than weekly.

At their meeting on Tues. Feb. 18, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the city’s contract for solid waste collection by Republic Services.

According to a city agenda memo on the matter, “In October 2024, the City Commission approved Ordinance 2024-21, a five-year contract with Republic Services. However, there was a clerical error relating to bulk and yard waste pickup. Under the expiring solid waste contract, bulk and yard waste use to be picked up weekly, however under the new contract bulk and yard waste was negotiated to every other week pickup.

This change was done in order to try to keep the solid waste costs down for the citizens. Due to a clerical error, the wording within the contract was not changed from weekly to every other week, Section 1(a) bulk pickup and Section 2(a) yard waste pickup.”

If approved, the ordinance would amend the city’s five-year contract, which would move bulk and yard waste pickup to every other week rather than weekly. These changes would become effective on Apr. 1, 2025.

“This change was done in order to try to keep the solid waste costs down for the citizens,” the city agenda memo stated.

Under the contract, weekly pickup of bulk and yard waste would have cost $27.58, while every other week pickup would cost only $25.51. The price difference, as explained in the memo, would have been $2.07 per month, or $24.84 annually.

“Should the City Commission select Schedule A, once a week bulk and yard waste pickup, customers would have an additional increase in their solid waste monthly fee of $2.07,” the memo explained.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie said that the city should make “a genuine and extensive effort” to inform the public about these changes so they can prepare their waste for collection accordingly.

Commissioner Keith Thompson said he would appreciate receiving feedback from the public about these changes. As much as he was willing to accept these changes, he wanted to hear from residents whether or not these changes would be convenient for them.

“I would be willing to pay (for these changes), but that is just me,” he said.

City commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of this ordinance. The second reading will be voted upon at an upcoming commission meeting.

In Loving Memory of Michael Allan Davenport, 74, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 20, 2025

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Michael Allan Davenport, 74

Michael Allan Davenport of Lake Wales passed away Monday, February 17, 2025, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. Before transferring to the hospital, Michael was a resident at Lake Wales Wellness and Rehab and was treated with amazing compassion and care.

He was born February 21, 1950, in Dade City to the late Henry and Mildred Davenport; he was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for Mosaic and of the Baptist faith. He had a good sense of humor, enjoyed working on things and helping others. He loved the outdoors, spending his time fishing, hunting, and camping.

Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Davenport; and sister, Nancy Davenport. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Carol Sharpe Davenport, brothers, Greg Mercier (Betty) of Fitzgerald, GA, and Dennis Davenport (Cathy) of Plant City; many nieces, nephews and his dog, Dee. Favorite saying TTFN “Ta Ta for Now”

No services are scheduled at this time.

Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Sends Minor to the Hospital

Maria Iannucci

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February 20, 2025

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Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Sends Minor to the Hospital

At approximately 6:32 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, a traffic incident was reported to Polk County Fire Rescue near the intersection of Hwy. 60 E and 3rd. St. S.

The accident involved a vehicle vs. a minor pedestrian in a crosswalk, according to Sgt. Metz of the Lake Wales Police Department. No additional specifics regarding the accident were immediately available.

Polk County Fire Rescue PIO Nathaniel Gale says that one patient was transported by ground with injuries.

Highway six is clear at this time.

Near Head On Collision At Scenic Hwy. and Burns Ave. Partially Closes 17

Maria Iannucci

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February 20, 2025

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Near Head On Collision At Scenic Hwy. and Burns Ave. Partially Closes 17

At approximately 5:20 PM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, traffic accident was reported at the intersection of scenic Highway 17 and Burns Avenue, directly in front of the Citgo gas station where the two roads meet.

The accident appeared to involve two vehicles that have met almost head on. The airbags have deployed on at least one vehicle.

A blue Hyundai and a gray Lincoln are involved. both vehicles have moderate to heavy damage.

Traffic heading southbound on scenic Highway is clear if drivers are proceeding with caution. Drivers heading northbound on Scenic Highway are being redirected onto Burns Avenue. Additional traffic is being routed through the gas station. Please avoid this area if at all possible.

Second Suspect Arrested in Gang-Related Sexual Assault

Maria Iannucci

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February 20, 2025

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Second Suspect Arrested in Gang-Related Sexual Assault

A second suspect has been arrested in an alleged gang-related sexual assault said to have occurred within Lake Wales city limits on January 22, 2025.

