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
To better prepare themselves for high-risk operations, the Lake Wales Police Department will be purchasing 16 ballistic shields through a +$17K grant.
At their recent workshop on Wed. July 31, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a consent agenda item for next week’s city commission meeting. The agenda item is for the approval of grant funding for the city police department to purchase protective equipment.
If approved, the department will receive $17,920 through the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grants. The funding will go toward the purchase of 16 ballistic shields.
These shields will be utilized “to help protect law enforcement officers during high-risk situations that involve active shooters, armed suspects and other dangerous encounters requiring immediate tactical response,” wrote Christopher Velasquez, Lake Wales Chief of Police.
“This equipment is crucial during high-risk operations such as warrant services, barricaded subjects, and active assailant incidents,” Chief Velasquez wrote. “Addressing this equipment need through grant funding will enhance our department’s capacity to respond swiftly and safely to violent encounters, potentially saving lives while maintaining law and order within our community.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked if the police department had been involved in any incidents where such protective equipment was necessary. She raised concerns about the equipment being used for riot control, and asked if such precautions were necessary.
“Seems to me when you think of shields, you think of riots,” she said. “Seems to me we wouldn’t need these shields unless you were concerned about riots.”
Chief Velasquez mentioned an ambush several years ago where several police officers and a police dog were shot.
“You don’t need them until you do,” he said. “90 percent of the time they are not needed, but when they are, they are certainly appreciated.”
Commissioner Gillespie asked how the department determines how much equipment to purchase. Chief Velasquez replied that the amount of potential funds through the grant was the determining factor.
“We want to make sure that anyone who needs one has one available,” he said.
Lake Wales city commissioners will vote upon the agenda item at their next city commission meeting, scheduled for Tues. Aug. 5 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, will run from now through Sunday, August 31, giving families a full month of savings on essential school supplies and more.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes exemptions for:
School supplies selling for $50 or less
Binders
Notebooks
Pens and pencils
Lunch boxes
Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less
Backpacks
Pants
Shoes
Shirts
Sweaters
Learning aids selling for $30 or less
Interactive Books
Puzzles
Flashcards
Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use)
Laptops
Flash drives
Printers
Headphones
For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit: FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool.
The National Hurricane Center released a Tropical Weather Outlook from The NWS National Hurricane Center, Miami, Fl, at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 3.
While there is currently no eminent development of a storm, there is an area in the Atlantic to be aware of.
Update:
For the North Atlantic…Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America:
Western Atlantic (AL95): Showers and thunderstorms have increased in association with a non-tropical area of low pressure located a few hundred miles east of the North Carolina coast. While satellite wind data show that the low is now producing gale-force winds, the system remains attached to a frontal boundary. However, environmental conditions are conducive for this system to acquire additional tropical characteristics, and a tropical storm is likely to form by Monday well east of the North Carolina coast. For additional information, including gale warnings, please see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.
Formation chance through 48 hours…high…70 percent.
Formation chance through 7 days…high…70 percent.
Central Tropical Atlantic: A tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa by late Monday. Thereafter, some gradual development of the wave is possible, and a tropical depression could form late this week while it moves generally west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic.
Formation chance through 48 hours…low…near 0 percent.
Formation chance through 7 days…medium…40 percent.
Off the Southeastern United States: An area of low pressure could form in a couple of days a few hundred miles southeast of the Carolinas. Some gradual development of this system is possible by midweek as the system drifts to the northwest.
Formation chance through 48 hours…low…near 0 percent.
They say, “Work hard, play hard.” That’s exactly what the members of this year’s Lake Wales Highlander Band intend to do tonight.
Tonight, August 2, 2025, Lake Wales High School Highlander Band, led by band director, Meagan Delacerda, will perform at Friends and Family Night at 6:30 pm at Legion Field in Lake Wales. Gates open at 5:30; tickets are $5 to the general public and $2 for educators and first responders. Children 2 and under are free.
The performance will showcase the band’s efforts during their recent summer camp, where they honed in on their new marching show, “Into the Storm.”
The concession stand looks like during the day will be open it’s not bus and merchandise will be sold, and all proceeds will benefit the band.
