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

Bear Harvest Permit Applications Open Sept. 12

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September 9, 2025

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Bear Harvest Permit Applications Open Sept. 12

Bear harvest permit applications for the 2025 regulated bear hunting season will open at 10 a.m. EDT on Sept. 12 and can be submitted through Sept. 22 at 11:59 p.m. A bear harvest permit is required to harvest a bear in one of the four selected Bear Harvest Zones from Dec. 6-28. A hunting license is also required to hunt bears, unless exempt.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old by Oct. 1 to apply and may apply as many times as they want for $5 per application, plus handling fees. Permits will be distributed by random drawing. Only one nontransferable permit may be issued per person, and permits will cost $100 for residents and $300 for nonresidents, plus handling fees. No more than 10% of all permits issued will be to nonresidents.

Hunters will be able to submit online applications at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com by logging into their account and choosing “Apply for Limited Entry/Quota Permits” or by completing an application worksheet and presenting it to a license agent or Florida tax collector’s office. Hunters can find more information on how to apply by going to MyFWC.com/License and clicking on “Limited Entry and Quota Permits.” Visit MyFWC.com/BearHunting for more information on bear hunting in Florida.

Former Lake Wales Elementary School Teacher Arrested By Lakeland Police On Grand Theft and Fraud Charges

CRIME

carl

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September 9, 2025

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Former Lake Wales Elementary School Teacher Arrested By Lakeland Police On Grand Theft and Fraud Charges

By Carl Fish

LAKELAND – A Polk Avenue Elementary School 5th grade teacher was arrested after Lakeland Police allege she engaged in a scheme involving returns and unpaid merchandise at the Target on Harden Boulevard.

According to an arrest affidavit, police responded to the store at 9:36 a.m. on August 31 after being alerted to a suspect “making selections and concealing items.”

The affidavit identifies the defendant as 42-year-old Ashley Erin Drumb of Winter Haven, a teacher in the Lake Wales Charter School system.

Police say surveillance showed Drumb arriving in the parking lot around 9:25 a.m. and going to the Target Online Pickup counter for an order that included a wreath and pencil sharpener. The affidavit states:

“At 0934 hours, the defendant exited the vehicle and entered the business with a blue tote bag. The defendant proceeded onto the sales floor and selected merchandise from the sales floor and placing the unpaid items into the blue tote bag.”

She then walked past all check-out lanes and went to customer service where she “completed a return of the pencil sharpener she had picked up at the online order, as well as returned (1) wreath, (10) 7qt clear bin, and (1) black bin that was selected from the sales floor and unpaid for.”

The affidavit states Drumb received $86.67 in refunds but “did not render payment for the items that were selected from the sales floor currently in the shopping cart.” Investigators said she exited the store around 10:37 a.m. with 66 unpaid items valued at $958.16 before taxes.

Polk State College Foundation Finance Director Emerges As A Whistleblower – Alleges Feeling Of Being “Silenced” In Reporting Issues In PSC Administration’s $125,000 Funding Request

Post-Miranda, Drumb reportedly told police she believed she had paid for all of the items and blamed the rain for any oversight, stating she intended to pay for everything. Officers said this conflicted with surveillance and witness accounts.

The affidavit also noted Drumb was “a repeat suspect of prior theft,” referencing Lakeland Police Case #24-13468. Despite that notation, court records currently indicate she has no prior theft convictions.

Drumb was arrested and charged with Grand Theft between $750 and $5,000 and Scheme to Defraud, both third-degree felonies.

When contacted for comment, the Lake Wales Charter School system advised that “the individual is no longer with Lake Wales Charter Schools.” They also stated that LWCS does not comment on personal matters.

Welcome, World Travelers! Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Carousel of Progress

Entertainment

Maria Iannucci

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September 9, 2025

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Welcome, World Travelers! Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Carousel of Progress

by James Coulter

Walt Disney may have passed away five years before Walt Disney World opened, but the founder of the Disney company will soon be making an appearance at the Happiest Place on Earth–albeit through the magic of audio-animatronics.

Several big announcements about the Disney parks were made during Destination D23, hosted during the last weekend of August at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World.

One exciting announcement, made during the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel on Sat., Aug. 30, was about a Walt Disney animatronic to be created for the Carousel of Progress attraction in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.

The Carousel of Progress is a unique audio-animatronic show set inside a rotating theater that showcases the technological progress experienced during the 20th century through the life of a single American family.

The attraction made its debut at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. It was later showcased at Disneyland from 1967 until 1973, when it moved to its new and current home at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Since its debut at the World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress, according to the Disney Parks Blog, “has had more performances than any other stage show in the history of American theater.”

As the attraction showcases Walt Disney’s passion for progress and innovation, it’s only fitting that an audio-animatronic representation of the man himself will start the show through a new opening presentation set to debut sometime next year.

