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Saturday, September 6, 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

Lake Wales Woman Who Also Worked For Lake Wales Police Department Arrested For Fraud & Theft

A former civilian staff assistant with the Lake Wales Police Department has been arrested and charged with Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card (Felony) and Petit Theft (Misdemeanor) following an investigation into unauthorized use of nonprofit funds.

The investigation began on September 3, 2025 when a representative from the Lake Wales High School Band Association contacted police and reported suspected fraudulent activity on their bank account. Detectives identified the suspect as Leslie Grondin, 46, of Lake Wales, who was serving as treasurer of the nonprofit organization.

Detectives uncovered the following unauthorized transactions made with on the organization’s account:

April 1, 2025 – $90.00 charge to the National Society of High School Scholars

April 14, 2025 – $227.63 charge for a hotel stay at the Residence Inn in Gainesville, FL

April 29, 2025 – $174.82 payment for Grondin’s personal residential water bill

During questioning on September 3rd, Grondin admitted to using the organization’s debit card to pay her personal water bill, stating she was “tight on money.” She also acknowledged the hotel stay, claiming she may have used the wrong card. However, in her Treasurer’s Report, she falsely listed the hotel stay and water bill charges as fraudulent, informing the board she would follow up with the bank—a step she never took.

Grondin initially denied knowledge of the charge to the National Society of High School Scholars transaction but later provided a receipt for that purchase from her cell phone.

At the time of these transactions, Grondin had sole custody of the Band Association’s debit card and was responsible for preparing and submitting financial reports. On May 8, 2025, she submitted the April Treasurer’s Report, intentionally misrepresenting two of the unauthorized charges.

On September 4, 2025, Grondin resigned from the Lake Wales Police Department where she worked as a staff assistant since April 1, 2024. Her annual salary was $46,363.20. She did not handle money or conduct financial transactions for the department. Grondin did not have any discipline during her employment with the department.  

On September 5, 2025, Detectives arrested Grondin on charges of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Petit Theft. This investigation remains active as detectives continue to review past transactions.  

The Lake Wales Police Department remains committed to protecting the integrity of community organizations and ensuring those who abuse positions of trust are held accountable.

LWHS Running Back Running to Become Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year 

by James Coulter 

Nashid Jenkins Jr. comes from a family of athletes. His grandfather played sports. His uncle played sports. And not only does he play sports, but he’s striving to accomplish what his family members before him could not: making it to the big leagues. 

“My grandad almost made it to the league, but he got hurt,” Nashid said. “My uncle almost made it to the league, but he got hurt. So, I’m going to be the one in my family who will finally make it. I’m going to finish what my family started.” 

Nashid plays as the running back on the junior varsity and varsity levels for the Highlanders football team at Lake Wales High School. He’s also aiming to become Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year. 

Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition is a nationwide campaign that raises funds and awareness for the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation. According to their website, these non-profit organizations are “dedicated to education, children’s health and fighting poverty, empowering today’s youth to lead with a why not you attitude.” 

“Through this competition, I have the opportunity to show not only my city but the world how passionate I am about making it to the next level in football,” Nashid said. “I’m passionate about the way football makes me feel, the drive and purpose it gives me. When I’m on and off the field, I walk with my head high. I know I’m making myself, my family, and my coaches proud. I lead by example.” 

Nashid has been playing football on both the junior varsity and varsity levels. This season, he scored two touchdowns, including his first end field touchdown for varsity. 

“It [making that touchdown] was like the best feeling ever,” he said. “It felt like I accomplished something. I just know that after I scored the one [touchdown], more is to come. I know it. It pushes me to keep going after what I want.” 

His best game to date was the game his team played against Auburndale. Despite his team losing, he felt he and his teammates played their best that game. 

He owes his success to the leadership of Head Coach Tavaris Johnson. He also attributes his athletic prowess to the preparation he does before a game. Before each game, he makes sure to stretch, eat well, and pray. He also watches and studies how his opponents play. 

“I watch the opponent’s team. I watch my opponents. See how they line up. I see which hole will be open, how each player will react to me. I will see the defense and linebackers.” 

His biggest inspiration, aside from the family members who played sports before him, is his mother. He strives to do his best both on and off the field to make her proud. 

“My mom inspires me,” he said. “Every time I see her, it makes me push even harder, because I love her so much and it makes me want to do better each and every day.” 

Likewise, his mother, Angie Marie, is proud of his accomplishments. She especially loves how he continues the athletic legacy of her family. 

