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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

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Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.

According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.

The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.

When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment. 

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:

·        Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)

·        Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)

·        Reckless driving (F3)

·        One count DUI with property damage (M1)

·        One count DUI (M2)

Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. 

“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In Loving Memory of Gloria Jean Wurth of Lake Wales

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Gloria Jean Wurth left this world peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025 after a brief illness at Advent Health Lake Wales.

Gloria was born in Tampa, Florida to Evelina and Ralph Faza.

She later married Carl Wurth and they moved to Lake Wales in 1960. She retired from the Polk County School System and the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She spent many years as a volunteer at the Lake Wales Hospital and Bok Tower Gardens.

She was preceded in death by her husband Carl and eldest son Michael. She is survived by her son Wesley (Kimberly), daughter-in-law Joan Wurth, and grandchildren Dr. Evelyn Messer, William Wurth, Alison (Chris) Brown, Thomas (Angel) Wurth, John (Christine) Wurth, and Elizabeth Wurth. She also leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bok Tower Gardens.

Two Patients Transported After Lake Wales Crash

At approximately 6:59 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025, a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of Buck Moore Road and Sunset Drive in Lake Wales.

We believe there are two vehicles involved in the crash; the incident appears to involve a car and a pick up truck.

Polk County Fire Rescue has confirmed that two individuals were transported by ground for additional care. No trauma alerts were issued.

Bok Academy North Principal Placed on Administrative Leave Following Arrest

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By Anita Todd

LAKE WALES, FL – Gregory Lewis, principal of Bok Academy North, has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest on March 28 for petit theft.

According to the arrest affidavit, Lewis was observed by Walmart security engaging in “skip-scanning” while using the self-checkout line, meaning he intentionally failed to scan certain items before completing his purchase. After paying for the items he did scan, security detained him for questioning.

During the questioning, Lewis reportedly admitted to the theft and allegedly stated that he had engaged in similar behavior on previous occasions. The total value of the stolen items was less than $40.

Lewis was appointed as principal of Bok Academy North in July 2024 after a unanimous vote by the Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees. He has over 20 years of experience in education, beginning his career as a fourth-grade teacher at Polk Avenue Elementary. He later served as a dean and assistant principal at Ridge Community High School before taking on his leadership role at Bok Academy North.

At the time of his appointment, Lewis expressed excitement about his new position, stating, “I am looking forward to the challenges of maintaining and then exceeding the high level of success that has already been established.”

It remains unclear whether his arrest will result in permanent disciplinary action or termination from his position. His current annual salary is $95,534.71.

The Lake Wales Charter School system has not yet released an official statement regarding his status or any potential next steps.

Bok Academy North Principal Gregory Lewis Arrested for Theft

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WINTER HAVEN, FL – Gregory Lewis, the recently appointed principal of Bok Academy North, has been arrested by the Winter Haven Police Department on a charge of petit theft, first offense.

Lewis, who was unanimously selected by the Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees as principal, has a long career in education spanning over two decades. He previously served as an assistant principal at Ridge Community High School before taking on his new role.

According to the arrest affidavit Lewis allegedly admits to the theft:

“I made contact with the Asset Protection Officer, REDACTED, in the AP office, where the defendant, Gregory Eugene Lewis 08/11/1970, was present. REDACTED stated that the defendant was utilizing the self-checkout kiosk when he committed the act of skip-scanning by placing a bag of disposable foam plates between items of higher value, claiming only the value of the foam plates. REDACTED stated the defendant bagged the items, paid for certain merchandise, and then proceeded to the exit. REDACTED confronted the defendant after passing the final point of sale.

I spoke to the defendant after Miranda Rights were read. The defendant admitted to performing the act of skip-scanning. The defendant advised while sitting around with some friends, the friends stated they had stolen from stores, using the same method and the defendant claimed he thought he would give it a try as well. The defendant also admitted to doing this at the same store in the past.”

This development comes just months after Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for leading Bok Academy North, emphasizing goals of fostering a supportive school climate and improving student engagement. It is currently unknown how this arrest will impact his position at the school.

Lake Wales Charter School officials have not yet released a statement regarding the arrest.

Lake Wales Non-Profit Seeking Donations to Support Young Women in Need

A local non-profit is working hard to serve young women in need, and its seeks assistance from the community to enrich their support.

Girls Leave a Mark, Inc., founded by Simone McFarlane-Tucker, says their purpose is simple:

“The purpose of our 501c3 nonprofit is to empower teenage mothers (ages 13-19) to build a path to economic independence and personal growth.

“By offering vital resources, skills training, and a strong support system, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and foster resilience. We are dedicated to providing young mothers with tools for a stable, thriving future while also working to prevent child abuse through education and proactive support.

“Our ultimate goal is to create a safe, nurturing environment where these young women and their children can flourish and reach their fullest potential.”