The Fantastic Four’s luck on the big screen has been anything but fantastic. Their first “official” movie in 2005 was largely panned by critics, yet managed to make enough at the box office to warrant a sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer, in 2007. That movie flopped so hard in the box office and reviews that it ended the franchise.
Nearly a decade later, a darker, grittier reboot of the Fantastic Four was released in 2015, and–well, a dark gritty version of the Fantastic Four sounds as appealing as a dark, gritty version of Winnie the Pooh. But while Pooh: Blood and Honey proved to be so bad it’s (ironically) good, Fan4Stic, as it was called by fans, proved to be so bad it’s garbage.
Arguably, the only “good” theatrical adaptation of the Fantastic Four was an unreleased 1994 film by famed shlock director Riger Corman, and that movie never saw the light of day because it was only created so that the studio could keep the film rights to the comic book franchise.
Now, the film rights are in the hands of Disney and Marvel Studios, which has released its own version of the Fantasic Four for its cinematic universe–or, rather, the cinematic multiverse. But will this film open up possibilites as infinite as the multiverse itself? Or is the Fantastic Four so dead-on arrival it might as well be part of the Marvel Zombies franchise?
Set in an alternate reality apart from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Fantastic Four takes place four years after the main characters returned from space with their superpowers. Since then, the titular superhero quintent have used their powers for the good of planet Earth and, doing so, gained super popularity.
However, shortly after Sue became pregnant, a new threat has emerged to devestate the planet. An interteresstial being known as the Silver Surfer arrives to announce that her master, Galactus, will soon devour their planet. The Fantasic Four have the opportunity to avert disaster, but at a personal cost. Will the Four pay that price? Or will they find another way to save their planet from being Galactus’ next gourmet meal?
As with the latest Superman movie, this latest theatrical adaptation of the Fantastic Four decides to forgo the supehero team’s origin in favor of diving right into the main plot. The movie offers a brief glimpse of the Fantastic Four’s origin story via flashback, but otherwise, it fully acknowledges that, like most other superhero origins, the audience is already well aware of how the Fantastic Four got their superpowers. As such, the film dives straight into its own unique story set within a unique pre-established world.
And what a unique world it is! The Fantastic Four revels in its retro-futuristic setting, with sleek space-age architecture and art styles, giant computers, talking robots, and flying cars. It’s as if the entire world was transformed into Walt Disney’s vision of the future circa 1960s Tomorrowland. The only thing missing is “It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” playing in the background. (Though, interesting enough, one montage actually plays the original Disney monorail music from that time period.)
The four main characters are played very well by their respective actors. And their chemistry together certainly feels like a family of superheroes who have been living and working together with their superpowers for many years. Pedro Pascal especially does an excellent job playing the elastic patriach of the family, Reed Richards. Then again, I have yet to watch a bad Pedro Pascal performance. From The Mandalorian to even Wonder Woman 84, ever role he plays is golden.
Perhaps the most surprising performance (for me at least) was Johnny Storm. Normally, he’s depicted as an impulsive, hot-headed, and even reckless show off, a real pig-headed abdolescent who’s only part of the group because he’s Sue’s brother. However, in this movie, Johnny proves to be just as intelligent and capable as the other characters, even as much as Richard. No spoilers, but part of his arc involves him effortlessly deciphering an alien language to help unveil a secret that proves pivotal for the plot.
As for the plot itself, it’s simple yet effective. The Fantastic Four are forced to make a difficult choice: either give up something of theirs, or allow their world to be consumed by Galactus. Again, no spoilers, but this plot points ends up complicating matters further by turning public opinion against them. Now, the Fantastic Four have to beat the clock and their soured public perception to discover a third option.
And, well, they certainly come up with an alternative solution. No spoilers, but…well, it’s the dumbest solution that the smartest person can come up with, a solution so dumb that if if the movie wasn’t good and wasn’t reveling so much in its Silver Age comic book aesthetic that it could have easily ruined the movie. Gladly, it’s a plot point so stupid only a Silver Age-style comic book movie could pull it off. (And to its credit, that plot point ends up failing, only to lead to an actually smart solution.)