To see my son playing the sport and position my dad talked to me about my whole life is pretty amazing. To hear the people say that’s Shep’s grandson is awesome,” she said. “It’s an indescribable feeling to know that he is a humble young man who loves the Lord, and to be acknowledged for your hard work just tops it off.”

In Loving Memory of Norman P. Padgett, Jr., 82, of Babson Park

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Norman P. Padgett, Jr., 82

          Norman P. Padgett of Babson Park passed away Monday, September 1, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital.

          He was born March 19, 1943, in Lake Wales to the late Norman “Bob” and Lyda Padgett, Sr.; he was a lifelong resident of the area.  Norman was a retired Lineman, Service Man, for 35 years with Florida Power, Progress Energy, and Duke Energy.  He served with the United States National Guard from 1959 until 1967.  He was an ordained deacon and a member of First Baptist Church of Frostproof, where he had an active role in the Men’s Ministry.

          Norman was steadfast in his faith and loved the Lord.  He was passionate about sharing Jesus with everyone he met.   

          In earlier years, Norman shared his faith through music, singing, playing guitar, and leading with joyful spirit.  He was the music director at Golfview Baptist Church for over 20 years.  He also taught Sunday School and led the Royal Ambassadors (R. A.’s) – a Christian youth group for boys.  

          Continuing with his love for music, Norman was the lead singer in a southern gospel quartet called the ROMS (Retired Old Men Singers).  For the last 11 years he sang in a community choir led by Dr. Steven Darr.  One of the biggest thrills was when he sang in the backup choir, led by Dr. Darr, for a Gaither Homecoming Concert.

          Norman had a love for the outdoors, especially fishing.  He valued the time he spent with his family.  Fostering in them his love for Christ and music.  He would often recall time spent singing around the piano at home.  Some of his favorite memories were listening to the harmony created between him and his daughters.

          Norman was preceded in death by his father, Norman Padgett, Sr.; mother, Lyda Padgett; and sisters, Dorothy Dean, Anna Lee Wyrosdick, and Shirley Braxton.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanette Padgett; daughters, Wendy Wilson and husband Ronnie of Babson Park, Brenda Hill and husband Justin of Babson Park; sister, Mildred Gardner of Auburndale; grandchildren, Preston Wiley Hill and wife Michela, Clayton Taylor Hill and wife Morgan, Jacob “Jake” Alan Wilson; and five great-grandchildren.

          A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Frostproof with Reverend Darrol Hood and Pastor Steven Darr officiating.  Condolences can be sent to the family at www.manrionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Traffic Stop Turns Violent: K9 and Officer Struck by Fleeing Suspect

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Lake Wales, FL – 36-year-old Marlon Arrindell was taken into custody on Sunday, August 31, 2025, following an incident that left an officer and his K9 partner, “Bolo,” injured. 

Arrindell was initially stopped for driving 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. During the traffic stop, officers determined he was operating a vehicle with a suspended license. When the officer attempted to make the arrest, Arrindell resisted and engaged in a physical altercation. The officer deployed K9 Bolo, but Arrindell re-entered his vehicle and attempted to flee. In the process, both the officer and K9 became entangled, and the officer was struck by the fleeing vehicle. 

Responding officers quickly located Arrindell on East Bay Boulevard. He fled on foot but sustained a severe leg injury after attempting to climb a barbed-wire fence. Arrindell was provided medical treatment before being booked into jail. 

He faces multiple charges, including Driving While License Suspended, Fleeing to Elude, Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Injuring a Police Canine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. 

The injured officer and K9 Bolo have since been released from medical care and are recovering at home.

In Loving Memory of Raymond Edward Agnew, Jr., 85

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Raymond Edward Agnew, Jr., 85

Raymond Agnew, Jr. of Winter Haven passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2025, under the care of Good Shepherd Hospice. 

Raymond was born on October 13, 1939, in Rhinebeck, New York, to Rev. Raymond E. Agnew and Margaret Long. 

Raymond was in the United States AirForce and served from 1957 to 1961. His long career with G.C. Murphy Company moved him throughout the Midwest, managing progressively larger stores. As the economy and the company changed, he oversaw liquidations. Afterward, he started his own business, “RDA Stores” (RDA for Ray and Delida Agnew). He owned and managed multiple Shell gas stations with mini marts, a Subway, and a Dairy Queen in small towns near Canton, Ohio. He retired to Pensacola Florida, then moved up to Prince’s Lakes in Nineveh, Indiana, eventually settling in Lake Wales, Florida. Ray was an outgoing man with a kind heart and a good sense of humor. He will be missed. 

