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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

Central Polk Parkway Extension near Thornhill Road Raises Concerns About Traffic, Schools, and Flooding 

Maria Iannucci
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Central Polk Parkway Extension near Thornhill Road Raises Concerns About Traffic, Schools, and Flooding 

by James Coulter 

An extension to Central Polk Parkway near Thornhill Road in Bartow has many residents raising concerns about potential traffic problems, flooding, and overcrowded schools. 

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 15, Polk County commissioners voted unanimously to change the land use designation of 158 acres near Thornhill Road. 

The land use designation will be changed from Agricultural/Residential-Rural (A/RR) to Residential-Low (RL), and from Rural Development Area (RDA) to Urban Growth Area (UGA). 

The subject property is located south of Thornhill Road, east of Lake Hancock, and north of Bartow. Its land use designation change will help facilitate further urbanization of the area due to the extension of Central Polk Parkway. 

Bart Allen, an attorney representing the property owner, mentioned how the property has been bifurcated due to the parkway expansion, which “dynamically changes the feel of the property” and is “urbanizing this area in an area that is urbanized already.” 

“You have seen a tremendous amount of growth coming to this piece of property,” he said. “You have the infrastructure in place, the water, the utilities, and that is why it is now appropriate to go to the residential low and urban growth boundaries.” 

However, the change to the property, along with the construction of the parkway, has raised concerns from residents in the area. Several residents spoke during public comments to express their concerns about traffic and other potential problems these changes will create. 

One resident, Daniel Bentz, inquired about the intent of the property. As the property was a wet area with ditches, he asked where the water would go if something were built there. 

“I’m opposed to it, but I know nothing I will say or do will change all of your minds because they will get their way because they are rich and powerful people,” he said. 

Another resident, Kerry Forsell, brought up the potential traffic issues the parkway extension could create for Thornhill Road. He mentioned how the road was already dangerous due to the semi-trucks that regularly drive along it. 

“I have seen accidents taking my garbage out at the end of the road,” he said. 

Jennifer Castro, a teacher at a local school, raised concerns about the impact on local schools. If the property becomes the location of new development, the influx of new residents could potentially overcrowd already overcrowded nearby schools. 

“Our schools are at a very high capacity,” she said. “Our schools are brimming, so something like this will really impact your schools.” 

Allen returned to the podium to address these concerns. He mentioned that the parkway will implement drainage and culverts to alleviate potential flooding, and that local schools had the capacity to receive new students. 

“Even looking at the areas, that property is already residential low, so we are not changing anything in that area,” he said. “So, we are not having any significant change on what can be developed in that area.”

In Loving Memory of Arthur Milton Cotton, 94, of Frostproof

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Arthur Milton Cotton, 94, of Frostproof

Arthur Milton Cotton, 94 

Arthur Milton Cotton of Frostproof passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Somers Hospice House in Sebring.

He was born October 10, 1930 in Coffee Springs, Alabama to the late Theodore and Mollie Cotton; he moved to Frostproof from New Bern, North Carolina in 1988. Arthur was a retired aerospace engineering technician and served with the United States Marines from 1948 until 1967. He was a very patriotic man and was proud of his Marine Corp service. He lived by the Art Cotton Code of Five F’s: family, friends, food, football, and financial security. Arthur loved music, golf, visiting Eastern North Carolina, and was an Alabama fan.

Arthur was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Cotton; sister, Lou Cotton; and brothers, Crawford Cotton, Bo Cotton, and Bill Cotton. He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Pennington of McLean, Virginia, Linda Bastien and husband James of Frostproof; son, Dr. Jeffrey Cotton of Pompano Beach; sisters, Ruth Cavanaugh and husband John of Frostproof, Lilli Black and husband Bob of Minneola, Betty Sellards and husband David of Clermont, Patricia Lanier-Niles of Jacksonville; brother, Frank Cotton and wife Sarah of Natchez, Mississippi; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof. Inurnment will follow at Silver Hill Cemetery. 

