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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

Harvest Festi-Fall Planned for Nov. 2 in Dundee

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A family-friendly day of fun at the Harvest Festi-Fall, presented by Polk County Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Town of Dundee, is a free event. Celebrate fall on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Central Park, 11 Trask Road in Dundee.

Activities will include a pumpkin patch, scarecrow competition, inflatables, creation stations, hayrides, food trucks, artisan vendor booths and more! Admission is free.

Brannan Lawson: How Showcasing Children’s Art Earned Her An Award And Grows Kids’ Confidence

Creative Kids Market, LakeWales Arts Council, July 2024. Photo by Maria Iannucci

If you drove Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales this summer, you saw it posted on the Lake Wales Arts Council marquis for weeks: Kids’ Creative Market. It was an event held in July that allowed local children the opportunity to showcase their own artwork to the public and market their items for sale at absolutely no cost.

From photography to baked goods, brightly painted canvases to terrariums, yarn, ornaments to handmade games, the products that they had worked so hard on making were set up on provided tables. The little artists themselves talked to countless attendees about their ideas and how they created their items. They went home at the end of the day with a little cash in their pockets from sales, and experience that can’t be bought anywhere.

Lawson wins 2024 Arts & Cultural Educator of the Year Award from Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance. Photo provided by Brannan Lawson.

Enter Brannan Lawson. She’s the arts teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School in Lake Wales. She’s an artist in her own right. And she’s the newly named winner of the  2024 Arts & Cultural Educator of the Year award by the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance.

The Polk Arts & Cultural Hall of Fame Gala was held on Oct. 29 and is hosted by the Polk County Arts & Cultural Alliance annually, led by a board of directors and Executive Director Daryl Ward, PhD.  The six awards are given each year to individuals who have significantly contributed to the arts and cultural community in Polk County.

Creative Kids Market, LakeWales Arts Council, July 2024. Photo by Maria Iannucci

The Kids’ Creative Market was the result of a successful partnership between the Lake Wales Arts Council and Lawson. As an educator, she says she’s eager to share her knowledge, which she’s been curating for years as an artist herself.

“The Kids Creative Market was created due to my daughter; she loved making and creating and most art venues you have to pay for a booth or entry fee. Fees could be $100 or more. This event allows any child to sell items for no cost and all they have to do is sign up. We don’t require an application, a fee, a tent, not even a table. I wanted to make so easy for the child to participate.”

When her principal notified her about winning the award, Lawson was shocked.

“To have this recognition allows me to feel that all the time and effort that I put forth has been appreciated by our community,” says Lawson. “I love to share all the information and knowledge that I have acquired over the 15 years of teaching art at Hillcrest. I never want to hold on to any secret formula within my classroom or within my practice.

Creative Kids Market, LakeWales Arts Council, July 2024. Photo by Maria Iannucci

“I remember being a new art educator, new teacher and new artist and I loved soaking in all the knowledge that other teachers and artist would share. I was so thankful for those creators taking the time to document and share how they created, what they used to create and the actual creation of the product or piece.”

While many of us have taken an art class during our school years, and some beyond that, an overwhelming number of us do not take on the title of artist as a profession. However, Lawson believes that art is part of a range of larger life skills.

“Lives are impact through art by allowing us to see through different perspectives; to understand life isn’t always pretty and perfect, life can be messy, just like art. Getting our hands messy with any creative process helps us work through all of life’s good and bad. I try to encourage my students to know that art isn’t just paint, paper and pencils. Art is cooking and plating a meal, planting a garden, baking and decorating a cake, color coordinating and adding accessories to your outfit, or building with any type of materials.”

The Art Barn Studio is Lawson’s personal studio where she creates floral art and other custom pieces available for sale. Lawson also produces a YouTube channel, offering step-by-step art project instruction.

“I started The Art Barn Studio to be able to share art within anyone, anywhere, at any time. I know not every family can afford outside art lessons. I use my YouTube channel to give art teachers more information on how I run my art room. I share kids’ art lessons, providing teachers or home school families with a lesson plan, and links to all my videos and handouts. I create draw alongs and paint alongs using the most simple materials to allow families to join in on creating with whatever they have at home. My passion is sharing for free!”

The Kid’s Creative Market was created due to my daughter loved making and creating and most art venues you have to pay for a booth or entry fee. Which was usually more than 100 or more. This event allows any child to sell items for no cost and all they have to do is sign up. We don’t require an application, a fee, a tent, not even a table. I wanted to make so easy for the child to participate.”

Lawson says she is grateful to the many people who helped to facilitate her growth in the realm of art.