This will not be the first time Walt Disney has appeared as an audio-animatronic figure at a Disney park. Disneyland introduced its own figure earlier this year on July 17 as part of the attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” to celebrate the park’s 70th anniversary.

To ensure historical accuracy, the audio-animatronic figure was created through a collaboration by Disney Imagineering with the Walt Disney Archives and the Walt Disney Family Museum.

“We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum,” said Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum.

“The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future,” she continued. “We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive.”

In Loving Memory of Dennis Lee Ginn, 79, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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September 8, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Dennis Lee Ginn, 79, of Lake Wales

Dennis Lee Ginn, 79, of Lake Wales, Florida passed away peacefully September 4, 2025. Dennis was born January 19, 1946, in Somerset, Ohio. Dennis retired from Bunting Tripp and Ingley of Lake Wales after 40 + years. Dennis served in the Army and was stationed in Colorado and the Panama Canal Zone. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 58. Dennis was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Lake Wales Country Club.

Dennis was preceded in death by parents Cloice and Roberta Ginn.

Dennis is survived by his life companion Jackie Williams, brother Stephen (Nancy) Ginn of Howard, Ohio, sister Anita (Tim) Russell of Somerset, Ohio, nieces Onie (Stacy) Hill, Maddy (Logan) Burt and nephews Samuel (Stephanie) Ginn, Chase (Chelsie) Russell, and many great nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service and celebration of life at a later date in Somerset, Ohio.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home of Lake Wales, Florida handling local arrangements.

Starting Today, Florida’s New Tax Holiday Will Include Firearms, Ammunition, and More

Florida

Maria Iannucci

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September 8, 2025

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Starting Today, Florida’s New Tax Holiday Will Include Firearms, Ammunition, and More

Photo credit: Florida Department of Revenue

Beginning today, September 8, 2025, through December 31 of this year, consumers can purchase qualifying hunting, fishing, and camping supplies exempt from tax during the 2025 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday.

Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday offers consumers a savings on a list of items, including firearms, ammunition, fishing rods, certain camping supplies and more.

This is the first time that firearms and ammunition will have a reprieve on sales tax, with no spending cap.

For a complete list of eligible items, including price limitations, visit the link below at the Florida Department of Revenue website:

https://floridarevenue.com/HuntFishCamp/Pages/default.aspx

$300K+ FAA Grant Approved for Infrastructure Update at Lake Wales Airport

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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September 7, 2025

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$300K+ FAA Grant Approved for Infrastructure Update at Lake Wales Airport

by James Coulter

The Lake Wales Airport will have its runway lights and signage reconstructed now that the City of Lake Wales has approved a grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

At their meeting on Wed., Sept. 3, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve an airport infrastructure grant for funding of $300,864.

The grant will fund 95 percent of the project cost for the reconstruction of the lights and signage on Runway 6-24. The remaining five percent will be funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

“This [reconstruction] will maintain a safe condition on the airfield by replacing lights with new base cans, LED fixtures, transformers, and an entirely new circuit to the vault,” wrote Airport Director Amanda Lomneck. “Signage will be updated to LED and will reflect the correct taxiway nomenclature per the Advisory Circular.”

Welcome, World Travelers! TRON: Ares Red Overlay Coming to TRON Lightcycle/Run

Entertainment

Maria Iannucci

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September 7, 2025

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Welcome, World Travelers! TRON: Ares Red Overlay Coming to TRON Lightcycle/Run

by James Coulter

To promote the upcoming premiere of TRON: Ares, TRON Lightcycle/Run in at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World will be receiving a red-colored overlay matching the new movie’s aesthetics.

Several big announcements about the Disney parks were made during Destination D23, hosted during the last weekend of August at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World.

One announcement, made during the Walt Disney Studios showcase on Sat. Aug. 30, 2025, was that TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise, starting Sep. 15, would be receiving a special limited-time overlay to help celebrate the release of the new TRON: Ares film.

“Replacing the blue and orange hues of the ride, you’ll weave through twisting tunnels of vibrant red and orange light trails, feeling the rush of wind and the surge of acceleration as you compete in a dazzling Lightcycle race,” Disney Parks Blog reported.

“The striking red hues in Tron: Ares within the digital realm contrast sharply with the classic blue tones of the Grid,” the blog continued. “Adding to the immersive visuals, the pulsating industrial sounds of Nine Inch Nails will drive the ride’s energy, pushing your experience between the Grid and reality into a fully immersive, futuristic symphony of light, speed, and sound.”

TRON Lightcycle Power Run presented by Chevrolet at Shanghai Disney Resort will also be receiving a similar overlay starting Sept. 16.

TRON: Ares will be the third film in the TRON trilogy, which includes 1982’s TRON and 2010’s TRON: Legacy. While the previous films had human characters being transported into the computer world, the new movie will have characters from the computer world invading the human world. The new movie opens in theaters on Oct. 10, 2025.