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Elizabeth Rae Kilmer. He is survived by his wife, Delida A. Agnew; and son, Raymond E. Agnew III of Sarasota, Florida; as well as 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. 

No services have been scheduled at this time. 

Lake Wales Public Library Membership Drive May Score You A Prize This Month

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Photo Credit: ala.org

The Lake Wales Public Library has announced it is hosting a September contest to help drive members of the community to obtain a library card.

“Send your friends, family, neighbors, and strangers to the Lake Wales Public Library or PCLC Bookmobile to get a new card and be entered into a drawing to win a prize!,” boasts a recent promotional email.

One entry will be given for every new library card applicant that shares the name of the person who referred them to the library .

To be eligible for the drawing, one must be a current library card holder. Price provided by the Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library.

The contest runs through September 30, 2025.

Beginner Watercolor Art Class: Alligator in Lilies at Bok Tower Gardens

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Saturday, September 27
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
$55 members, $75 non-members

Bok Tower Gardens will be hosting a beginner watercolor class on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Create your own, Alligator in Lillies, watercolor painting from sketch to finish. You will be provided with all the materials for the class and artist, Kelly Quinn, will share her tips and techniques to guide you step-by-step through the process.

The cost of the class is $55 for members, and $75 for non-members.

Register Now

County Commissioners Approve Noise Ordinance, Vessel Exclusion Zones, and Designated Swim Areas on Lake Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana 

by James Coulter 

Loud, throbbing music that rattles house windows. Indecent exposure and language from rowdy, drunken boaters. And garbage that litters the shore of private homeowners. 

These are some of the nuisances commonly experienced on Lakes Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana. And it is these nuisances that newly-adopted vessel exclusion zones, designated swim areas, and a noise ordinance are expected to mitigate. 

At their regular meeting on Tues. Sept. 2, 2025, Polk County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve two ordinances.  

One ordinance creates vessel exclusion zones (which would likewise function as designated swim areas) for Lakes Winterset, Clinch, and Ariana. 

“As waterway usage increases, conflicts between motorized vessel traffic and vulnerable users like swimmers and bathers present a growing safety concern,” the agenda item stated. “This action will physically separate vessel traffic from swimming activities, mitigating risks and protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of persons using these waterways.” 

The other ordinance repeals and replaces the county’s existing noise ordinance “to provide an updated framework for effectively protecting the public health, safety, general welfare, and the reasonable peace and quiet of Polk County residents.” 

“As Polk County’s population continues to grow, residents have faced significant challenges related to noise disturbances,” the agenda item stated. “The County’s existing noise regulations…are insufficient for addressing the types of noise issues currently being faced by our residents.” 

Several residents who live along the lakes spoke during public comments to voice their support of the ordinances and their concerns about the problems these ordinances seek to mitigate. 

Many residents mentioned how boaters would often litter, act rowdy and indecently, and even become drunk and intoxicated. Many also complained how the music from boats would be played loudly enough not only to be heard inside houses, but also to rattle windows. 

“We had to buy noise-canceling headphones. We are listening with the windows closed and air conditioning on, and we can still hear it and feel it,” said resident Linda Phillips. 

“We have asked these boaters nicely to turn their music down, and when they leave, they come back with larger speakers pointing them at us in defiance,” said one resident, Doreen Northstrom. “It boggles my mind that we even have to get to this point because of the lack of respect and morals.” 

Another resident, Candace Romando, mentioned a recent incident where one person on a boat had his head smashed with a beer bottle and retaliated by drawing a gun. She brought along a petition of 120 signatures in support of the proposed ordinance. 

Several other residents attempted to play video and audio recordings of the rowdy, indecent behavior often exhibited on the lakes, only for their microphones to be silenced. 

“We have to deal with this on a daily basis,” Romando said. 

Lake Winterset recently made headlines due to a fight that occurred there in early August. The incident led to eight arrests, including one minor, for charges such as rioting and fighting in public. 

Addressing the incident during a press meeting, Sheriff Grady Judd stated, quite emphatically, that the “game is over” for people who engage in such unruly behavior on the lakes. 

“It’s over, folks,” he said. “We will lock y’all up until you figure out that you can’t misbehave in the community, that you can’t fight, that you can’t knock people unconscious.”

Listening, Learning, Leading: Julie Conrad’s First Steps in Lake Wales as New Superintendent

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Julie Conrad – Lake Wales Charter School Superintendent

By Anita Todd

LAKE WALES – Freshly arrived and facing the challenge of her new position head on, Julie Conrad, the new Superintendent of the Lake Wales Charter School District, hasn’t slowed down since she pulled into town.