“Thank you to the late Connie Christoph who was the Hillcrest art teacher when I attended. She was my favorite teacher and really let me shine in my element. Thank you to the late Damien Moses for believing in me and allowing me to take Connie’s position. Thank you to Tommy Frank and Gigi Hernandez for always being ready to help host the Creative Kids Market each summer. The Lake Wales Arts Council for hosting the Creative Kids Market event. Thank you to my mom, Doris Gukich for being a crafty mother and taking the time for art lessons outside of school.”

Trunk or Treat Tonight at Local Church Alternative to Traditional Trick or Treat

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Namesake Apostolic Church on Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales is hosting a Trunk or Treat tonight, Oct. 31, beginning at 6:30 pm.


According to a social media post, the event is being billed as an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.

Have “an unforgettable time of fun, candy, and food trucks! If you are concerned about the safety of your children during this Halloween season, we have the solution for you! A trunk or treat is a completely FREE and SAFE alternative to Trick or Treating. Your children will come to the lighted church grounds where there will be lines of cars that have their trunks decorated and filled with candy! This gives your children a safe way to collect their candy while also enjoying the “BIBLE STORY” themed characters and decor. Get ready to be immersed in classic stories from Biblical times. These stories will be brought to life!
We hope that you will come and participate to help us put a positive, Christian influence on this holiday and our children. You never know the impact that a church could have on your family’s future!”


For more information, call at 863.678.3961.
DATE & TIME:
October 31, 2024 @ 6:30pm
LOCATION:
Namesake Apostolic Church
34 Hwy. 60 W.
Lake Wales, FL 33853 See less

You Can Help the Lake Wales Highlander Band Get to State Competition

Lake Wales Highlander Band Director, Meagan Delacerda, only wants the best for the kids who have worked so hard to find success; they are doing it with drums, flags and a tremendous assortment of other instruments.

The LWHS band has been in a building stage recently, and Delacerda is heading up a growing band program, one that Lake Wales locals love to hear about.

“When I first came in the program in February of 2023 there were 25 people in the advanced band and 10 of them were seniors,” she says. “We slowly started building and we now have 96 members in our marching band and over 155 in our overall program.”

As the band program has been growing quickly, the momentum has only escalated.

“We recently had our 8th grade night where we have over 154 studnets in the band stands who are planning on being apart of the Highlander band,” says Delacerda.

“We have had numerous students make all-state and all-county. We have a jazz band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, beginning band, percussion ensemble and color guard (indoor and outdoor). We are trying to move this program along as much as we can and it is working!”


This year, Delacerda’s goal for the band is to go to state (competition).

“They have worked so hard on our show, “Mi amor”, and we felt as though they were ready. When we finally did make state there was the problem of how do we get them there?”

Now that the Highlanders band has earned their spot at the state competition, scheduled for November 16 at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School in Palm Beach County, FL, their director wants to see them rewarded for their efforts by securing their transportation.

“Lake Wales High School is known for how outstanding our sports programs are,” says Delacerda. “It is not out of the ordinary to have a sport make it to state on this campus. However, the arts is a different story. I believe what these students do is, in a lot of ways, a sport in its self. The countless hours of outside running around on a field pushing air through instruments would tell you that, but there is an artist side to it that is also in effect.”

This is where the Lake Wales community has the opportunity to show their support of the band program they’ve enjoyed for so many years.

This with be the first time in 17 years that the Lake Wales Highlander Band will attend the state competition. Delacerda wants to see them go in style and comfort.

“I brought the idea to my administration on getting the students charter buses for that day instead of the big yellow buses. They deserve to be in a comfortable setting for such an important event.

“They said ‘of course, they would love too’ but our booster club would need to pay a portion. Our Lake Wales Band boosters have been working tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support the band in any way they can so we are trying to build up our funds to get our kids to state!”

If the band makes it to the top 5 at State on Nov. 16, they can attend the finals which will be held at Jupiter High School that same night.

To donate to the fund covering expenses to transport the Lake Wales Highlander Band to State, use Zelle:

[email protected]

In Loving Memory of Katrina Ann Ybarra, 64, of Lake Wales

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Katrina Ann Ybarra, 64

Katrina Ann Ybarra of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at AdventHealth Celebration.

She was born January 29, 1960 in Bartow to the late Billy and Susie Davis; she has been a resident of Lake Wales for 45 years. Katrina was a homemaker and a very smart person. She was an artist with a special love for painting and drawing. She loved to fish and talk to people.