Overall, while this Fantastic Four movie may not be the best superhero movie of the year (that honor goes to the new Superman movie), it’s undoubtedly the best Marvel movie of the year and hands down the best Fantastic Four movie ever made. A real Fantastic Four out of five!
It is with deep love and heartbreak that we share the passing of Leisa Anne Viviano, who passed on July 21, 2025, with her son by her side.
Leisa was born on June 2, 1958 in New York City. She was a one-of-a-kind soul — a true firecracker. She was funny, fearless, and full of heart. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter could lift anyone’s spirit. She was strikingly beautiful, incredibly smart, and had strength and determination that carried her — and others — through life’s hardest moments.
Leisa was a free spirit who loved the beach and the ocean, and felt a special connection to animals, especially manatees. She found joy in the little things — gift giving, collecting jewelry and loose change, watching the Miami Dolphins, sharing a great meal, or simply being surrounded by people she loved. She was the life of the party in her younger days and had a magnetic energy that made everyone feel seen and welcome.
Leisa had a bold personality and a heart that was even bigger. She was giving to a fault —one of her love languages — the kind of person who would give you the dollar out of her wallet, even if she only had a dollar to give. She was always there for you. She wanted everyone to know they were important in their own special way. She was strong-willed, never let anyone win an argument easily, and stood firmly for what she believed in. She treated people right, built deep and lasting friendships, and lived by her own unshakable values.
A proud Italian woman, she was an incredible cook whose meals brought people together — full of flavor, love, and stories. While she loved feeding others, she equally loved going out to eat, sharing laughs over a beautiful meal.
Above all, her greatest joy in life was her family. Her son was her pride and joy, she wouldn’t hesitate to show him off to everyone, even if she knew it would embarrass him. When her granddaughters were born, her heart expanded even more. She adored them with every fiber of her being and showered them with love, humor, comfort, and gifts.
Leisa was a woman who lived out loud — full of fire, full of love, and full of joy. She will be missed more than words can ever express.
She is survived by her beloved son, John, her treasured granddaughters, Savannah and Leah, her beautiful daughter-in-law, Sarah, and countless friends / customers who she developed long lasting relationships with over the years at Lester’s Diner in Margate, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Theresa Viviano Jones; her stepfather, John Jones; her father, Peter Viviano; and her brother, Craig Viviano.
“Mom, you may be gone from this world, but you will always live in the love I carry in my heart.”
A traffic collision was reported on Friday, August 1, 2025 at approximately 4:07 PM near the intersection of Highway 60 westbound and W. Lake Wales Rd. N. The accident is said to involve three vehicles in close proximity to the railroad track crossing.
Two individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries. Polk County Sheriff’s Office PIO department has confirmed that the agency has been in contact with CSX with regard to the railroad crossing.
Expect delays for a short time as that accident is being cleared. No further details are available at this time.
The man who knew no strangers and loved life to the fullest passed away on July 26, 2025 at home surrounded by family. He was known as Bob, Dad, Pop, or Popcorn. He was born in Mitchell, Nebraska on July 4, 1935, to Charles Stanford and Ethel Mae Rowe. Bob grew up in the quaint town of Henry, Nebraska, the youngest of eight children. He spent his elementary years in a one room classroom in Henry. He graduated from high school in Torrington, Wyoming.
Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy serving in Guam, the Korean War, as a Seabee in addition to playing Navy football as a right guard. After his time serving his country, he moved back to Henry and began his career in the trucking industry that he passionately loved.
Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Judy. They were married on July 3rd, 1958, and spent 67 years building a wonderful life together. They were inseparable. They raised two children, Jay, and Vicki. Their lifelong journey together afforded them the opportunity to live in Wyoming, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia eventually returning to Florida as their final home where they took up residence in River Ranch, Florida. They were surrounded with numerous friends and family members. They were known as Mr. and Mrs. River Ranch. On any given evening, you would find a circle of their friends of all ages pull up in their golfcarts for happy hour at their place. It was the place to be and mingle.
While raising their children in Torrington, Wyoming, Bob and Judy were the original proud owners of Taco John’s. A thriving business that just recently closed.
