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
Polk County Parks and Recreation: Looking to give back to your community, make new friends and earn volunteer hours for school credit or scholarships? Why not volunteer with Polk County Parks and Recreation?
Polk County Parks and Recreation hosts more than 25 special events and programs each year, and we rely on the support of volunteers to help us make a big impact on the quality of experiences and services we provide to the residents and visitors of Polk County.
Volunteers must be over the age of 14. We do not accept court-ordered volunteers. Contact us for more information at (863) 534-6911.
More than 29 acres of land could be annexed into the Lake Wales city limits, and more than 79 acres could have their zoning and future land use designations changed to accommodate industrial development.
At their workshop on Wed. Sept. 11, Lake Wales city commissioners considered three ordinances about the annexation of 29 acres of land and changes to the zoning and future land use designation of 79 acres.
The properties in question are located south of Hunt Brothers Road, west of Scenic Highway South, and east of US Highway 27. Of this land, 29 acres are located in the county and have been requested to be annexed, while the 47 acres already located in the city limits are currently designated with a Business Park Center land use designation and Business Park zoning.
While no current development plans for the properties have been submitted at this time, Corby Myers, authorized agent for the land owner, had submitted a request to annex the 29 acres of land into the city and to change the land use and zoning of the entire 79 acres to Industrial.
City staff had recommended that the city commission approve the three approved ordinances.
Lake Wales Mayor, Jack Hilligoss, says the creation of local jobs is an important byproduct of annexing and rezoning tracks of land in Lake Wales.
“A leading priority of both our Lake Wales Envisioned strategy and Polk Vision is economic development and job creation so actions like this make sense. We want to have great jobs that are local, great homes that are attainable, and great businesses that are contributing to the overall well-being of our community. In interacting with our EDC/Chamber, we have learned tracts of land like this are indispensable to creating those things.”
Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Director, mentioned how the city had been working with the Lake Wales Economic Development Council (EDC) to bring industry to these sites. However, the current Business Park land use designation is not “marketing very well” to people who are looking to bring employment and industry into Lake Wales, she said.
When inquired about potential buyers Cochella replied that “they need a lot more land that what is available there.” She said that buyers are looking for land that has already been annexed with the proper titles in place like with zoning and land use. She also mentioned how Hunt Bros. Road is “attractive” to potential buyers because “it checks off a lot of boxes” in terms of its access to Highway 27 and to the newly-built roundabout.
City Commissioner Keith Thompson considered the prospect “exciting” as the city desperately needs industrial to help spur economic development in Lake Wales.
“This is exciting to see and hear about,” he said. “These are the kind of moves that are critical for us to draw manufacturing jobs here, better paying jobs for the people to improve quality of life for the city and those with disposable income. These are the moves we need to make.”
Commissioner Robin Gibson mentioned that the property being adjacent to residential areas could prove beneficial, as new residents and workers could easily “walk to work.”
Cochella mentioned how “there is an idea that residential and industry cannot be good neighbors, but they can be;” Gibson replied, “it depends on the industry.”
The three ordinances will be considered at the next city commission meeting, scheduled for Tues. Sept. 17 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
If you were in Lake Wales on Saturday morning, many of you may have run out of your homes, or bolted to the window, for a better look at the sky after hearing the surprising roar of an airplane engine. While we have an airport in Lake Wales, and frequently see skydivers, paragliders, and powermotors, the distinct sound of a jet flying at low altitude is pretty unique for our area.
There have been many comments on my original social media post and video with possible explanations for what appeared to many to be a small air show in Lake Wales. Curiosity got me too, and I drove out to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport to try and find the answer. I’m happy to say, I found it.
Lunar and Jive at the September 2023 National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. Photo provided.
I quickly met LM “Lunar” Sawyer, a resident of Lake Wales, with “Lunar” being her call sign on the air show circuit. She is an air show announcer and manages multiple airshow and air race teams. Her husband, Jerry “Jive” Kerby, is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and fighter pilot. Scott Farnsworth is the lead of Racers Jet Team and an air race pilot. Together, Lunar and Jive own Team Race 11.
I learned that Kerby and Farnsworth were the pilots we saw on Saturday. In an interesting twist, the circumstances under which they fly can sometimes pit them against each other, albeit in the sky.
