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Friday, April 25, 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

FWC to Host Series of Virtual Public Meetings on Proposed Changes to Modernize Florida’s Wildlife Trapping Regulations

Photo credit: floridatrapper.org

FWC – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings to collect feedback directly from Florida residents on proposed changes to modernize wildlife trapping regulations. The FWC held meetings with the public and a diverse group of stakeholders in a Technical Assistance Group to develop these proposed changes. The content covered in all meetings is identical, and it is not necessary to attend more than one virtual public meeting.

The meeting dates and times are as follows:

These proposed changes will include new regulations that will more closely align with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ best management practices, which ensure that trapping is more humane, species-specific and efficient. Members of the public can learn more about the proposed changes by going to MyFWC.com/TrappingRules and clicking on the banner that says, “Learn More.”

More information about wildlife trapping’s uses, the FWC’s process for collecting input on these proposed changes, answers to frequently asked questions and links to the virtual meetings can be found at MyFWC.com/TrappingRules. This page will also include a link to the FWC’s public commenting tool, which will go live on May 6.

In Loving Memory of Ruth Ann Callarman, 81, of Lake Wales

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Ruth Ann Callarman of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at George G. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.

She was born August 23, 1943 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to the late Ray and Willie Franklin; she moved to Lake Wales from Fort Myers in 1997. Ruth Ann was a homemaker and a member of First Christian Church of Babson Park.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald Whipple; daughters, Deanna Thompson of Pompano Beach, Barbara Patterson of North Carolina, Linda PaHopin, Kansas, and Nancy Raimo of Holiday; son, Wayne Callarman of Palm Bay; sister, Rose Webb of California; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time. Inurnment will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. 

Triple Canopy Suffers Fire Damage Over Multiple Acres

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Multiple units responded this afternoon at 3:34 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to a reported outside fire, located near 16950 Highway 630 E., near Triple Canopy in Lake Wales.

Nathaniel Gale, public information officer at Polk County Fire Rescue, says, “Polk County responded to an outside fire off of County Road 630. It was approximately 10-15 acres with approximately 10 campsites lost” at Triple Canopy. The fire is said to be contained at this time.

No injuries were reported. As of 8:00 p.m., responders are still at the scene.

In Loving Memory of Barbara Frances Goodin

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Barbara Frances Goodin, 58

Barbara Goodin of Ft. Meade passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at her residence.

Barbara was born on December 27, 1966, in Winter Haven, Florida, to George H. Jolly and Shirley Stango. Barbara worked as a waitress at Mulligans. She often enjoyed playing games on her phone, and she loved her grandbabies and her puppies. 

Barbara is preceded in death by her daughter, Leigha Alexandria. She is survived by her parents, George H. and Shirley Jolly of Ft Meade; Fiancé, Eddie Simmons; sons, Calvin Milton Hulett of Danville, Kentucky, Clayton Alexander Hulett of Danville, Kentucky, And Colton Hulett of Danville, Kentucky; Sister, Angela Lynn Hall and husband Larry of Lake Wales; and grandchildren, Jr., Brook, and Abby.

No services have been scheduled at this time. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Lake Wales Charter Schools Names Teachers and Support Persons of the Year

The Lake Wales Charter Schools Foundation held the annual Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Celebration on Monday, April 21, 2025. This award acknowledges the personnel that went above and beyond their respective calls of duty to enrich students lives and education during the 2024-2025 school year.

This year’s winners are as follows:

Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS. Correct spelling of her first name is Lynne.
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS
Image provided by LWCS. Correct spelling of her first name is Lynne.

LWCS Overall Support Person of the Year is Arianne Seidel, Athletic Director at Lake Wales High School.

LWCS Overall Teacher of the Year is Lynn Gramlich, Reading Department Chair at Bok Academy S.

In Loving Memory of Golda M. Carson, 92, of Lake Wales

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Golda M. Carson, 92

Golda M. Carson of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025 at The Club at Lake Wales.

She was born September 9, 1932 in Ansonia, Pennsylvania to the late Clarence and Flora Berquist; she moved to Lake Wales from Salem, Ohio in 1989. Golda was an amazing homemaker and loved to take care of her family. In the past, she was active with the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge. Golda was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she participated in church, small groups and enjoyed going to Ekklesia. 

Golda was preceded in death by her husband, Rodger Carson. She is survived by her daughters, Linette Simmons and husband Rex of Texas, Ruthie Snyder and husband Mike of Ohio, Melanie Gumbrecht and husband Greg of Michigan; brother, Butch Berquist and wife Adele of Oregon; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales with Rev. Mackay Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor can be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales (16 North 3rd Street, Lake Wales, Florida 33853).

Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee Meeting April 28

Photo credit: LWPD

The Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee Meeting will meet on April 28, 2025 at Christ’s Church on the Move, 312 Buck Moore Rd. in Lake Wales.

These committee meetings are open to the public. The purpose is to promote a dialogue and create positive relationships between the community and the police department. Board members and members of police administration will be present.

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/.