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

2025 Florida Python Challenge Kicks Off This Weekend, $25K in Prizes Available

Outdoors

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July 13, 2025

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2025 Florida Python Challenge Kicks Off This Weekend, $25K in Prizes Available

FWC – The 2025 Florida Python Challenge™ kicked off today, with competitors starting as early as 12:01 this morning, searching the Everglades to find and remove invasive Burmese pythons. While registration is still open, hundreds of people have already registered for a chance to win their share of up to $10,000 in prizes while working to protect Florida’s native wildlife and our incredible Everglades ecosystem. This year’s competition features the exciting addition of Everglades National Park as one of eight official Florida Python Challenge locations.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District host the annual python removal competition to increase awareness about invasive species in the state and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology. Want to compete but not yet registered? Registration will remain open until the last day of the competition, Sunday, July 20 — visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register and learn more. There is a $25 registration fee and participants must pass the required online training to complete their registration for this year’s event. Once registered, participants are invited to visit one of our Training Outposts during opening weekend for additional instruction from experts, located at each check station from 4-7 p.m., July 11-13.

This year, a total of $25,000 in cash prizes is available. Participants have the opportunity to win the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize for the removal of the most pythons during the competition. Participants also have the opportunity to win other cash prizes for most and longest pythons removed in three different categories, including novice, professional and military categories. Prizes will be awarded at a later date after the competition courtesy of our sponsors and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

We thank our three different Platinum Level Sponsors – Inversa, Rotary Clubs of Florida, and Mrs. Daphne and Mr. Martin C. Wood III – for donating $10,000 each to support conservation efforts in Florida through the Florida Python Challenge. We also thank our three Gold Level Sponsors – Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands and The Garcia Companies – for their donations of $5,000 each in support of conservation efforts through this event. All prizes support conservation efforts in Florida through the 2025 Florida Python Challenge.

Want to get involved in removal of invasive species at any time of the year? In addition to year-round python removal opportunities on 32 Commission-managed lands, Burmese pythons may be humanely killed on private lands at any time with landowner permission — no permit or hunting license required. The FWC encourages people to remove and humanely kill invasive pythons from private lands whenever possible.

About Invasive Burmese pythons

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. More than 23,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from the state since 2000. For more information on Burmese pythons, visit MyFWC.com/Python.

3rd Annual Creative Kids’ Market Showed Great Success in Growth and Generosity

Maria Iannucci

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July 12, 2025

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3rd Annual Creative Kids’ Market Showed Great Success in Growth and Generosity

Today’s 3rd Annual Creative Kids’ Market at the Lake Wales Arts Council hosted about 60 vendors and scores of customers, anxious to support local young artisans.

Lake Wales Charter Schools art instructor and owner of Art Barn Studio, Brannan Lawson, has coordinated this event each year. She says this one really went to the next level.

“We had many new artisans attend this year,” says Lawson.

Tommy Frank, executive director at Lake Wales Arts Council, says the continued success of this event also ties into other programs LWAC offers to young artists like today’s participants.

“In just three years, the Creative Kids Market has become a highly anticipated event in Lake Wales. What Brannan Lawson has done to encourage young artists to put themselves and their artwork ‘out there’ for the public to appreciate and purchase is a gift to them and this community.

“At the LWAC, we could not be more proud to partner and host such events! In the coming months and years, we will be offering art programs to encourage young artists in their artistic skills, making events like the CKM even more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.”

This year’s event filled Updike Hall, as well as the gallery on the main floor. Shoppers were offered bags to carry their precious purchases, ranging from artwork and jewelry to bake goods and freeze dried items.

The event is intended to inspire and give experience to young entrepreneurs interested in creating and sharing artisan goods. Spaces were available to students of elementary age and older, many of whom attend local schools.

Michelle Estock, of Winter Haven, found out about the event online due to its popularity in previous years. Her daughter, Elleana Combs, 9, a Girl Scout with Troop 75103, was eager to participate, and created some jewelry items as well as examples of her sun printing.

Elleana says she had an special reason for coming to the event.

“I wanted to help the families who lost a child at Camp Mystic feel better,” she says.

She was able to make around $200 and she wants the money to go to the families of victims killed in the Texas floods at Camp Mystic, a summer camp that lost 27 campers and counselors to date .

“She just wanted to make a difference and decided to donate half of her earnings today on behalf of her troop,” her mom says. “We wish we could make a bigger difference.”