“They race both together and against each other,”says Sawyer. “As Racers Jet Team, they fly together in formation at air shows (which is what many of us witnessed on Saturday). Today was a rehearsal and a practice because we have an airshow coming up in Las Cruces, New Mexico in October and we needed to get in some practice.”
Setting up a practice, run for a jet of this caliber is no easy task. It requires planning, coordination with the Lake Wales Airport and adjacent jump school and paramotor school (with whom they have great relationships), and pre-authorization and parameters from the FAA, otherwise known as the Federal Aviation Administration.
“What happens is, when we need to practice, Jive and Scott coordinate with the FAA to do what’s called the pop-up airbox, and that means that they can legally practice aerobatics over an airport, or over a location that is designated by the FFA as OK to practice.”
Jive’s plane resides in Lake Wales; he and his wife on an airstrip near Lake Walk-In-Water that’s fully fenced and gated for security purposes. The other plane is based out of the West Palm Beach area.
Because the entire crew, the jets, and the pilots were able to be centralized in Lake Wales this weekend, it was the perfect place for the team to hold their practice session.
“We were able to do a full rehearsal and make sure that they’re ready for the show and feel comfortable; rehearsing is something that they do often,” says Sawyer.
Photo of Team Race 11 Owners LM “Lunar” Sawyer and Jerry “Jive” Kerby with the Team Race 11 Crew from the September 2023 National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. Photo provided.
“The L-39 is a trainer, built in Prague for Eastern Bloc countries, similar to the T-38 in the US. They are two seaters; the trainer sits in the back and the student pilot sits in the front to learn. The L-39 was actually built in the 70s. When the cold war ended, a lot of these came over to the United States, and were sold to private civilians like Scott and Jive. There are several of these on the airshow circuit.”
It’s important to reiterate that safety is paramount; these jets are clearly capable of high speeds and they must legally file their plans with the FAA. Jive is very clear on these rules; he wants the public to understand exactly what we saw on Saturday. he and his team made a conscious choice to have their practice in Lake Wales, at a lower altitude, for some particularly good reasons.
“This was not an advertised event,” says Jive. “This is a practice for us. I am an FAA Certified Aerobatic Competency Evaluator. I have to set up a “box”, or an aerobatic activity area where we can practice. there’s an FAA Notices to Airman, so it warns people flying in the area that this air space is going to be active with high speed aerobatic jet activity.”
That notice was active from 9 AM until 6 PM on Saturday, September 14. During this window, monitors on the ground also watch the air space for any potential issues.
Jive flies the black L-39. Photo: Maria Iannucci
When I asked Jive about how low the team was legally able to fly during this exercise, his response was pretty clear.
“We are authorized down to the surface,” he says. “ That is our legal limit. We were probably between 150 to 200 feet in the air at different points. We have waivers, as part of the aerobatic activity , for speed limits, cloud clearance requirements, and things like that. We ran about 330-350 miles an hour, which are safe airspeeds for us.
“This is a pretty demanding bit of flying that we do, so to be able to have the opportunity to set up these aerobatic areas to legally be able to practice just makes a world of difference in safety, and how prepared we are when we actually get in front of a crowd.”
There have been several comments about the smoke that the jet releases as it is flying. Jive offers this explanation:
“The white ‘smoke’ is generated by inputting, a thin paraffin oil into the hot exhaust of the engine. When the oil is burned, the end result is the white smoke. The smoke is non-toxic and leaves no residue when it dissipates.”
At the time of this interview, Jive was getting ready to do one last flight of the day. when the comment was made about how much he must enjoy flying, he had another simple response.
“Flying? It’s a very special relationship that we have.”
Dine together, shine together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel more connected – all while sharing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare food.
Give your family the opportunity to refuel and reconnect each week with recipes that bring everyone together. Whether it’s 10 people or two, research shows that those who enjoy frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, have better social and emotional well-being, according to the American Heart Association.
Enjoying great conversation and camaraderie is at the heart of every meal, and with the right dishes, you can make every bite as delicious as it is nourishing. Ingredients like eggs are easy to use and versatile, making them the perfect choice in the kitchen to help you cook up conversation.
Gently cooked egg yolks take center stage in this Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds recipe, and delicate poached eggs rest atop whole grains in the Poached Eggs with Pesto Bulgur recipe. If breakfast is the best time of day for your tribe to gather, whip up these Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls for added protein and fiber.
