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

Commissioner Keith Thompson Announces Re-Election Campaign

carl

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January 29, 2026

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Commissioner Keith Thompson Announces Re-Election Campaign

Press Release: Commissioner Keith Thompson

Campaign Re-election Announcement

Lifetime resident and current City Commissioner for Seat 3, Keith Thompson has announced his intention to run for a second term of office.

Keith brings a passion for public service, with flexible, adaptive, coherent, energized, and stable problem solving and relationship skills. He has served in Seat 3 for the past three years and has been the City’s representative for the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC), as well as Vice Chair for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

He’s been married to his wife Krista for 35 years. Together they have one daughter (Abigial), and soon to be three grandchildren. He is a US Navy Veteran, and has a Spiritual Formation and Direction Practice here in Lake Wales. A graduate of Leadership Lake Wales, he has a deep connection and loyalty to this community and wishes to see it thrive and flourish through smart oversight of both commercial and residential development, as well as creating diverse economic opportunities that provide higher wage local jobs for our citizens.

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Donates 84th AED to Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association

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Allison

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January 29, 2026

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Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Donates 84th AED to Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association

The Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association is now equipped with a life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED), thanks to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation (CCF) and a network of long-standing community connections rooted in Florida’s airboating community.

Chris Worthen, president of the Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association, has served in that role for five years and is a lifelong resident of Indian River County. Worthen began airboating at the age of 16 and has been involved with the association—founded more than 30 years ago—for many years. The club’s mission is to preserve Florida’s wetlands while promoting safe and responsible airboating.

During the association’s Unity Weekend in Okeechobee, Worthen delivered the club’s annual report, emphasizing the importance of member safety. He shared that the club had begun CPR training but was still in need of an AED to have available at club events and on the water.

That message reached the right ears.

Brad Weihrauch, Vice President of the Florida Airboat Association and a 20-year member, heard the need during the Florida Airboat Association meeting. Weihrauch, who has also been involved with the Kissimmee River Valley Sportsman Association for decades, immediately reached out to Culpepper Cardiac Foundation to see if assistance was possible.

Worthen had personally experienced how critical immediate cardiac care can be. He had recently survived two heart attacks in two days and required a stent in his widowmaker artery. Additionally, the Indian River Airboat Association had dealt with a life-threatening emergency involving a member on the lake, further reinforcing the urgency of having an AED readily available.

While the process took time—approximately six months—the request never stalled. Communication between Weihrauch, Worthen, and Culpepper Cardiac Foundation began moving forward, fueled by shared connections and a long history of community collaboration.

Those connections trace back years, including a fundraiser held at The Apple Lounge & Grill to honor the late Toby Pope, also known as “Skeeter Eater.” The fundraiser, made possible by Tim Leopard and supported by Jay Pope, Niki Pope Fernandez, and friends from across the state, helped raise funds to build the Pope Pavilion on Lake Hatchineha in Haines City. Mutual friends, including Sara Michaels, played key roles in connecting people who would later work together again for this AED donation.

On Tuesday, January 20, Melanie Culpepper traveled more than two hours to Marsh Landing Restaurant to officially present AED #84 to the Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association. She was joined by her husband Brian, along with Brad Weihrauch, his wife Danamarie, Worthen and his wife, and several association members.

During the presentation, Worthen introduced Culpepper to the club members, who listened as she shared the story behind Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and the importance of heart awareness and rapid response in emergencies. Weihrauch also spoke, reflecting on how long-standing relationships and shared experiences led to this moment.

“Big thanks to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, Melanie, Brian and Brad Weihrauch for making this happen,” Worthen said. This AED will help protect the members and could save a life. He added, “I look forward to working with this group in the future.”

With the addition of the AED, the Indian River Airboat and Conservation Association is better prepared to keep its members safe while continuing its mission of preserving Florida’s wetlands and airboating heritage.

Lake Wales businessman Eugene L. Fultz has announced his campaign for Seat 5 on the Lake Wales City Commission.