Power Outage Impacts Part of Golf View Park in Lake Wales Early Tuesday Morning

carl
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Power Outage Impacts Part of Golf View Park in Lake Wales Early Tuesday Morning

Lake Wales, FL – A small but disruptive power outage affected a portion of the Golf View Park neighborhood early Tuesday morning, leaving several homes without electricity and many residents without internet.

According to Duke Energy, the outage was first reported around 3:51 a.m. on July 22, with approximately 12 customers impacted. The company estimated restoration by 9:30 a.m., and utility crews were en route shortly after the incident was reported.

While the official cause has not been confirmed, several residents near Oleander Road and Laurel reported a power line sparking and catching fire behind their homes. One resident described it as a “light show,” while others mentioned hearing chainsaws and tree crews working in the early hours.

Polk County Fire Rescue responded to an electrical emergency at 444 Oleander Road at approximately 3:45 a.m. The scene was cleared within 20 minutes, according to emergency dispatch records.

Despite power being restored to most homes, multiple residents have continued to report that their WiFi remains down. Social media comments suggest the outage split the block, with homes on one side of the street unaffected while others lost service. Several noted that lines are still a mess behind homes and that utility crews are waiting on tree trimming to finish before completing full repairs.

Duke Energy’s outage tracker showed crews still working in the area as of 7:21 a.m.

Transfer of Conner Road from County to City Raises Concerns About Flooding

Maria Iannucci
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Transfer of Conner Road from County to City Raises Concerns About Flooding

by James Coulter

 

Residents living along Conner Road may not be concerned whether the road is owned by the city or the county, so long as the road and its culvert are properly maintained to prevent potential flooding.

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 15, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance thatwould approve a Road Transfer Agreement to transfer Conner Road from Polk County to Lake Wales.

During public comments, Jessica Brower, a resident along county road, raised concerns she and other residents had about the road’s maintenance. Specifically, they are concerned about the road’s culvert that empties stormwater into Lake Dance and thus prevents flooding.

“We don’t care if it’s the county or the city [maintaining the road], we just want to be sure that the responsiveness that the county has provided in maintaining the culvert,” she said. “If it [the culvert] fails, all our properties will be flooded. We want the city to be sure and mindful to maintain the culvert so our houses don’t flood.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie commented that, once the road has been transferred, the public works department remains mindful about these concerns and properly maintains the road and its infrastructure.

“This is apparently a road that could fail and undo these homes, and that would certainly be a negative,” she said. “[If] after the culvert has failed, and your house has been undone, that really wouldn’t be much comfort. So, yes, our public works people need to keep that in mind and keep an eye on that during the transition.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson assured residents living in the area that the road would be placed in good hands with the city government.

“With this coming into the city, I hope it will encourage the residents out there to know that your city government will react a whole lot faster in regards to this, and possibly we will be given a chance to make this road and culvert even better,” he said.

Lake Wales History Museum Back to School Bash Set for August 9

Maria Iannucci
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Lake Wales History Museum Back to School Bash Set for August 9

The Lake Wales History Museum will host Back To School Bash on Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10:00 AM 3:00 PM at the Lake Wales History Museum, located on Scenic Hwy. in Lake Wales.

Summer’s winding down, but the fun isn’t over yet; this free family-friendly event celebrates the start of a brand-new school year.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

🎒 Grab your school spirit and get ready for a day of fun

🚂 Help “Load the Locomotive” with school supplies! Supplies will be available at the Back to School Bash for families in need and will also be donated to the Lake Wales Charter Schools for distribution.

🎨 Get creative at the craft station

🎭 Enjoy face painting and colorful fun

💃 Dance your way through The Freight with music and smiles

Whether you’re gearing up for kindergarten or heading into high school, this bash is the perfect way to start the school year off right.