These egg-inspired recipes and more are part of the American Heart Association’s Together Tuesdays and Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best. Both initiatives stress the importance of gathering at least once a week around the table with family or friends to satisfy cravings for connection, a delicious meal and overall healthy living.
In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table.
Eggs, for example, can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean protein and fish, according to the American Heart Association. Remember not to isolate just one food – it’s not only about the egg, but also about what’s eaten alongside it. For example, eating eggs alongside foods high in saturated fat – like bacon – is different than eggs eaten with steamed veggies, whole grains or a side of fruit.
Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds
Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds
Servings: 4
8 cups water 1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh, chopped thyme 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 8 gyoza wrappers, shumai wrappers or wonton wrappers 4 large egg yolks, unbroken 1 large egg white, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/4 cup sliced almonds, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage 1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper (optional)
Fill large pot with water. Bring water to gentle boil over medium-high heat.
In medium bowl, stir ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, thyme, orange zest and pepper.
Place four wrappers flour sides down on cutting board. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese mixture onto center of each wrapper. Using back of spoon, press down on cheese mixture to create well about 1 1/2 inches across (width of large egg yolk), leaving at least 1/2 inch space around edges of wrapper. Without breaking it, carefully place one egg yolk in center of each well.
Using pastry brush, brush edges of wrappers with egg white. Place one top wrapper with flour side up on each bottom wrapper. Using thumbs and forefingers, firmly press edges together to tightly seal each ravioli. Set aside.
Using slotted spoon or spatula, carefully drop each ravioli into boiling water. Cook 2 1/2-3 minutes, or until wrappers are al dente (cooked not too soft but not overdone). Using slotted spoon, gently remove raviolis from pot, draining well. Transfer to plates. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with almonds, sage and bell pepper, if desired.
Tips: Gyoza wrappers (or shumai wrappers) are preferred because they’re thinner than wonton wraps. Look for gyoza wrappers in the dairy aisle, deli department or freezer section.
Use these guidelines to determine how you want eggs cooked: At 2 1/2 minutes, eggs are yellow and slightly thickened but not set around edges, similar to sunny-side up. At 3 minutes, eggs are deeper orange and slightly set around edges, similar to over-easy.
Poached Eggs with Pesto Bulgur
Poached Eggs with Pesto Bulgur
Servings: 4
2/3 cup uncooked instant or fine-grain bulgur 1 1/3 cups, plus 2 tablespoons, fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth, divided 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, dry roasted 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 dash cayenne 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow or red bell pepper 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions 4 cups water 1 tablespoon white vinegar 4 large eggs 1 medium lemon, cut into 4 wedges
In medium saucepan, prepare bulgur according to package directions, omitting salt and substituting 1 1/3 cups broth for water. Fluff with fork.
In food processor or blender, process basil, walnuts, garlic, salt, cayenne and remaining broth until smooth. Stir basil mixture, bell pepper and green onions into bulgur.
In large skillet, bring water and vinegar to boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer. Break one egg into cup then carefully slip egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs, placing in water so they don’t touch. Simmer 3-5 minutes, or until whites are completely set and yolks are beginning to set but aren’t hard. Using slotted spoon, drain eggs well and place on bulgur mixture. Serve with lemon wedges.
Note: White vinegar helps firm egg whites quickly, preventing them from spreading too much.
Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls
Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls
Servings: 4
1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained 2 medium tomatoes (about 2 cups), chopped 1 cup no-salt-added frozen corn, thawed 1/2 medium avocado, pitted and diced 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) nonstick cooking spray 4 large eggs 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper red hot pepper sauce, to taste (optional)
Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat.
Spoon quinoa into four bowls. Top each with even amounts of tomatoes, corn, avocado, green onions and cilantro, if desired.
Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Using spatula, carefully transfer one egg, sunny side up, into each bowl. Sprinkle with hot sauce, to taste, if desired.
It’s been a busy weekend in the sky in Lake Wales. It started on Friday morning, when a multi-colored hot air balloon was spotted drifting across the morning sky, an uncommon sight in Lake Wales.
Photo of Friday’s flight provided by Matt Hunter
Turns out, the balloon is owned by Capt. Matt Hunter of Sky Pirates Ballooning.