Lake Wales

carl

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January 28, 2026

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Press Release For Campaign For Eugene Fultz

Lake Wales businessman Eugene L. Fultz has announced his campaign for Seat 5 on the Lake Wales City Commission.

Mr. Fultz has been a Lake Wales resident for twenty-five years.

He is currently the CEO of Greater Grace Outreach Ministries of Florida, Inc.

Mr. Fultz’ Military Service consist of four years U.S. Navy and twenty years in the U.S. Army National Guard (retired 1st Sargent), Utility Systems Engineer at the U.S. Department Veteran Affairs (retired).

Certified and Highly Qualified Polk County Teacher

Roosevelt Academy nine years: Intensive Reading, Language Arts,

History and Science. Chosen “Teacher of the Year 2008”,

Received the President’s Award as a Union Steward of PEA 2006-2007.

Past and Present Affiliations:

§ Mayor of Lake Wales, Florida four consecutive terms “2013-2022”
§ Lake Wales Charter School Board of Directors (member)
§ Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary (Member and Past President)
§ RECTS (Rotary E-Club of Tampa South) (Member)
§ Circle of Friends Non-Profit Ministry (Board Member)
§ Lake Wales Ministerial Association (Member)
§ MLK Scholarship Foundation (Member)
§ Lake Wales Economic Development Council (Member)
§ Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Member
§ Ridge League of Cities (Member)
§ Florida League of Cities (Member)
§ Florida League of Mayors (Member)
§ Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (FBC-LEO) (Member)
§ The Polk Regional Water Corporative (Pass Chair)
§ Polk Transportation Authority (PTA) (Vice Chair)
§ Polk Sheriff Citizens’ Advisory Committee (Pass Member)
§ Lake Wales Police Department Citizens’ Advisory Committee (Member)

Certifications:

· Institute of Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) Certifications 1, 2, and 3
· Graduate of Leadership Lake Wales
· Graduate of Leadership Polk

Borrowed Phone Leads to Felony Charges Against Lake Wales Man

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Allison

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January 28, 2026

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Borrowed Phone Leads to Felony Charges Against Lake Wales Man

On January 6th, a Lake Wales woman reported that her cell phone was stolen by a known person.

The crime occurred on December 29th. She said that 37-year old Andrew Joseph McHaffie had asked to borrow her phone to call for an Uber ride, but when he left, he took the phone with him.

The victim made numerous unsuccessful attempts to get her phone back from McHaffie.

Then the victim began noticing unauthorized financial transactions totaling $275.

An arrest warrant was obtained for McHaffie, and on the morning of January 26th, deputies found him walking along State Road 60, near Story Road in Lake Wales.

Andrew Joseph McHaffie was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center to be booked-in.

Due to four prior guilty convictions for theft, McHaffie’s charges were enhanced to felonies. He was charged with: Felony Petit Theft (F3) and Criminal Use of Person Identification (F3).

McHaffie’s prior criminal history consists of 33 arrests in Polk County, including arrests for burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, retail theft, and drug offenses.

Lake Wales businesswoman and longtime community volunteer Terri “Awesome” Miller has announced her campaign for Seat 5 on the Lake Wales City Commission.

Lake Wales

carl

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January 27, 2026

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Lake Wales businesswoman and longtime community volunteer Terri “Awesome” Miller has announced her campaign for Seat 5 on the Lake Wales City Commission.

Press Release From The Candidate

Lake Wales native and local businesswoman Terri Awesome Miller has announced plans to seek election to Seat 5 on the Lake Wales City Commission. The current officeholder, Robin Gibson, is not seeking re-election.

One of four children and a fifth generation Floridian, Miller was born at Lake Wales Hospital and graduated from Lake Wales High School. Her dad was a local pharmacist and her mom drove a school bus. Her brother, Jerry, who died in 2020, worked for the local power company as a well-known community liaison and active volunteer in five counties.