According to the Lake Wales Police Department arrest affidavit, John Justin Duran Ortiz, DOB 9/10/03, was arrested on February 12, 2025 and charged with sexual battery with a firearm.

On January 23, Kristian Valentino Bernal, DOB 1/29/04, was arrested in connection to the same incident and given the same felony charge.

The arrest affidavit for Ortiz initially describes the victim’s statement of the assault, which is also stated in Bernal’s arrest report. This is a link to the article related to Bernal’s arrest, which describes the incident in more detail:

https://lakewalesdaily.com/2025/02/20/alleged-gang-related-sexual-assault-in-lake-wales-ends-in-arrest-involving-a-firearm/

In the description of the sexual assault, the victim refers to a second man at the scene as “No Face.”

The affidavit goes on to state that, at some point after the alleged assault, the victim recognized “No Face” from a page on social media. The victim was able to confirm that the person she saw on social media “was the same person who sexually battered her,” according to the report.

In the affidavit, it states that there are several photos on social media of “No Face” together with Bernal.

“Many photos contain them displaying firearms and wearing red clothing and red bandannas, a common sign they are associated with gang related activities,” the affidavit further explains.

Investigators were ultimately able to confirm the identity of “No Face” as Ortiz.

Ortiz has been charged with sexual battery with a firearm.

Alleged Gang-Related Sexual Assault in Lake Wales Ends in Arrest Involving a Firearm

Maria Iannucci

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February 20, 2025

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Alleged Gang-Related Sexual Assault in Lake Wales Ends in Arrest Involving a Firearm

A Mulberry man was arrested by Lake Wales Police Department on January 23, 2025, and charged with Sexual Battery with a Firearm that allegedly occurred during a gang-related event at an unnamed location in Lake Wales.

The arresting officer was called to the scene in reference to a possible sexual battery on the day after the incident in question. The man arrested, identified Kristian Valentino Bernal, DOB 1/29/2004, is said to be the instigator of the crime.

According to the arrest affidavit, which is heavily redacted, Bernal texted the victim the prior day and indicated “…he (Bernal) wanted him(self) and his friends to have sexual intercourse with her.”

The victim said she continually stated via texts to Bernal that she was not interested in participating in that scenario and was only interested in him alone.

The affidavit states, “The messages from (Bernal) stated this needed to occur as it was the ‘protocol’ and mentioned it was for the gang.”

Bernal then went to and entered the apartment, where the victim stated she initially believed Bernal to be alone; however, “there were two other people with him, one of which she only knew as ‘No Face’”.

“No Face” and another unidentified individual are said to have entered the victim’s apartment behind Bernal wearing “ski style masks.”

Bernal is said to have asked the victim to shower and perform other tasks, to which she complied because “she was in fear he would harm her and stated he often has ‘rage fits.’”

The victim stated Bernal “removed a red bandana from his firearm and asked her if she wanted to wear it to feel more comfortable with what was happening and she stated ‘sure.’”, again stating she felt she needed to say yes to avoid harm.

Bernal blindfolded the victim and then began to have sexual intercourse with her. While Bernal was having sexual intercourse with the victim, she “felt additional hands touching her.”

After Bernal was finished with the victim, the male identified as “No Face” began having sexual intercourse with her. The affidavit states that he “choked her to the point of not being able to breathe,’ and she ultimately pushed him away, stopping the assault.

Bernal told the victim to go shower to which she again complied out of fear of being harmed. While in the shower, he “came into the bathroom and told her they were going to get ‘blunts’ and then left.”

The victim stated she spoke with Bernal’s ex the following day and told her of the incident. Shortly after, “She received a text message from (Bernal) stating no one raped her.”

Bernal was charged with Sex Battery with a Firearm.

Updated 2/20/25: a second suspect in this case has been arrested. Read the article with regard to that suspect below:

https://lakewalesdaily.com/2025/02/20/second-suspect-arrested-in-gang-related-sexual-assault/

$177K Renovation Proposal of Former Family Elder Law Building for LWPD Under Consideration by City

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 19, 2025

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$177K Renovation Proposal of Former Family Elder Law Building for LWPD Under Consideration by City

by James Coulter

The building across the street from the Lake Wales Police Department may soon be converted into an extra building for the department if the City of Lake Wales approves a proposal agreement with a developer.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance pertaining to a proposal agreement for project management services for a building annexed to the city’s police department.