Other young artisans, were happy to converse with shoppers and explain what they created. Juliette Tropea, 9, and her brother, Noah Tropea, 6, baked a Too Much Chocotake cake and made chocolate covered pretzels.

“There’s a whole bag of chocolate chips in that cake,” Juliette explained.

One Movie Later: Elio is a Movie That Exists

Entertainment

Maria Iannucci

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July 12, 2025

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One Movie Later: Elio is a Movie That Exists

by James Coulter

If you haven’t heard about Pixar’s newest movie, Elio, don’t worry! A lot of people didn’t. In fact, when it was released last month, the film suffered the worst box office opening in Pixar’s history, earning only $21 million domestically its opening weekend. Couple that with the film’s troubled production and its delayed release date, and it feels like the movie was doomed on arrival.

But did Elio deserve to underperform at the box office? Did this film deserve to go unnoticed with its severe lack of marketing? Or is it a hidden gem that fell to Earth?

Elio is an average kid that no one understands. After his parents pass away, he becomes obsessed with space. He even wants to be abducted by aliens because he feels so out of place on Earth.

His wish soon comes true after transmitting a message to space. He is abducted by aliens who assume he is the leader of Earth and wish to bring the planet into their “Communiverse.” They even task him with negotiating with a savage warlord who demands to join the Communiverse or else destroy it.

Will Elio get out of his interplanetary predicament? Will he convince the warlord to stand down by befriending his son? Or is his endeavor as doomed as his life on Earth?

Several critics have denounced Elio as the worst Pixar movie. It’s not. Not when Cars 2 and The Good Dinosaur exist. As big of a flop as it was, Elio is not a bad movie.

That’s not a compliment.

Because at least you can discuss a bad movie. You can talk about how bad it was. In the same way, you can talk about how a good movie was good. At least you can talk about a good or bad movie.

But what about a movie that’s neither good nor bad? A bland movie? A mediocre movie. A boring movie. You can’t because there’s not much good or bad to talk about. However, seeing as I paid good money to watch the movie, I might as well recompense myself by writing a review, even if I have to scrape the proverbial barrel to do so.

First, some positives. The overall art designs of everything space and space-related were gorgeous. Especially when young Elio visits the Communiverse and sees all of the different alien species, all of which are unique and vibrantly colored and designed.

Another good thing: this movie is only 90 minutes long. Yes, that’s a plus. Especially when so many blockbusters insist on being two-to-three-hour watches. This movie isn’t perfect, but at least it’s over pretty quickly.

And that’s where the positives end. Everything about this movie is generic. The story is generic. The characters are generic. Even the designs of the human characters look generic.

Several recent Pixar movies like this one, along with Turning Red and Luca, exhibit what has since become known as “bean mouth design”—for the obvious reason that many of the characters appear overly-simplistic with bean mouths.

One reviewer even complained it was hard to enjoy the movie because she had to remind herself it wasn’t a GrubHub commercial. Because the characters look that bland and generic.

This movie could have also been better developed, with the overall story refusing to “show, don’t tell.” For example, we’re told that the main character feels out of place and has trouble relating to other people. We’re told that only his parents were able to understand him, and that he feels alone ever since they left. And we’re told that he and his aunt have a strained relationship. But we’re never really shown any of this.

We never really get to see what his life was like before his parents died. We never really see his strained relationship with his aunt outside of her shrugging off his obsession with wanting to be abducted by aliens (which is quite a normal reaction). We never even see him being mocked, teased, or ignored by other children. We do see him being berated by very generic bully characters, but for reasons outside of his alien obsession.

This movie could have benefited from some additional scenes. Maybe a few flashbacks of him and his parents contrasted with scenes of him not fitting in with other children or failing to connect with his aunt. Instead, we’re simply subjected to a montage of him skipping school to lie on the beach waiting to be abducted by aliens, and expected to assume this is why he’s not connecting with anyone else in his life.

Is this still a good movie for kids? Sure. It’s harmless enough. And small children are most likely to be entertained by it. Then again, kids are easily entertained by the likes of Cocomelon, Blippi, and Ms. Rachel. However, unlike any of that slop, watching this movie won’t rot their brains or attention spans. Overall, Elio is good. Just not good enough. It’s bland, boring, and forgettable.