Katrina is survived by her husband, Tomas Ybarra; daughter, Stormee Ybarra of Portland, Oregon; son, Thomas Ybarra of Lake Wales; sister, Deyonnia Yourn (Frank) of Mulberry; and brother, Billie Davis of Georgia.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens. 

Man Charged With DUI After He Fled Police Crashing Into A Parked Vehicle & Traffic Lights

The Lake Wales Police arrested Marquis Futch, DOB 12/3/1995, of Lake Wales and charged him with DUI Involving Property Damage, Fleeing To Elude Law Enforcement, Driving While License Suspended Or Revoked. The incident occurred on October 18 around 3:54am.

The following is a redacted, but unedited portion of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusionsA suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) :

“On 10/18/2024, myself and Officer Robertson responded to 28 W Seminole in reference to a disturbance. Before arriving, dispatch informed me that the suspect involved in the disturbance had been drinking alcohol and is currently refusing to give REDACTED, the reporting person her car keys back.

REDACTED advised to dispatch that the suspect, Marquis Futch will pull off in the vehicle once he sees Law Enforcement. As I arrived on scene, I saw REDACTED’s vehicle which is a black in color Saturn sitting in front of the residence. I parked my marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle directly in front of the Saturn and was able to see Futch sitting in the driver’s seat.

Once I exited my marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle, I began walking towards Futch while he was in the Saturn. Once Futch saw me walking towards him, he put the vehicle in drive and began driving around my patrol vehicle. I flashed my flash light at him (and) gave him the command to stop. Futch did not cooperate and began driving west on Seminole Avenue at a very high rate of speed.

Officer Robertson was able to get behind Futch and activated his emergency lights on his marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle. Futch failed to stop for Law Enforcement and turned south on Martin Luther King Blvd at a high rate of speed. Futch then began approaching the intersection of Martin Luther King Blvd and Central Avenue. While coming up to the intersection, Futch lost control of the vehicle and proceeded to collide with two traffic lights and also a parked vehicle. The Saturn being driven by Futch came to a final rest in between two light poles flipped over on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

After Futch crashed the vehicle, I got out of my marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle and drew my agency issued handgun and gave Futch commands to put his hands up. Futch refused to keep his hands up and began reaching around the vehicle. Futch was not cooperating with Law Enforcement commands and kept trying to grab his cell phone and cigarette.

The Lake Wales Fire Department arrived on scene and assisted with getting Futch out of the vehicle by smashing a sun roof window. Futch crawled out and then began receiving medical treatment by Lake Wales Fire Department and also Polk County EMS.

While on scene Willie Moore, stated he was outside of his residence located at 203 Park Avenue when he saw the black Saturn drive south on Dr Martin Luther King Blvd. Moore stated he also saw Law Enforcement behind him with emergency lights on. Moore stated after seeing the black Saturn, he then heard Futch crash.

Futch was transported to the Lake Wales Advent Health Hospital and Polk County Sheriff Deputy Register (#8725), arrived at the hospital and began evaluating Futch for possibly driving while intoxicated. While on scene, I learned that Futch’s license was revoked on 07/21/2017.

While Law Enforcement was interviewing Futch at the hospital, post Miranda Futch stated he knew Law Enforcement was trying to stop him. Futch stated he saw me park my Marked Lake Wales Police Department patrol vehicle in front of him but still continued to flee from Law Enforcement. Futch also admitted to seeing Officer Robertson behind him with his emergency lights activated.

Due to Futch failing to stop for Law Enforcement with activated emergency lights, driving while license suspended, and failing to listen to Law Enforcement commands, he is being arrested for Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement, driving while license suspended and resisting an Officer without violence.”

A video post to Lake Wales, News, Updates & Reviews by Sasha Buerge shows more of the crash scene: Click Here

Cooking on the Ridge: Three Sister Soup

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Cooking on the Ridge: Three Sisters Soup

by James Coulter

 

Two weeks ago was Indigenous Peoples’ Day (formerly known as Christopher Columbus Day). To commemorate the occasion, I decided to try a traditional indigenous dish: Three Sisters Soup.

This traditional recipe originates from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people, though it is also enjoyed by the Cherokee and Chickasaw. The soup is so named because it contains the three sister crops–beans, corn, and squash–which grow together.

This recipe originally contained only vegetables. However, I decided to add some meat to it to give it a little more–well–meat. I decided to use ground turkey to keep with the indigenous theme. My other option would have been venison, but—well—you can’t exactly buy that at the grocery store.