Bring your school supply donations, your friends and family, and let’s celebrate Lake Wales style! ✨

Residents in Unincorporated Areas Can Take Advantage of the PCLC Bookmobile

Maria Iannucci
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Residents in Unincorporated Areas Can Take Advantage of the PCLC Bookmobile

The Lake Wales Public Library reminds residents in unincorporated Polk County that library access is available through a Bookmobile.

The PCLC Bookmobile operates in unincorporated Polk County and incorporated cities without public library services. 

See the full schedule here.

Polk County Library Cooperative cards issued at any location will be honored at the PCLC Bookmobile. New memberships will be available on the Bookmobile. Sign up for the Bookmobile eNewsletter here.

For questions on Bookmobile rules and policies, scheduling Bookmobile for special events and general information, please email [email protected] or call 863.678.4004.

In Loving Memory of Rockne “Rocky” Edward Grimes, 74, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Rockne “Rocky” Edward Grimes, 74, of Lake Wales

Rockne “Rocky” Edward Grimes, 74

Rockne “Rocky” Edward Grimes of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.

He was born July 9, 1951 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Ralph and Cassandra Grimes; he moved to Lake Wales from Ohio 20 years ago. Rocky was a house painter and served with the United States Army for six years. He was a member of Impact Church. Rocky loved to do puzzles and to collect eagles and wolves.

Rocky was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Grimes; as well as other brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 7 years, Kim Grimes; daughters, Andrea Grimes of Ohio, Rozanne Eaton and husband John of Ohio, Nicole Cribbs and husband Larry of Florida, Melissa Fulmer of Kentucky, Andrea Bangs and husband James of Florida; son, Rockne E. Grimes, Jr. of Ohio; sister, Joy King of Ohio; brother, Roger Grimes of Alabama; dog, Roxanne; 14 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Services will be scheduled. 

FWC announces Florida Fish Art Contest special recognition

Maria Iannucci
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FWC announces Florida Fish Art Contest special recognition

FLORIDA- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with The Florida Nomad, is eager to announce The Florida Nomad’s Artist Spotlight Award recognition as part of the Florida Fish Art Contest. They selected youth artist, Sebastian Romo, to receive this year’s Artist Spotlight Award. Congratulations to Sebastian Romo for his creativity in creating this unique artwork of the Florida bass. Way to go, Sebastian!

 “From a very early age, Sebastian showed great talent in expressing his ideas through drawing, filling his sketchbooks full of very detailed and accurate designs of everything that interested him,” said Diego Romo, Sebatian’s dad. “His love of being outdoors, immersed in nature, became his passion which led him to become an animal expert, being able to tell you everything about the subjects in his drawings. Sebastian enjoys studying animals carefully and then drawing them accurately in his own unique style. Besides drawing and fishing, Sebastian loves to play sports and travel to new places where he can learn about different environments. He hopes to one day have a career doing what he loves, which is educating people about animals and creating art.”  

To see more of Sebastian’s art and his animal encounters, follow him on Instagram @sebastianinthewild

“As a Floridian, a captain and someone who spends every day outdoors, I wanted to create gear that not only performs but also tells the story of this incredible state. Partnering with the Fish Art Program was a natural fit – it supports conservation and education, and that’s what The Florida Nomad is all about,” said Joe Ludvigsen, founder of The Florida Nomad.

The FWC, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, will be hosting the contest again next year, stay tuned for more information. Learn more about the Florida Fish Art Contest and how you can participate next year at MyFWC.com/FishArt. 

In Loving Memory of Deborah Lois Rhoden, 48, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Deborah Lois Rhoden, 48, of Lake Wales

Deborah Lois Rhoden, 48

It is with a heavy heart that we share that our loving sister Deborah Rhoden passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the University of Health Shands Hospital due to complications from her lifelong battle with heart failure.

She was born October 13, 1976 to the late George and LaJune Rhoden. She grew up in Lake Wales with her sister Jennifer Rhoden and brothers George Rhoden, and David Rhoden. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2008, where she became a lifelong Gator fan. After leaving Gainesville for a brief time upon graduation, she returned to UF for work and had been with the college for the last 10 years.