“While we typically fly in the Davenport area, we live here in Lake Wales and are excited to start bringing the wonder of hot air ballooning to our hometown,” says Hunter.
“We are a family-owned and operated business that offers flights with FAA-licensed commercial pilots, are fully insured, and have over 15 years of experience. Recently, we launched a second website called ‘Lake Wales Balloons’ by Sky Pirates Ballooning so that people now have the opportunity to fly here and experience the beauty of ‘real Florida.’”
Capt. Matt and his wife Nicol are excited to start working in Lake Wales since they actually live here. As they begin flying more in this area, it’s likely those colors floating across the sky will become a more frequent occurrence.
Photo of Friday’s flight provided by Matt Hunter.
Flight in a hot air balloon in Lake Wales may start an end in different places, depending on the conditions. Wind direction and speed is a major factor.
“We look forward to flying more often in Lake Wales and meeting more members of our community,” Nicol says.
“If anyone would like to get more involved by hosting a hot air balloon launch or landing on their property, they can contact us to let us know if they have space available. We typically look for an area of about 100 by 100 feet.
“If you see the balloon launching or landing, or spot our crew, feel free to say hello—we love meeting people and sharing our passion for the sport.”
On Friday, Sept 13, they “took off about 2 miles south of Lake Wales down Hwy. 27.”
They landed about 75 minutes later beside Old Scenic Hwy., after reaching out altitudes of about 1500 feet.
“People are always amazed by their flights being extremely peaceful and calm. Some of the most common phrases we hear are, “I wish I did this years ago,” and, “I can’t wait to go again.”
For more information about Lake Wales Lake Wales Balloons, visit their website, or call 407-717-0969.
Ann Theresa Hillmann, 96, of Surry, Maine, passed away on September 2, 2024, at Water’s Edge in Lake Wales, Florida. She was born on January 26, 1928, in Clifton, New Jersey, to the late Harry and Catherine Keen.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Frederick Paul Hillmann, her brothers, Harry and Tim Keen, her sister, Mary St. Maria, her sons, Frederick and Mark, and a grandson, Raymond Borke. She is survived by her siblings Jean Butler, Chuck Keen, and James Keen. In 1947, Ann married Frederick Paul Hillmann. Together, they raised a loving family including their children: Amelia Updike (Sam) of Babson Park, Ann Kitalong (Clarence) of Koror, Palau, Mary Lynn Murphy (Thomas) of Oceanport, NJ, Carol Jean Hillmann (Art Addato, deceased) of Surry, Maine, Louise Bauernfeind (Peter) of Howell, NJ, Helene Borke (Paul) of Red Bank, NJ, Harry Hillmann (Kelly) of Red Bank, NJ, and Edward Hillmann (Yuphaphon) of Udon Thani, Thailand. Ann was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Ann and Frederick Paul Hillmann resided in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Babson Park, Florida and Surry, Maine. Ann received a BS degree from Kean College, NJ and pursued a higher education later in life, graduating from Brookdale Community College alongside her daughters Helene and Louise at the age of 53. She was a dedicated partner in Fred Hillmann Building for 60 years, concurrently working as a realtor. Ann had a passion for gardening, tennis, swimming, reading, politics, and real estate, and she cherished her travels around the world. She was actively involved in St. Agnes Choir and its PTA, contributing to her community in numerous ways.
Ann Hillmann will be remembered for her warmth, her zest for life, and her deep love for her family and friends. Her legacy of hard work, resilience, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A memorial service, Mass of Resurrection, to celebrate Ann’s life, will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales, Florida on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Luis Osorio officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice. Interment will be at Morgan Bay Cemetery in Surry, Maine.
FWC – The ninth edition of the FWC Lionfish Challenge recently concluded on Sept. 2 with competitors battling until the last minute and the record number from 2023 shattering. In a year that demolished previous records, participants showcased their determination to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish and claim the coveted titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion.
The 2024 Lionfish Challenge witnessed an increase in participation, with 285 dedicated divers submitting their lionfish harvests. These dedicated divers embarked on over 700 trips throughout the state during the Challenge and removed 31,773 lionfish from the waters of Florida.