Bob’s love for trucking and hot rods brought him to eventually own and operate his own antique and classic car transportation company, Top Gun Transport. Bob traveled the country hauling the most exquisite cars for the rich and famous. While attending a car show in Virginia, his career ended when he became a local hero by running after a runaway 18-wheeler that was headed for the interstate. He was able to run and jump on the sideboard of the truck and open the door to force the truck into a pasture saving lives. In the process he sustained a crushed ankle that halted his driving career. Bob was written up in the local paper for his heroic effort. That is the Bob everyone knew and loved. Always willing to do the right thing regardless of the consequences to help others.
Bob’s love for his family was fierce. He fought many health battles through the years and each time battled through them remarkably to be with his family. Bob is survived by his beautiful wife Judy, son Jay (Wava) of River Ranch, FL and daughter, Vicki (Jamie) of Zephyrhills, FL. Bob leaves behind his grandchildren, Ashlie (Jeromy), Brooke, Nicole and Heather and was pre-deceased by his only grandson, Cory. Bob was blessed with eleven great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren. He also left behind several nieces and nephews that adored him.
Bob fought hard till the end and was determined to be at his big 90th birthday and 67th wedding anniversary celebration held the end of June. What a wonderful living celebration it was leaving all attending with many special memories watching him enjoy the day, even giving us a last little dance with his bride. And, bidding all a farewell and telling all that he would see them next year. Bob’s sense of humor never left him. He was joking up until his final days.
Bob is predeceased by his wonderful parents and his loving siblings, Marvin, Frank, Dean, Norma Jean, Eva, Marylou, and Doris. What a beautiful Rowe reunion they will have as they all welcome him to his heavenly home.
Bob’s wishes were to celebrate his life and not mourn. He loved life and loved people. If you knew Bob, he would typically greet you with a bigger than life hello and a hug. He would tell you that he was blessed beyond measure and that he was doing better than he deserved to be. That was Bob.
A very special thank you to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL for providing compassionate and quality care during his extensive treatment. To the Veteran’s Administration who provided the upmost respect, equipment, and care. To the Cornerstone Hospice team who cared for Bob in his final weeks. To his daughter, Vicki and daughter-in-law Wava who spent countless hours providing support and care. To Robin Curtis for spending the last 24 hours providing tremendous support to the family. To Pastor Ray Duncan for being with Bob and the family in his final hours. And to the best caregiver, his resilient and beautiful wife, Judy. That little lady never stopped loving or taking care of Bob day and night. Lastly, to all of Bob’s friends at River Ranch and beyond who also provided so much comfort and care.
Respecting Bob’s wishes, there will not be a formal service. We will hold on to the recent memories of his living celebration. In memory of Bob, contributions to the River Ranch Chapel specifically contributing the new children’s church being built would be appreciated. Bob loved and adored all children.
River Ranch Chapel
Children’s Church building fund
30122 River Ranch Boulevard
River Ranch, FL 33867
Our River Ranch legend will continue to live on in our hearts and memories. In your travels, grab a Dairy Queen blizzard in Bob’s memory. It was Bob’s favorite and his most requested item.
Lake Wales, FL – Camp Mack, an iconic symbol of Old Florida, invites RVers, families, boaters, fishermen, hikers, bird/outdoor lovers and airboaters to discover the rich history and vibrant community at the stunning lodge, marina, and RV resort on Lake Kissimmee. The previously named Sports Bar & Grill, Gator Mack’s, has been relaunched as Freshwater Tavern & Grill, with many updates including new ownership.
Mike Joseph, new owner of Freshwater Tavern & Grill, at Camp Mack, Lake Wales
Mike Joseph, the new owner, is working hard to make Freshwater Tavern & Grill a unique spot for locals and visitors alike. With a stage for live music, trivia, bingo or karaoke, there will be plenty of live entertainment to satisfy customers. A full bar, complimented by light fare, TVs, and games like darts give visitors a variety of activities to engage in.