She was a devoted and loving aunt to her nieces, Abigail, Hailey, Emily, Piper, and nephew, Noah. In her death, we have had nothing but support extended from her friends, family, and coworkers.

A visitation/service will be held at Forest Meadows Cemetery Chapel in Gainesville. Following the visitation entombment will be in Forest Meadows Cemetery in Gainesville. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Special District for Outdoor Drinking in Downtown Lake Wales Given Preliminary Approval with 3-5 Vote

Maria Iannucci
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Special District for Outdoor Drinking in Downtown Lake Wales Given Preliminary Approval with 3-5 Vote

by James Coulter 

Visitors to Lake Wales may soon be able to carry a glass of wine or beer as they peruse the downtown area, now that city commissioners have given preliminary approval of a special district permitting outdoor drinking. 

At their regular meeting on Tues. July 15, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would create an Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE) District and allow the consumption of alcohol in the downtown area. 

The ordinance passed with a 3-5 vote. Commissioners Carol Gillespie and Daniel Williams made the only “nay” votes. 

The ordinance would create the ACE District through amendments to the city code. These proposed changes would: 

⦁ Establish the district’s purpose and boundaries and create the policies for outside consumption in the district, registered establishments, and violations. 

⦁ Propose containers approved by the City and signage clearly delineating the boundaries. 

⦁ Require registered establishments to provide signage and guidance for customers regarding the district guidelines. 

⦁ Follow the same provisions as the Downtown Historic District regarding alcoholic sales and services and outdoor seating areas, and 

⦁ Treat all applications for bars in the same manner by requiring approval through a special exception process in the Downtown Historic District and the ACE District. 

Dolores Vogel, Vice President of Lake Wales Main Street, commended the city commission for considering the creation of the special district. She felt the proposal would help grow the popularity of the downtown area and draw more residents and visitors to the area. 

“These are real exciting times for our downtown,” Vogel said. “People are now seeking authentic places in downtown, and it cannot be duplicated. The quality of place is a huge factor in how successful a community can be. People want to work, live, and socialize downtown.” 

Commissioner Gillespie, who voted “no,” expressed her concerns about the proposed district. She feared permitting outdoor drinking in the downtown area would likewise permit drunken and unruly behavior. 

“I personally am not in favor of encouraging public use of alcohol,” she said. “Although I recognize the idea that we want our downtown to be vibrant and lively and a place where people want to socialize, that doesn’t mean I want to take the next leap and accept alcohol.” 

Commissioner Williams, who also voted “no,” likewise expressed concerns, specifically about drunk driving. While he never experienced any intoxication from residents at local events, he claimed the district would draw people from outside the city. He feared these individuals may not be as respectful to the rules as the city’s “mature great citizens.” 

“It only takes one incident of that one person drinking leaving there not in good discipline or sound mind because of the alcohol,” he explained. “I believe giving permission [to drink] will increase the possibility of something bad happening to a citizen of Lake Wales, and for that possibility, I will vote no.”

Deputy Robin Gibson mentioned how, ever since he started working for the city in 1973, he has never seen an instance of drunken behavior from residents at events downtown. 

“I think it is unfair to the people of Lake Wales to take a leap from having an event with alcohol as part of it and then leap to public drunkenness and harm to children,” he said. “I think that is really an unfair comment about who we are. We are not that kind of people. And an entertainment district is meant to benefit the heart and soul of the community and [give them] the freedom of choice to enjoy themselves.” 

Commissioner Keith Thompson voted in favor of the district because he trusted residents enough to make responsible decisions about their own choices. As such, they did not need the city government dictating those choices for them. 

“I trust the citizens and people of Lake Wales to make good choices for themselves and to be responsible for the choices that they make,” he said. “It is about protecting individual rights and freedoms, allowing individuals to choose and live with the choices they have made. I think the people of Lake Wales will make good choices.” 

The second reading of the ordinance will be held at a future city commission meeting. If the ordinance is approved, the ACE District will be adopted.

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