This is the highest tournament total since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Lionfish Challenge inception in 2016. Amidst these awe-inspiring results, two participants emerged as the victors. Introducing the winners of the 2024 Lionfish Challenge:
Lionfish King (First Place Recreational Division): Baye Beaford (Duval) – 915 lionfish
Second Place Recreational Division: Dale Wolber (Duval) – 866 lionfish
Third Place Recreational Division: Tim Robinson (Broward) – 726 lionfish
Lionfish King Baye Beaford
Commercial Champion (First Place Commercial Division): Matt Myers (Duval) – 1,785 pounds of lionfish
Second Place Commercial Division: Jerry Butler (Duval) – 1,426 pounds of lionfish
Third Place Commercial Division: Isidoro Bedoya (Duval) – 845 pounds of lionfish
Commercial Champion Matt Myers
“We’re grateful for the Lionfish Challenge participants who worked hard to shatter the previous year’s record in removing these invasive species,” said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Congratulations to our 2024 Lionfish King and Commercial Champion; your exceptional efforts are helping defend our precious marine ecosystems.”
“The Lionfish Challenge raises awareness of this invasive species and serves as a great way to get people outdoors and involved in conservation by removing invasive lionfish,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the 2024 participants for their collective effort in removing over 31,000 invasive lionfish from Florida’s waters. Your dedication is truly commendable.”
As a testament to the dedication and conservative thinking of Florida’s divers, there has also been an influx of new lionfish tournaments across the state of Florida. Excitement is already brewing for the 2025 FWC Lionfish Challenge as they look to shatter more records.
Background
The Lionfish Challenge is a summer-long tournament that rewards divers for their lionfish harvests. The tournament is open to everyone, is completely free to enter and participants can compete from anywhere in the state. Divers receive prizes throughout the challenge based on the number of lionfish they harvest and compete for the prestigious title of the Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion.
It’s Friday! The undefeated Lake Wales High School varsity football team is scheduled to play the Sebring Blue Streaks tonight at Fireman’s Field in Sebring at 7:30 PM, Sept. 13.
Three games into the season, Sebring will show up tonight with two wins, and one loss so far. Last week’s game against Clewiston resulted in a win for them, 51 to 7.
The Highlanders, who are 3-0 for the season thus far, won against Auburndale last week with the final score of 23 to 0.
LWHS Head Coach, Tavaris Johnson, commented on expectations this week.
“It’s, of course, good to be undefeated right now. It gives confidence; it helps with having that momentum that you like to have going in against a good opponent, a tough opponent like Sebring. We’re excited, I know they’re excited. It’s their homecoming, and we know they’re playing for more than just a win this week.
“I think three keys to this week, what will determine success tonight is to be up front; offensive line needs to dominate. I believe every game is determined in the trenches. We just need to be able to come in and find rhythm early. Our key players need to be a force tonight.
“Sebring has two good interior defensive linemen, probably the best we’ve seen all season. I think we’ve got to improve on our third down conversions and not leave points on the field tonight. The margin is very small tonight for errors. We need to lead on three levels: offensively, defensively, and special teams.”
If you’re heading to the game to support your team, please send us your photos to share with the community!
Founder, Joni Gerard , with her horses, Bandit and Ciarra. Credit: Beach Chic Photography
Traveling a long distance with a horse trailer and horses can be stressful. Planning a trip with multiple, horse friendly layovers has been difficult to navigate. But starting this year, it should get a bit easier.
Earlier this year, GiddyUp GetAway, Inc. launched a groundbreaking, first of its kind, online marketplace which connects people traveling with their horses with hosts providing horse-friendly layover accommodations. This launch marks the first, interactive, equine layover marketplace of its kind.
Gerard, a 4th generation Polk County native, says GiddyUp GetAway is the, “first in the world and it started right here in Lake Wales”
Previously, travelers would spend hours planning and mapping their trip using a static directory of layover sites. Now, travelers can plan their trip using the interactive map and see available hosts along their route. Guests simply map their journey, click and book directly online. This technology has shaved hours off the planning stage and takes the guesswork out of wondering if the layover will have everything needed for a safe and comfortable experience.
GiddyUp GetAway is a family run business with everyone finding their niche within the new business. L to R: Ana, Clarke, Joni, Ali, and Jackson Gerard, with their dog, Amarilla. Photo credit: Beach Chic Photography
Guests can choose to rent a horse trailer parking site or housing provided by hosts, if they are traveling without living quarters in their horse trailer. Horse rental accommodation options include stalls, paddocks, arenas and pastures. Finding the perfect layover has been simplified by using the search filter options which include people traveling with a big rig, stallions, and dogs.