In Loving Memory of John Ray Hodge, 55, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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September 7, 2025

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John Ray Hodge, 55

John Hodge of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025, at AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport, FL.

John was born on October 5, 1969, in Lake Wales, Florida to Earnest Hodge and Helen Jane Barton. John was of Pentecostal Faith who was very proud and involved in his ministry as a Worship Pastor. He loved Star Trek, the Florida Gators, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fishing, hunting, going to the movies, theme parks, playing music, preaching, serving his communities, and so much more.

John was an amazing dad who did everything that he could for them while loving them all deeply and did so for everyone he met to make sure that all knew they were loved, had someone there for them and took every chance to spread God’s word to them so that they can reach Heaven as well.

John is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Timothy Rex Hodge. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey James-Potts and wife Isabel of Ocoee, Florida, Jonathan Potts of Dallas, Texas, Caleb Hodge of Kissimmee, Florida, Clay Hodge of Dallas, Texas; and sister, Pamela Wolfley of Caryville, Florida.

A visitation was held Friday, September 5, 2025, at New Hope Church in Frostproof with Pastor Darrell Alexander, Pastor Kelli Galati, and Rev. Bob Mobley officiating.

Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, September 8, 2025, at Harris Chapel Holiness Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to the Go Fund Me set up by the family (https://gofund.me/ffc03acf). Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

PCSO’s Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers Program Seeks Community Members to Enhance Efficiency

Maria Iannucci

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September 6, 2025

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PCSO’s Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers Program Seeks Community Members to Enhance Efficiency

PCSO: The PCSO’s Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers (VSSO) program supports sworn deputies and detectives so that they can remain focused on providing efficient law enforcement service to the citizens of Polk County. VSSO members are not utilized to replace sworn or other paid positions within the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, but rather to enhance the efficiency of the agency in order to reduce and solve crime.

VSSO tasks may include; Clerical Support – General office duties, Data Entry, Reception desk, Special projects and events, Neighborhood patrols, Take reports for past-occurred crimes, Conducting minor traffic crash investigations, Investigating parking violations, and Issuing Citations.

There are Level 1 VSSOs who volunteer a minimum of eight hours a month and only work in the offices. Level 2 VSSOs are required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours a month and they patrol neighborhoods and help by supporting investigations and traffic enforcement. They are unarmed and drive patrol vehicles with yellow lights.

Sergeant Mike Reckhart is the coordinator of the nearly 30 VSSOs.

If you would like more information about the VSSO program or you wish to become a VSSO CLICK HERE to go to the PCSO website.

City of Lake Wales Approves $123 Million Budget, Focuses on Projects to Further Implement Lake Wales Connected Plan

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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September 6, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Approves $123 Million Budget, Focuses on Projects to Further Implement Lake Wales Connected Plan

By James Coulter

Resurfaced city streets, restored alleyways, and refurbished city parks are some of the many projects planned within the city’s $123 million budget for the next fiscal year.

At their regular meeting on Wed., Sept. 3, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the budget and millage rate for the next fiscal year.

The budget has an estimated total of $123,558,276, with a general fund estimated at $37,890,370 and operating expenditures that are “14.6% more than last year’s total operating expenditures.”

Many of the projects proposed for the budget were selected to help the city further implement Lake Wales Connected, which, according to the city’s website, is “a long-range plan to revitalize the City’s historic core” that “comprises the downtown historic district and Northwest Neighborhood.”

Such notable projects include $750,000 to resurface city streets, $150,000 to improve streetlight conditions, $150,000 to restripe designated streets, $100,000 for sidewalk repair and construction, and $500,000 to restore alleyways.

Other projects include streetscapes for Lincoln, Orange, and Crystal Avenue, construction of the Crystal Lake Park North Trail, the restoration of Stuart House, and improvements to Kiwanis Park, including a multi-modal trail, a new playground, new pavilions, and other amenities.

The City also adopted a millage rate of 8.0462 mills, “which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 6.6772 mills by 20.50%”

During public comments, one local homeowner, Pamela Foster, spoke against the proposed millage rate increase. As someone who is disabled and moved into the city two years ago, she claimed the increase would not only increase her property taxes, but also potentially take away a homestead exemption.

“The tax increase is not reflective of the marketplace today in Florida,” she said. “My home did not go up in value [the way] that you want to raise the property taxes for.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson insisted the millage rate increase was necessary to return to the rolled-back rate that the city had been building up for the past several years.

“Finally, it has come due, and we simply, in my view, have to do this,” he said. “This is simply where we find ourselves.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie commended the city staff for creating the budget. She noted the hard work staff members went through to put the budget together.

“In order to make the budget come out even, there were not many options,” she explained. “To me, that is an answer to Ms. Foster. Even though housing prices are going down, the city has a lot of activities that it is responsible for, and the cost of that is going up. We have the best people working on our budget, and they are doing an excellent job.”

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