Traffic Crash at 11th Street and State Road 60 Sends Multiple Agencies to the Scene

Lake Wales

carl

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July 12, 2025

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Traffic Crash at 11th Street and State Road 60 Sends Multiple Agencies to the Scene

Lake Wales, FL – Emergency crews responded to a traffic crash late Friday morning at the intersection of 11th Street South and State Road 60 in Lake Wales.

The crash was reported around 11:28 a.m., prompting a multi-agency response that included the Lake Wales Police Department, Lake Wales Fire Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue. Several fire rescue units were dispatched, including LWEN1, LWLT5, LWRQ1, MR026, and MR218.

Initial reports confirm that injuries were sustained in the crash. The extent of those injuries has not yet been released.

One vehicle came to rest in the center of the intersection, while responders could be seen tending to an individual on the ground nearby.

As of 11:45 a.m., eastbound traffic on State Road 60 near the intersection is partially blocked, but they were working quickly to clear the scene.

City of Lake Wales Considering Social District to Permit Outdoor Drinking Downtown

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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July 12, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Considering Social District to Permit Outdoor Drinking Downtown

by James Coulter

Visitors to Lake Wales may soon be able to consume alcoholic beverages while perusing the downtown area if city commissioners approve an ordinance creating a social district.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. July 9, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance proposing the creation of an Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) District.

This social district, as explained by Autumn Cochella, Director of Growth Management, would “allow visitors to enjoy an adult beverage while strolling downtown sidewalks and exploring the local storefronts.”

The district would be created through provisions and amendments within the Code of Ordinances under Chapter 5 (Alcoholic Beverages) with associated amendments to Sections18-82 and 18-87 and sections of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) (Chapter 23, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances).

These proposed amendments would permit signage “clearly delineating the boundaries” of where alcohol can be consumed within the downtown area, require beverages to be consumed within containers approved by the City,” and direct registered establishments to provide “signage and guidance for customers regarding the district guidelines.”

This social district was proposed to help spur further economic development and activity within the downtown area, all of which have been facilitated through the Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan and the Lake Wales Envisioned plan.

“Additionally, there is a desire by the city and its residents to create a vibrant downtown that is walkable and pedestrian-friendly to encourage residents and visitors to visit more than one local business during their visit,” Cochella wrote.

“This [social district] encourages them to linger and spend more time in the downtown area. Increased time downtown equals increased window shopping, which results in an increase in sales for local businesses,” she further elaborated.

City Manager James Slaton expressed enthusiasm for this proposal, as it would allow Lake Wales to create the first social district of its kind within Polk County.

“The goal is to attract people to downtown and support local businesses downtown to sell a product,” he said. “I am pushing for this. [It is] time to do the next cool thing and be first in the county yet again.”

Both Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson and Commissioner Keith Thompson expressed their interest in the proposal. Commissioner Thompson claimed it would encourage more people, residents and visitors alike, to visit the downtown area and partake in local businesses.

“Part of what we are doing in downtown…is encouraging people to be mobile and walk downtown and…not drive your car down there,” he said. “I would hope with the creation of this district,this could be a great encouragement.”

However, Commissioner Carol Gilespie expressed some concern. She felt that, by encouraging drinking, the district would facilitate intoxication and rowdy behavior.

“If what you are doing is making it easier to walk around and drink instead of sitting in bars to drink, I do not think there is much benefit in that,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Gibson rebuffed her. He mentioned how the city has hosted many events with social drinking and not once has he ever encountered any problems involving drunkenness.

“I have not witnessed one drunk [at these events],” he said. “So let’s not leap [to thinking] that if we allow drinking, we will have drunks. We have allowed drinking, we have not had any drunks. And if we have drunks, we can take care of them.”

Commissioner Thompson likewise mentioned how he has frequented many local events that permitted drinking, and never did he experience any drunken or unruly behavior.

“I do not get the sense that we will have a problem with this [district],” he said. “Of the events we have attended, I have not seen public intoxication or drunkenness. It is only people who want to have a good time with a wine or drink.”

Police Chief Chris Velasquez addressed the commission to voice his support for the district. He mentioned that, if any potential problems were to be created from it, he would have opposed it on the spot and recommended alternative proposals.

“Thinking about this endeavor, I believe that people will act in a way that the environment promotes,” he explained. “I believe if the culture and control and management of thbis initiative isdone properly, it is not going to create an atmosphere that people can believe they can come in and get flat hammered and walk around act like a fool. If that were to begin to transpire, we can change that.”