Also, the original recipe used stovetop instructions. However, I opted to use my trusty slow cooker instead. Because who doesn’tlove making meals with a crockpot? You dump all the ingredients in at the start of the day, then set it and forget it until dinner rolls around. Convenient.

Overall, this soup was very hearty. The ground turkey gave it a chili consistency, and with it having been cooked in beef broth, I almost forgot it was ground turkey. It was really beefy—only leaner.

As for the rest of the soup, it certainly tasted good, especially on a cool Virginia autumn day. Again, it was almost like a chili. However, some of the other people I ate with claimed it was slightly “fruity.” I’m not sure about that. The spices certainly added a much-needed “kick.”

(The following recipe was taken and modified from Palatable Pastime):

Ingredients

 

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. chopped garlic

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium zucchinis, diced

15.5 oz. canned corn kernels

14.5 oz. canned diced tomatoes

4 cups beef broth

15.5 oz. canned kidney beans

2 tsp. ground cumin

1.5 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. chili powder

4 tbsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. chopped cilantro

 

Instructions

1) Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pan.

2) Add remaining ingredients and simmer gently for about 30 minutes. (Or place in slow-cooker and set on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours or more).

Aerial Mosquito Control Spraying Rescheduled Across Polk County

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According to a Polk County Emergency Management’s social media page, aerial spraying for mosquitoes in Polk County was originally scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 25-27; due to delays, spraying was scheduled to begin last night at 8 p.m. and stop Thursday morning. There will be no aerial spraying for mosquitoes on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31; however, spraying will resume the night of Friday, Nov. 1.

Due to the acreage being covered, it is necessary to spray multiple days. Spraying is scheduled from dusk to dawn; approximately 8 p.m. through 5 a.m., while most residents are indoors.

The decision for aerial spraying was made due to the overwhelming increase in the mosquito population, with the advisement of county health officials and in direct response to residents’ recent requests. Residents may notice low-flying aircraft applying a low volume of insecticides approved for mosquito control.

Should you have any questions or concerns about aerial spraying, please contact Polk County Mosquito Control at (863) 534-7377.

Polk Deputy’s Investigating Shooting Near Lake Buffum In Unincorporated Lake Wales

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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 46 year old Lake Wales man for attempted murder Tuesday evening.

The following is a redacted, but unedited portion of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusionsA suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) :

“On October 29, 2024, per supervision’s request, I responded to REDACTED in Lake Wales, Florida about a dangerous shooting.

I contacted the victim, REDACTED, who advised he was operating his dirt bike eastbound on Lighthouse Ave toward his residence when he observed the suspect, Raul Mojica, walking from Raul’s residence at 4575 Lighthouse Ave and attempting to wave the victim down. The victim stated the suspect had something long and black tucked under his arm as he approached the roadway. The victim did not stop and continued eastbound to his residence located at REDACTED. As he passed the residence located at 4575 Lighthouse Ave, the victim felt a sharp pain in his back. The victim returned home and notified his parents of the incident. The victim had numerous welts with broken skin with slight bleeding. The victim’s shirt had numerous holes in it also. The victim was treated by Polk County Emergency Medical Services and released on scene for minor injuries.

The victim and his family responded to 4570 Lighthouse Ave and observed the suspect in the roadway with a black Stevens, model 320, 12 gauge shotgun. The suspect walked to the gate of his property and put the firearm through a slot. The victim’s father secured the firearm until law enforcement arrived on the scene.

The suspect was taken into custody and was advised of his Miranda Rights via an agency-issued Miranda Warning card.

Post Miranda, the suspect stated while on his private property, he accidentally discharged his firearm in an attempt to scare his dogs. The suspect stated the firearm was pointed in a southern direction toward the ground. He denied firing the firearm in the roadway or towards the victim.

A red 12-gauge casing was found in the roadway in front of the suspect’s residence. Approximately 20 yards east of the casing was wadding from the projectile, and approximately 20 yards east of the wadding, a plastic cap from the projectile was located.

Through the investigation, it was determined probable cause existed to file criminal charges against the suspect, Raul Mojica, for the following Florida State Statute violations:

F.S.S. 782.04*., Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm (FL), the defendant willfully and intentionally entered the roadway and discharged a firearm at the victim, striking him with the projectile and causing injury.

F.S.S. 790.15(4)., Discharge Firearm in Residential Area (M1), the defendant entered the roadway and discharged his firearm while in a residentially zoned area.

F.S.S. 790.10., Unlawful Display of a Firearm (M1), the defendant willfully and intentionally display a firearm publicly.”

Area where PCSO is searching after shooting call.