“I have been active in community service and connecting people my entire adult life,” Miller said. “Service is in my DNA. My brother Jerry inspired me to always do more and give more.”

Miller, 58, spent 20 years as a network security administrator at Florida’s Natural Growers before starting her own businesses. She partnered in a vintage resale store and art gallery co-op and developed a consulting and coaching business, Awesome Solutions LLC. She specializes in estate work, helping individuals and families downsize and clear out what’s left behind. Her consulting business also offers digital marketing and special event management.

“I love Lake Wales, and want to see it prosper, but we must manage growth to preserve our small town charm and quality of life. Many people are voicing concerns about how fast we are growing and whether we have the resources to support that expansion,” Miller said.

Miller said her campaign focus will be on “finding solutions together,” connecting people to find common ground to improve things, not just complain. She wants to bridge the still evident racial divide in Lake Wales by promoting cohesion, listening, healing and peace.

Peace and conflict resolution is something she’s especially focused on since attending a Rotary International Peace Conference last year in Istanbul. As chief of staff to the 2024-25 Rotary District 6890 governor, Miller actively promoted throughout a four-county area the planting of peace poles to start community conversations and bring people together. She is on the board of the nonprofit Orchestrating Peace, which promotes harmony and peace through music.

During her more than 20 years as a Rotarian, Miller has volunteered for boys and girls camps, water safety for children, disaster relief and many community events.
She served as president of the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary and as co-founder and past president of Rotary on the Ridge.

As a soccer mom Miller served on the city’s recreation board and also coached an all star youth basketball team. Her multi-sport athlete and Army veteran daughter, Erika, now co-owns a land surveying company in Tampa with her husband.

Miller has been an active volunteer and ambassador for the local chamber of commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Lake Wales Class 9. She also serves on the board of directors for Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon.

Qualifying to run for city commission ends Feb. 20, and the election is April 7.

Miller is currently gathering petition signatures to secure a place on the ballot, recruiting volunteers and raising funds for a robust campaign. She also is attending various community events to engage with local citizens and listen to their ideas and concerns about the future of Lake Wales.

More information will be available on her campaign Facebook page, Terri Awesome Miller for Lake Wales, and she can be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting her at 863-513-7779.

Neurodivergent Diversions: Can One Barbie Represent a Spectrum?

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Allison

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January 26, 2026

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Neurodivergent Diversions: Can One Barbie Represent a Spectrum?

by James Coulter

Barbie has been everything from a doctor to an astronaut. She’s been many shades and skin colors. She’s even been in a wheelchair. Now, her newest doll has Barbie being something completely different: a person with Autism.

A Barbie with Autism

Earlier this month, Mattel unveiled its first Barbie doll with Autism. The doll includes many features and accessories that reflect traits commonly associated with people with Autism:

• Posable Elbows and Wrists: The doll’s flexible joints allow her to mimic common stimming movements, such as hand flapping, which many people with Autism use to self-regulate their emotions or manage their sensory input.

• Sideward Eye Gaze: Her eyes are slightly averted to reflect how some people with Autism avoid direct eye contact.

• Headphones: The doll wears noise-canceling headphones that many people with Autism wear to reduce sensory overload and stay focused.

• Fidget Spinner: The doll uses a fidget spinner, a type of stim toy used by many people with Autism to help manage stress and support concentration.

• Tablet: The doll uses a tablet featuring an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app, similar to devices some people with Autism use to communicate through symbols.

• Sensory Sensitive Fashion: She wears a loose, soft A-line dress designed to minimize fabric-to-skin contact, reflecting common sensory preferences.

Mixed Reactions from Autism Community

Mattel created the new doll through a close 18-month collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a non-profit disability rights organization run by and for people with Autism that advocates for the rights of the autistic community.

“As proud members of the autistic community, our ASAN team was thrilled to help create the first-ever autistic Barbie doll. It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is,” said Colin Killick, ASAN Executive Director.