The ordinance will be reviewed and voted upon at the commission’s upcoming regular meeting, scheduled for Tues., July 15 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

City of Frostproof Responds to Concerns Over Bacteria in Lake Clinch

carl

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July 11, 2025

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City of Frostproof Responds to Concerns Over Bacteria in Lake Clinch

Frostproof, Fla. – Concerns have been circulating on social media about possible bacterial contamination in Lake Clinch, raising questions from local residents and prompting a response from the City of Frostproof.

Several parents reported their children became sick after swimming in the lake. One widely shared post claimed multiple children had been diagnosed with bacteria-related illnesses and tagged the City of Frostproof, urging officials to take action and conduct testing.

Lake Clinch is a 1,207-acre natural freshwater lake located on the west side of Frostproof in Polk County. It’s a favorite local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake features a public boat ramp on the southwest side of the city and a public Florida state park along the eastern shore. The average depth is about 16 feet, with the deepest areas reaching up to 55 feet. The lake is also well known for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill, making it a go-to fishing destination for locals and visitors alike.

In response to the recent concerns, the City of Frostproof released a statement on July 10 confirming that water samples were collected on July 2 and tested at Pembroke Laboratory, a division of Florida-Spectrum Environmental Services.

The results showed fecal coliform levels of 25, 42, and 43 CFU/100mL at three locations around the dock area. According to the city, these results are well within the safe range and considered to be on the lower end, with no current cause for concern.

“We’re aware of recent concerns circulating regarding Clinch Lake and reports of E. coli-related illness,” the city stated. “Please know that the City of Frostproof takes water safety seriously and continues to monitor closely.”

City officials say they will continue routine testing and will share any new developments with the public. Residents with questions can contact Frostproof City Hall at 863-635-7855.

July 11 is National French Fry Day! Enjoy Some Fry Facts and Where to Get Some Deals

Maria Iannucci

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July 11, 2025

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July 11 is National French Fry Day! Enjoy Some Fry Facts and Where to Get Some Deals

Most people dig a good French fry, but have you ever wondered how it all started? Since it’s National French Fry Day, here’s a little history, fun facts, and who’s offering drive-thru deals today!

What is National French Fry Day?

National French Fry Day is celebrated nationally on the second Friday each July (this year, on July 11). The tradition began in the early 2000s as a fun food holiday in the U.S (there are many of these throughout the year). Why this particular date? While we don’t know for sure, it may have been to coincide with France’s Bastille Day, a subtle nod to the holiday’s name.

Naturally, the day of fries has grown in popularity, in part thanks to social media and marketing endeavors. But truth be told, who doesn’t appreciate a good French fry?

How did it all start?

While you would be hard-pressed to find someone that’s never had one of these handheld potato goodies, it’s actually a matter of debate, as both France and Belgium claim the rights to their creation. Fries, however, were generally known to be a street food.

It’s said that the first time the idea of fried potatoes resembling what we have today came from a Parisian cookbook from the late 1700s. The recipe was brought to Belgium, where the first “fry shop” was established, leaving the argument of who gets the credit open to interpretation.

Regardless of how the idea was developed, French fries have been around for quite some time, and continue to be a cultural favorite.

How did it all start

When it comes to quality, 72 % agree that the ideal fry is crispy on the outside and soft inside, yet opinions split over cut and style. 28 states, including North Dakota, Mississippi, and Alabama, rank straight-cut, seasoned fries as their top choice. Shoestring fries dominate in Hawaii, New Hampshire, Michigan, Maine, and Texas. Curly fries lead in Alaska, Kansas, Connecticut, and Oklahoma, and crinkle-cut wins in Nebraska, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania (and is also Illinois’s favourite). Finally, waffle fries only ranked in the top position in Colorado.

French Fry formats

There are too many to make a complete list. Most people agree that the perfect French fry is hot and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Straight-cut, restaurant-style, curly fries, waffle fries crinkle-cut are just some of the options.

How should they be seasoned? Straight up salt is the most popular, but what about garlic powder, paprika, or Old Bay?

What should we dip them in? Anything from ketchup, to ranch, to cheese sauce are at the top of the list, but there are so many options. Canadian Poutine goes even farther, topping its serving of fries with gravy and cheese. Loaded fries can have a dozen toppings, and are a popular restaurant favorite.

Let’s celebrate National French Fry Day; where to get a deal

Unless your planning to cut up potatoes and fire up the air fryer or Fry Daddy, one can celebrate in true American style and just head to your nearest drive-thru or restaurant to place your order. A few national fast food restaurants are offering fantastic fry deals for this fun food holiday.