The platform includes a review system so travelers can see comments about a property from previous guests before they book. Likewise, hosts can preview a potential guest’s past reviews before accepting their reservation request.
“We offer all of the bells and whistles of a traditional vacation rental site, but are specifically designed for people traveling with their horses,” said Joni Gerard, Founder & CEO of GiddyUp GetAway, Inc.
“Equine enthusiasts can now benefit from the same online conveniences which are offered on other short-term rental marketplaces, such as Airbnb, Hipcamp, and VRBO. I designed this platform to be a blessing, not a burden.” says Gerard. “It’s free for hosts to set up their property on our website and also free for guests to search for layovers. No upfront costs for hosts or guests! We collect a small fee after a completed reservation.”
• Reservation software which prevents double bookings;
• Booking Calendar which allows hosts to block off dates when they need a break or want to make a temporary price change;
• Inbox which allows hosts and potential guests to communicate anonymously;
• Hosts can create property rules and establish check-in and check-out times;
• Nationwide advertising included;
24/7 customer service includes help articles and ability to book a one on one meeting. Live chat is also available. 
• Cancellation Policy and Code of Conduct for guests and hosts.
In addition to searching for a convenient layover, guests can search for vacation destinations with their horses, by state or region, all over the US. Guests can go a step further and filter their search results based on a preferred vacation activity, such as horse trails nearby, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, nearby attractions etc.
“Our platform is designed to streamline the search, booking and payment processes, making travel with horses more accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” Gerard adds.
Founded by experienced horse lover, Joni Gerard, giddyupgetaway.com is the premier travel solution for horse enthusiasts who want to ensure their equine companions also have a safe and comfortable place to stay. Meanwhile, the platform offers everything a horse owner needs to operate their horse layover business. “It’s a win-win for everyone, including the horses,” adds Gerard. “Our hosts use horse facilities they already have on their property to earn extra income, while helping fellow equestrians and their horses as they pass through.”
Gerard credits, her love of horses to her mom, Karen Bradbury Walker, and her horse, Lucky.
Little Karen and her sweet horse, Lucky (c. 1951). Photo provided by Joni Gerard
“I got every ounce of my love for horses from her,” says Gerard. “My mom got Lucky when she was about 10 as a gift from her father. Mom trained the Morgan bred horse with patience and love and they became inseparable. I loved to hear my mom tell about their adventures. They rode every day and all day on Saturdays, when there was no school. Mom would pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which she shared with Lucky on the trails, and they would explore the woods around Lake Marion and Haines City until dark.
“Lucky lived to be 28 years old. I remember the day she passed. It was a bitter cold and rainy day. I was about four years old, pressing my nose against the dining room window, trying to see out into the pasture where my mom was tending to her. She had gotten pneumonia and was too old to recover this time. Mom led her down into a hole dug by my uncle and covered with blankets to block the icy wind. Lucky laid her head and my mom’s lap and they loved on each other until the sweet mare finally let go of life.
Karen, 14, grooming her horse, Lucky, before a bareback ride. (c. 1955) Photo provided by Joni Gerard
“I will never forget that day or the bond shared by those two. You could say my passion for horses started with a little “Lucky” and my sweet Momma who taught me everything she knew about horses.”
GiddyUp GetAway’s launch has been met with enthusiasm from horse lovers, trail blazers, competitors and stable owners across the country. Users have been impressed with the platform’s user-friendly interface, robust search capabilities and commitment to promoting a safer and more convenient experience while planning an equine-friendly trip. Joni reports, “We are signing up new hosts at a steady pace and we plan to add Canada to the platform in the near future. So GiddyUp and start planning your next GetAway.”
Lake Wales High School, home of the Highlanders, just kicked off a short fundraiser to help support their football program. The team is raising funds for new equipment, team gear, new uniforms, and a few other items.
When you buy Double Good award-winning, popcorn, 50% of your purchase goes to supporting their cause and you receive a delicious reward (items listed in the virtual store).
At the time of publication, this Lake Wales pop-up store has raised $67 out of their $1000 goal. The store will be open until 9 AM, Sunday, September 15.