However, while the new doll received praise from some people with Autism, as Daily Dot reported, other individuals on social media were less than enthused, claiming the dolls could perpetuate negative stereotypes.

“On one hand, I’m so happy this is being released. On the otherhand, I fear it’s going to reinforce stereotypes of what we look like and how we act, as well as reinforce beauty stereotypes vs. who gets support,” wrote Kit Author on Blueksy.

“As someone with Autism, I find it offensive that a complex and challenging condition is reduced to a handful of plastic accessories and some flexi joints. What next? Autistic Ken with nerdy glasses and a trainspotter log book?” wrote Steve Bower on Bluesky.

One Spectrum, Many Experiences

Toys and other media that aim to represent diverse identities, especially within marginalized communities, rarely pleaseeveryone. Even people with shared life experiences can have very different lives and perspectives within those experiences.

This is especially true for Autism, which is described as a spectrum disorder: a wide range of traits and symptoms all rooted in the same underlying condition but with varying severity and presentation. In other words, people with Autism often experience it differently. Some people experience some symptoms more severely. Others experience other symptoms less severely.

Everyone experiences Autism differently because everyone is different. There is no single “autistic experience.” That’s why representing people with Autism in media, or in toys like Barbie, can be challenging: a character or doll might reflect one person’s lived experience but not another’s.

For example, as someone with Autism, I can relate to this Barbie doll’s difficulty with eye contact and her use of stimming to manage emotions. But while I use regular headphones to tune out the world, I’ve never used noise‑canceling ones. And I’ve never needed an app to help me communicate.

Throughout her 60‑plus years, Barbie has reflected many different kinds of people. Part of that diversity includes the many ways individuals experience their identities. A doll that resonates deeply with one person may not reflect another—and that’s okay! Because we’re all different.

City of Lake Wales Approves Wastewater Force Main Cleanings for Eagle Ridge and Southside

Allison

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January 26, 2026

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City of Lake Wales Approves Wastewater Force Main Cleanings for Eagle Ridge and Southside

by James Coulter

The force mains near Eagle Ridge Mall and Southside will be cleaned now that city commissioners have approved expending funds for their cleaning.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Jan. 20, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve their consent agenda, which included two items on force main cleaning.

The first item approves spending $87,865.32 on cleaning the force main near Eagle Ridge Mall (including the areas near Chalet Suzanne, Dinner Lake, Lake Ashton, and Harding Avenue), while the second item approves spending $51,399.60 on cleaning the force main near Southside.

Both mains require cleaning “due to the distance [these lines] must travel to reach the wastewater treatment plant and the low flow conditions that exist during non-peak hours,” wrote Holly Britt, Utilities Operations Manager.

“Sediment such as sand, plastics, and paper tend to settle to the bottom of the pipe due to the low velocities of the liquid pushing the sediment,” Britt further elucidated.

Both force main cleaning will be conducted through the progressive poly pig procedure. These services will be provided by Professional Piping Services (PPS), which has performed cleanings in previous years, and through which the city entered into a piggyback agreement on the Manatee County Annual contract.

Both cleanings will be funded through the $225,000 budgeted in the Wastewater Division’s M & R Lines and Mains operating budget for this fiscal year.

Hiring Event for Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital Set for Jan. 31

Maria Iannucci

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January 22, 2026

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Hiring Event for Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital Set for Jan. 31

If you’re pursuing a career in the medical field, here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will be hosting a hiring event at Polk State College’s Lakeland campus on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hiring event will be held in Polk State College’s Lakeland Technology Building (LTB), located at 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland.

Registration is not required for this event and is open to the public at no charge for attending.

Those interested in more information are encouraged to review a list of open positions at OrlandoHealth.com/Lakeland. Applications mat be made in advance of the hiring event. Individuals are encouraged to bring a printed copy of their resume, as hiring managers will be available onsite to speak with job candidates.

From 9 a.m. to noon, recruiters will focus on Allied Health and support services positions; from 1 to 4 p.m., nursing and nursing support professionals will be the focus.