Part of the method of service includes a pantry, where young women in need can obtain many necessities that most may take for granted. The list of requested items includes:

  • Diapers and wipes
  • Baby clothes
  • Toiletries (baby wash, lotion, oil, etc.)
  • Formula and baby food
  • Breast pumps and nursing supplies
  • Strollers and car seats
  • Cribs, bassinets and playpens
  • Baby books and toys
  • Baby gear (strollers, monitors, etc.)
  • Women’s clothing, all sizes, maternity
  • Personal care items (skin care, hair care, pads, tampons, etc.)
  • Laptops and tablets for school, work and online resources
  • Gift cards
  • School supplies (backpacks, pens, pencils, paper, etc.)
  • Monetary donations (checks may be made payable to Girls Leave a Mark)

Girls Leave a Mark is located at 225 Lincoln Ave., in Lake Wales. For more information, please visit www.girlsleaveamark.org or call 1-877-882-5379.

Lake Wales at a Crossroads: Balancing City Growth and County Challenges

Lake Wales, a city perched on Florida’s scenic Ridge, is thriving under a transformation led by a forward-thinking administration. With its rolling hills and historic allure, this Polk County gem is seeing growth bloom within its borders, expertly managed by city leaders. New residential communities are rising, and national chains like Panera Bread, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Slim Chickens are flocking to Highway 27, with more in the pipeline. Yet even as the current administration steers this progress with precision, a challenge looms: unchecked development just outside the city limits, orchestrated by Polk County, is piling strain on Lake Wales’ resources.

The numbers showcase Lake Wales administration’s command inside the city. New home building permits grew—from 31 in 2020 to 409 in 2024, with 58 issued through March 24, 2025— this evidence shows a housing boom that the city has now brought under careful control within its 20-square-mile footprint, home to over 15,000 residents. City Manager James Slaton and his team have turned this growth into opportunity, channeling it to bolster Lake Wales’ future. But beyond the city’s edge, Polk County’s unincorporated land is a different story. In 2023 alone, the county issued a staggering 36,900 building permits across its unincorporated areas, a torrent of development that includes neighborhoods encircling Lake Wales.

Source 2023 Polk County Annual Report

Exact 2024 figures for this specific zone remain with the county’s Building Department, but the scale is clear: these county-approved projects draw families who tap Lake Wales’ roads, water, and emergency services—without paying city taxes—leaving the Lake Wales administration team to bear a burden it didn’t invite.

James Slayton
Lake Wales City Manager James Slaton

Within city limits, the administration’s wins shine bright. A commercial surge—15 new permits from January 2024 to March 2025—has brought Hwy 27 eateries and self-storage facilities, a testament to Slaton’s leadership. “We’re delivering the services people want and jobs we need,” Slaton said recently, his optimism backed by tax revenue that’s fueling ambitious upgrades. Projects like the revamped Central Avenue and Highway 27—complete with new sidewalks, park enhancements, and eye-catching gateways—reflect a city administration in full control, crafting a destination on its terms. Yet this success hinges on more residents, and the county’s sprawling growth outside the limits threatens to stretch resources thin.

The contrast is stark. Inside Lake Wales, the administration’s grip on growth is ironclad; outside, Polk County’s authority over unincorporated land fuels a development spree—evidenced by those 36,900 permits in 2023—that leans heavily on city infrastructure, from clogged Scenic Highway to overstretched water lines, without contributing to the tax base. The administration’s response is the Lake Wales Land Use Study, a smart move to map utility service areas in county territory and guide future growth with public input. Detailed on the city’s website, it’s a bid to ease the strain, though Polk County holds the final say. Unlike Lakeland, 25 miles away, where joint planning with the county balances burdens, Lake Wales’ leaders face a tougher fight in Florida’s disjointed system.

Undeterred, the administration is doubling down. The “Lake Wales Envisioned” initiative is rolling out green ways and “complete streets” to keep internal growth sustainable—mirroring Asheville, North Carolina’s savvy approach. Economically, Slaton’s team is bullish: a Retail Strategies partnership is luring retail, a 2024 strategic plan with the Lake Wales Economic Development Council targets high-wage employers, and a Highway 60 corridor alliance with Winter Haven and Bartow, launched in December, aims to draw big jobs to south Polk County. The approved Lake Wales Commons promises mixed-use vitality, while Longleaf Business Park deals will deliver a hotel, warehouse, and manufacturing site. In the historic core, the Lake Wales Connected plan is sparking business buzz, backed by the city’s first-ever economic incentive programs, adopted in 2024 to out muscle rival regions.

The administration’s vision is bold, but the county’s sprawl casts a shadow. Annexation could sync revenue with service demands—potentially guided by the Land Use Study—but it’s a slog requiring resident votes. County-city cost-sharing, like Lakeland’s, remains elusive in Florida’s fractured governance. Still, Lake Wales’ leaders are forging ahead, turning commercial wins into a buffer against county-induced strain. Slaton’s crew is proving they can steer growth inside the lines; if they can bridge the city-county divide, Lake Wales could shine as a small-city success story. For now, the rolling hills pulse with promise—and a few pains courtesy of Polk County’s unchecked boom.