Having finished the third week of the school year, Conrad has already completed more than 55 one-on-one meetings with trustees, principals, staff, community members, city officials, faith leaders, and representatives of community organizations. She’s also visited all seven campuses at least three times and attended as many events as her schedule allows.

It’s a strong start to her 90-day plan, which centers on listening and learning.
“I am committed to being visible and approachable. Visibility creates stability,” Conrad said. “As I said at the Back to School Celebration and in my welcome letter to students, staff and families, we will be focused on safety, learning and academics, and engagement. Engagement is key.”

Though new to Lake Wales and Florida, Conrad has deep Southern roots. Born in Alabama, she moved  to Wisconsin then back to Alabama where she graduated from Auburn University before moving back to Wisconsin. The daughter of an army aviator, she has spent more than 33 years in education in Wisconsin as a teacher, principal, administrator, and college professor, guided by her personal mantra: “building community through education.”

“Building community through education is not just a tagline, it is core to our success as a charter school system,” she explained. “I want us to look at it not as a system of charter schools but a charter school system.”

Conrad was selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants, and though her colleagues in Oshkosh were sad to see her go, they praised her impact.
“Her leadership and deep commitment have truly impacted our students and our operations,” wrote Oshkosh Area School District Superintendent Bryan Davis. “While we are sad to see her go, this is a remarkable and well-deserved opportunity for her professional growth, and allows her to be closer to her family in Florida. We extend our deepest gratitude for her service and wish her every success in her new role.”

In Oshkosh, Conrad played a pivotal role in passing the district’s $197.8 million facilities referendum, leading the planning process and helping secure voter support.

She’s bringing that same dedication to Lake Wales. In the second quarter of the school year, she plans to use insights from her first 90 days to define priorities for different stakeholder groups and complete a systemwide strategic plan by the end of the year.
“I want us to come together as a school district and all be pulling in one direction,” she said. “I don’t have an agenda but I definitely have a vision.”

By the fourth quarter, Conrad hopes to identify a unifying “shining star” for the district, while still celebrating the unique identities of each of the seven charter schools.

The move to Florida was a family decision as much as a professional one. “We were the only ones who weren’t here,” she laughed, noting that their adult son and his wife, along with her brother and sister and their families, all live nearby. She and her husband are settling in with their beloved Yorkie, while she also makes time for the beach, exercise, and her favorite workout, the barre method.

In her Back to School letter, Conrad wrote, “I am feeling tremendous pride and unity in our community. It is a privilege to be a part of it, and I am incredibly optimistic about all the great things we will achieve together this school year.”

Her optimism is contagious as she visits schools, chats with staff, and greets families. She encourages everyone to stop, say hello and introduce yourself.
“I am inviting all of you to be a part of a great school year,” she said. “Your support, whether you are volunteering, coming to events, or just staying in the know, makes all the difference.”

City of Lake Wales Set to Approve $123 Million Budget for Next Fiscal Year 

by James Coulter 

The City of Lake Wales is set to approve next fiscal year’s budget of more than $123 million with an emphasis on projects to implement its Lake Wales Connected Plan. 

At their workshop on Wed., Aug. 29, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed the proposed budget and millage rate for the next fiscal year.  

The proposed budget is estimated to be $123,558,276. Its proposed operating budget expenditures are estimated to be $46,281,533, which is “14.6% more than last year’s total operating expenditures,” wrote Finance Director Dorothy Abbott. 

The budget includes many capital and significant projects with an overall emphasis on implementing the city’s award-winning Connected Plan. The plan, according to the city’s website, outlines “a strategy for revitalization of Lake Wales’ historic downtown and one of its most important adjacent neighborhoods.” 

“Lake Wales Connected seeks to build upon recent momentum, providing a strategy that aligns with the City’s legacy by using a community-based vision to direct future improvements, growth, preservation, and economic vitality,” the city’s website states. 

Such projects include $750,000 for resurfacing city streets, $350,000 for the restoration of the historic Stuart House, $500,000 to help local homeowners bring their properties into compliance with city code, and $1,550,000 to refurbish Kiwanis Park. 

To help fund the proposed budget, the city will likewise adopt a proposed millage rate of 8.0462 mills, “which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 6.6772 mills by 20.50%,” Abbott wrote. 

At the workshop, Abbott mentioned how next fiscal year’s budget was the “hardest” she and her staff have formulated within nearly a decade. 

“It was very difficult,” she said. “This was probably the hardest budget in 8 or 9 years.” 

City commissioners will vote on the proposed budget and millage rate at their next meeting scheduled for Tues., Sep. 2 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.