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Cooking

Allison

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January 22, 2026

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Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

by James Coulter

Brr! The temperatures have been dropping in Florida these past few weeks, haven’t they? Down to the 20s? And I thought it was cold up here in Virginia. When Florida starts shivering, you know winter means business.

Regardless, whenever the weather gets cold, I like to warm up with a nice hot meal prepared in the slow cooker. There’s something comforting about knowing dinner is quietly bubbling away while you go about your day. Some folks like to warm up with beef stew, and don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with a good stew. But I love something even better: beef curry.

This Japanese-style curry is easy to make, pairs well with cooked rice, and warms you up with both its heat and blend of spices. And if you’re someone like me who likes a little extra kick, a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce will certainly warm you up even more.

What I love most is how unfussy it is. A bit of chopping, a quick sauté, and then everything goes into the slow cooker to work its magic. By the time evening rolls around, you’ve got a rich, hearty curry that tastes like you spent hours hovering over the stove, even though you barely lifted a finger.

It’s the perfect antidote to chilly weather, busy days, or those evenings when you just want something cozy without the effort.

Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground or stew beef

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups carrots, sliced

• 1 cup peas (frozen or canned)

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 can (14–15 oz.) crushed or diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth

• 3–4 blocks Japanese curry roux (Golden Curry, Vermont Curry, or similar)

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but lovely)

• Cooked rice for serving

Directions

1. In a saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until translucent and fragrant.

2. Add ground or brown beef and cook until brown.

3. Dump into slow cooker and add carrots, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and beef broth.

4. Cook on low for eight hours or high for four hours.

5. During the last hour of cooking, add curry roux and stir until well blended. Let it cook for half an hour.

6. Serve over cooked rice.

Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline

Entertainment

Allison

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January 22, 2026

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Welcome, World Travelers! Star Wars: Galaxy Edge’s Expands Timeline
by James Coulter

Visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have been able to meet characters like Rey and Kylo Ren from the new Star Wars movies. They’ll soon be able to meet familiar faces like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader from the older movies.

Starting on April 29, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in California will expand its timeline to represent more eras from the Star Wars films, including the Original and Prequel trilogies.

“These exciting updates…will enable visitors to experience even more of the eras of Star Wars,” wrote Kelsey Lynch, Senior Manager of Public Relations, on Disney Parks Blog.

“Each era will be brought to life with the same care and attention to detail that the land was originally designed with, masterfully weaving together stories from across time and space in one location,” he continued.

Black Spire Outpost will roll back in time several decades to include characters, props, and even musical scores from the original Star Wars films. Soon, visitors will be able to meet Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker within the Outer Rim outpost. Accentuating that area’s atmosphere will be the beloved scores of the legendary composer John Williams from the first six Star Wars films.

Meanwhile, the forested area outside the marketplace will remain in the era of the prequel films, with characters like Rey and the rest of the Resistance continuing their fight against the First Order.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first opened in Disneyland Park in California on May 31, 2019, and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida on August 29, 2019. Originally, the themed area was set on the fictional planet of Batuu, existing within the timeline of the Star Wars sequel trilogy: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

At Disney World, the land’s theming was consistent with the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which opened on Mar. 1, 2022. However, since that hotel closed on Sep. 30, 2023, the land has since been undergoing retooling in Disney World and Disneyland.

The first of many changes began when both the Mandalorian and Grogu (affectionately referred to by fans as Baby Yoda) started appearing at Disneyland on Nov. 18, 2022, and at Hollywood Studios in Mar. 2023. Both Mando and Grogu will be appearing in the attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, on May 22, 2026, in both Disneyland and Disney World.

While many of the big changes to the land’s timeline will be coming to Disneyland later this year, only time will tell when these changes will appear at Hollywood Studios.

Regardless of when Galaxy’s Edge will be set in the Star Wars timeline, both lands in Disneyland and Disney World will continue to allow guests to experience fun in a galaxy far, far away.

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