Freshwater’s new interior, photo by Maria Iannucci
The resort itself boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including a 40 room Lodge, spacious RV sites with full hookups, a well-stocked store by the marina, and convenient access to fishing and airboating opportunities. Families can explore the pristine waters of Lake Kissimmee and Lake Hatchineha, both home to diverse wildlife, breathtaking sunsets, and unforgettable memories. The onsite airboat tour company, Alligator Cove Tours, is the top-rated tour company in the area, and customers rave about this nature trip.
Freshwater’s new interior, photo by Maria Iannucci
Camp Mack is also strategically located for those wishing to explore nearby attractions. Lake Kissimmee State Park offers excellent hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, while the serene Bok Tower Gardens showcases lush landscapes and stunning water features. Both Lake Kissimmee State Park and Bok Tower Gardens are on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Freshwater’s new interior, photo by Maria Iannucci
At Camp Mack, old Florida charm meets modern outdoor fun. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water or a peaceful getaway in nature, there is something for everyone.
For more information: visit www.campmack.com or call (863) 696-1108.
Alice K. “Sister” Waters of Blowing Rock, North Carolina and Lake Wales, Florida, died at home in Blowing Rock on July 19, 2025. She was 91 years old.
A 4th generation Floridian, she was born in Jacksonville in 1934. As a little girl, she was known both for making mischief and for being an excellent student. Skipping two grades, she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1951, her childhood love for the baton earning her the role of head majorette.
She attended University of Florida and afterwards worked for Motors Insurance Corp. in Jacksonville. There she met John Charles Waters of Alachua, who became the love of her life. The couple married in 1954 and moved to Orlando five years later. Alice volunteered as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher at Lannis’ elementary school, and taught baton twirling to girls with the school’s marching band. She was active in PTA, becoming president of Pine Hills and Hiawassee elementary schools’ PTA – she started Hiawassee’s PTA.
Meanwhile, Alice developed what could only be called a passion for Robert’s Rules of Order. She was parliamentarian of Orange County Council PTA, corresponding secretary of the state PTA, and a member of the Parliamentary Law Unit of Winter Park. She even taught high school students parliamentary law. It all culminated in life memberships to the National Association of Parliamentarians and National PTA.
Alice helped establish Pine Castle Center for the Arts, and was president and organizer of the Art Center’s volunteer association. Then in 1976, the family moved to Babson Park. There, she was on the board of the Lake Wales Art Center and was active in the Lake Wales Women’s Club.
For a long time she helped organize the Pegasus Krewe for the annual Mardi Gras parade in Lake Wales; she was chosen as Queen of Pegasus, and Queen of Carnival.
Then, in 1985, her beloved John died. He was only 60; they were building a cabin in Blowing Rock. Alone, Alice moved to Blowing Rock. Until the end of her life, except for the snowiest months when she escaped to Lake Wales, she lived there on her own, building roaring fires herself when the temperature dipped. She enjoyed the mountains immensely, often picnicking with friends or family along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Over time she became increasingly involved in politics. She was a member of Watauga County Republican Women’s Club, served many years on the party’s executive committee, and ran the county Republican headquarters during elections. She was honored by the Congressional District 5 Republican Party with the Above and Beyond award, the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women Tribute to Women and by the GOP Executive Committee as a district nominee to the Republican State Hall of Fame. She specifically requested that it be noted that “she jokingly gave pole dance lessons to her friends, mostly ladies from the Republican Women’s Club.”
Alice had a large group of close friends, whose love and support kept her life full, and enabled her to continue living independently on her own terms. A special group of women who gathered at her home each Wednesday for coffee were particularly dear to her, and brightened each week. She noted that she “loved traveling, good fun, and her family, especially granddaughters Martha and Alice.” She also loved to dance until a few years ago, and was a good dancer, including line dancing.
Alice Kirkland Waters was born January 6, 1934 in Jacksonville. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John C. Waters, her parents Ruby Messer and Van Buren Kirkland, and brother G. Van B. Kirkland, who died in Hurricane Katrina. She is survived by her son Lannis Waters (Michelle Genz) of Vero Beach, granddaughters Martha of London, England and Alice of Charlotte, NC, and their mother Liz Best of Carrboro, NC.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, followed by interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Orlando at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Nashville, TN.