Formerly the Family Elder Law Building, the building is located at 122 E. Tillman Ave. across the street from the Lake Wales Police Department. It was purchased by the City on Aug. 29, 2024.

“It is proposed that the Lake Wales Police Department will move several units there,” the city agenda memo states. “In addition, several other areas have been identified to design for the Police Department including training room, several interview rooms, conference room and a storage room.”

Colliers Project Leaders had submitted a proposal agreement to provide project management services for the proposed renovations to the building. This agreement would include services for the design, bid construction, and closeout phases of the project.

“Based on their scope and schedule, the total fee for service is $177,281,” the memo states. “Fees would be invoiced at a lump sum rate of $8,442 per month for 21 months. The total amount is for $177,281 (21 equal payments of $8,442 per month).”

City commissioners were to vote on the ordinance at their city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18. at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.

City of Lake Wales Considers a Minimum Age Increase for Required Distribution of Fire and Police Pension Benefits

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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February 19, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Considers a Minimum Age Increase for Required Distribution of Fire and Police Pension Benefits

by James Coulter

(A previous version of this article was published on February 19, 2025. That version erroneously implied that the pension distributions were not available for withdrawal until age 73. The ordinance being considered by the City would allow eligible parties to delay the minimum distribution requirements for their pension until 73 if they should so choose. Lake Wales Daily apologizes for the error.)

Retirees from the Lake Wales police and fire departments may be able to delay receipt of the minimum distribution requirement of their pensions to 73 years of age if the City of Lake Wales approves a minimum age increase.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners reviewed two ordinances pertaining to the city’s municipal firefighter’s and police officer’s pension plans. Both ordinances would raise the age requirement for which retirees would be able to receive their minimum benefits from 72 to 73.

These increases are in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec 29, 2022. According to the city agenda memo, this act “provides for an increase in ages for required minimum distributions from qualified plans.”

As the memo states: “For many years, retirees were required to begin receiving benefits once they had retired and reached age 70 ½. The first Secure Act, passed in 2019, raised that age to 72. Section 107 of the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 has further extended the allowable tax deferral by again raising the age by which retired participants must begin to receive benefits.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired whether there was a choice in the matter. Human Resources Director Sandra Davis replied that retirees would have a choice of when to withdraw, until they reach the minimum age requirement. As for the City, he explained, it does not have a choice to increase the age requirement, as it is required through the Act.

City commissioners were to vote on the ordinance at their city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18. at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Clarifies He Did Not Endorse Lake Wales Candidate For Mayor

carl

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February 19, 2025

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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Clarifies He Did Not Endorse Lake Wales Candidate For Mayor

Recently, mayoral candidate Curtis Gibson shared a video on his personal campaign Facebook page. The video included clips from a 2022 interview in which Sheriff Grady Judd made positive comments about Gibson.

However, after seeing the newly shared video, Sheriff Judd felt it gave the impression that he was endorsing Gibson for mayor. (It should be noted that Gibson included two paragraphs accompanying the video. The second paragraph explicitly states that this was not an endorsement. The Daily Ridge can confirm the original post did not have that information but was added after it was initially.)

Here is the original post information:

Initial post by Mayoral Candidate Curtis Gibson

In response, Sheriff Judd released a video clarifying that he did not endorse Gibson, stating, “I’m not going to endorse him… think about it!”

Here is the video that Sheriff Grady Judd felt was misleading:

From Curtis Gibson Facebook

As you can see candidate Gibson didn’t directly say Sheriff Judd was endorsing him, but we will leave it up to you to decide.

Here is Sheriff Grady Judd’s response. Again this video speaks for itself.

Video Provided By The Polk County Sheriff’s Office

For the reader’s benefit we are going ahead and sharing the “Straight Talk with Curtis Gibson” interview:

Full 2022 “Straight Talk with Curtis Gibson”

Editors Note: The Lake Wales Daily reached out to candidate Gibson and candidate Hilligoss for comment. At this time we have not received a comment by candidate Hilligoss. We have spoken to Gibson and he advised he made a facebook live to explain his position. Here is a link to that live video: Curtis Gibson Mayoral Candidate Lake Wales Florida

Editors Note: Both Candidate Hilligoss & Candidate Gibson have made arrangements to post political advertisements on the Lake Wales Daily news. As we have always maintained we as a media outlet do not endorse any candidates.

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