Sources: CFDC.org, LakeWalesfl.gov, Lake Wales Zoning Map, Polk County 2023 Report

Chipotle Mexican Grill Comments on its Plans for New Lake Wales Location

A representative from Chipotle Mexican Grill, one of several national chain restaurants rumored to be eyeing locations in the Lake Wales area, has confirmed a few more details on its plans to move in.

Annie Gradinger, a senior analyst in external communications, says that progress is being made on the Lake Wales location on Hwy. 27, a couple of doors down from a future Starbucks that plans to open later this year.

“We are currently scheduled to open a new location in Lake Wales this fall,” Gradinger said last week.

The representative added that with the new location comes additional local job opportunities.

“There are on average 30 jobs per location, with competitive benefits, including:

  • A $200 CAD referral bonus for employees who refer a crew member and a $750 CAD referral bonus for employees who refer an Apprentice or General Manager.
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Retirement savings matching
  • Access to mental healthcare for employees”

While the construction of the new restaurant doesn’t visibly look very far along yet, it appears that it may not be too long before you can order that burrito bowl you’ve been craving.

City of Lake Wales Considering Ordinance to Comply with FDEP Wastewater Requirements 

Stock image: Pixabay

by James Coulter

 

To comply with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requirements, the City of Lake Wales is considering an amendment that will allow its wastewater treatment to receive a permit renewal.

At their workshop on Wed. Mar. 26, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance to amend the city code to comply with FDEP requirements for wastewater pretreatment.

According to the agenda item memo, FDEP permits wastewater treatment facilities that demonstrate “that all required minimum levels of treatment will be provided and that all water quality standards will be met.”

The permit renewal for the municipal wastewater treatment facility had been approved by FDEP on Aug. 29, 2022. However, to meet all requirements, the City must update Chapter 21, Division 3 Industrial Pretreatment of the City Code of Ordinances, which “will add additional stipulations and will satisfy additional requirements on the wastewater operating permit.”

Lake Wales city commissioners will review the second reading of the ordinance and vote upon it during their next meeting scheduled for Tue. Apr. 1 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

In Loving Memory of James Larry Hobbs, 72, of Lake Wales

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James Larry Hobbs, 72, passed away at his home on March 21, 2025.

James was born March 21, 1953, in Lake Wales, to Quida (Hutto) Hobbs and the late James Dewey Hobbs. He was an electrician for Florida’s Natural before he retired and enjoyed working in his yard.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Faye Laneese Hobbs, Father, James D. Hobbs and his sisters, Patsy Kelley and Teresa Hobbs.

Survivors include his daughter, Ashley “Nikki” Rodriguez of Haines City; sons, Mike Hobbs (Kyrie) of Lake Wales, Christopher Hobbs of Haines City, Jarrod Hobbs (Emily) of Frostproof, and Cody Hutto (Jennifer) of Frostproof; Mother, Quida Hobbs of Frostproof; his brother Gary Hobbs (Becky) of Frostproof; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Services will be scheduled at a later date.

No services are scheduled at this time. Condolences can be sent to the family to www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

🎶 Exciting Events Happening in Lake Wales, FL This Weekend! 🌟

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Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Lake Wales? Whether you’re into music, outdoor festivals, yoga, or even a thrilling Murder Mystery Night, there’s something for everyone! Here’s a list of must-attend events happening tomorrow, March 29, 2025:

🌳 Olmsted Day Festival

📍 Location: 33 N Lakeshore Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
🕙 Time: 10 AM
🎉 Celebrate nature, history, and the local community at the Olmsted Day Festival. Enjoy live performances, food vendors, and fun activities for all ages!
🔗 Event Link

🎸 The Blue Riverhaus at Olmsted Day

📍 Location: Lake Wailes Park
🕙 Time: 10 AM
🎶 Live music at Olmsted Day! If you love good vibes and great tunes, don’t miss The Blue Riverhaus performing at this scenic park.
🔗 Event Link

🧘‍♀️ Mommy & Me Yoga at the Plaza

📍 Location: Market Plaza, Lake Wales, FL
🕚 Time: 11:15 AM
🌿 A relaxing and fun way for moms and little ones to bond while stretching and breathing in the fresh air.
🔗 Event Link

🎣 StirringWaters Bass Tournament Kid Zone

📍 Location: Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort
🕛 Time: 12 PM
🐟 Bring the kids for a day of fishing fun! This event is perfect for young anglers looking to learn and compete in a friendly setting.
🔗 Event Link

🎣 StirringWaters Bass Tournament

📍 Location: Camp Mack
🕑 Time: 2 PM
🏆 Competitive fishing at its finest! Whether you’re participating or just cheering from the sidelines, this event promises an exciting afternoon.
🔗 Event Link

🔎 Murder Mystery Night

📍 Location: 229 E Stuart Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
🕕 Time: 6 PM
🕵️‍♂️ Love solving mysteries? Put on your detective hat and immerse yourself in a thrilling whodunit experience!
🔗 Event Link