Burger King: members of their Royal Perks reward program get a free order of fries (any size) with any purchase every week through December 31, 2025. For the holiday itself, Burger King is offering an additional promotion that appears in the app’s “Offers” tab: Royal Perks members can activate a buy-one-get-one-free deal on medium fries (or, at select locations, a free any-size fry with a $1 purchase). The one-day offer is redeemable only on July 11 and must be loaded into the BK app or on bk.com before placing your order.
McDonald’s: Score free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more every Friday, including National French Fry Day, through December 26, 2025. This offer is exclusive to the McDonald’s app.
Checkers: Celebrate National French Fry Day on July 11, 2025, by bringing a recent receipt from a purchase of a competitor’s fries to a participating Checkers and enjoy a free large Famous Seasoned Fries, no other purchase needed.

So get your fries on today!

In Loving Memory of John Joseph Greskowitz, 71, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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July 11, 2025

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John Joseph Greskowitz, 71

John Greskowitz of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at his residence.

John was born May 27, 1954, in New York City to the late John Greskowitz and Nancy Mancinik. John was of the Catholic faith. He loved shooting and spending time with his fur buddies Flash, Junior, and Harvey. He also loved his giant-scale Radio Controlled Airplanes and was a member of the Ridge Barnstormers. John had a close relationship with both his real and adopted family and loved them all dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nancy Greskowitz. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Allyn; and former wife Christie Bice.

No services have been scheduled at this time. Contributions can be made to the Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org) and the Humane Society (www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org) in John’s honor. Acknowledgments can be sent to Christie Bice.

In Loving Memory of Hamandrawatee Ramjit, 72

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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July 10, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Hamandrawatee Ramjit, 72

Hamandrawatee Ramjit known as Dularie (Mama) born April 21, 1953 at home in bush lot village Corentyne, Berbice in Guyana. She was the eldest daughter of her late parents Lakhan and Poonya Babulall. She was the Eldest sibling of Dewan, Meme, Renee, Bee, Besho, Camie and her nonbiological siblings Rishi and Maragin Rampersaud.

Dularie ventured to America in Oct of 1981. Her life in America started in the Bronx, where so many great memories were made. After that she venture on to NJ and then finally settled in Florida. Everyone who knows mama knows she had a love for cooking and catering to her family and friends. That was her way of showing her love, a love language as some call it. I personally know this because whenever I visited she always cook all of my favorite foods. She loved shopping and she loved sewing.

She made so many clothes for so many people. She worked as a seamstress at T&G Bridal. Where she was given the nickname Ruby, because even then, she was a true Gem. Even though she had to end school at just 9yrs old She became so good at her craft.

Dularie married Mohan Ramjit and had 2 children of her own Reshma and Krishna. She eventually gained her daughter in law, Babita Ramjit. She was the most loving MaMa to her 6 grandkids; Junior and Amanda, Natalie and Abdiel, Jaden, devani and Jenessa, and the two partners in crime dharin, and Royce. She was also a great grandma to 5 beautiful grandkids; Ellanie, Aaliyah, Nadielys, Aaryn, and Abdiel JR.

Dularie passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, July 5th 2025.

Firearms Safety Course Offered By PCSO July 12

Maria Iannucci

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July 9, 2025

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Firearms Safety Course Offered By PCSO July 12

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a Firearms Safety Course/Concealed Weapons Class on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 8:00 am – Noon. If registration for the class fills up, a second afternoon class will be added for 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW for July 12th – CALL 863-298-6242.

Cost of the class is $70; with a portion of the proceeds to go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable. An additional $12.50 will be charged to those who don’t bring their own ammunition.

This class fulfills the requirements by the FL Department of Agriculture need to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Even though permitless-carry in Florida went into effect in 2023, there are still benefits to having a permit (reciprocity in states which don’t allow for concealed carry without a permit, and permit holders are exempt from the 3-day waiting period when purchasing new firearms).

Any questions about the CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, please call Sergeant Bennett or Sergeant Caratsole at the PCSO Training Section at 863-534-7200, during normal office hours.

YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your seat. When you call, you will be given further instruction about where to go for the training.

Any questions about this course? Please call 863-534-7200 during normal office hours and ask to speak with Sergeant Daniel Bennett or Sergeant Keith Caratsole.

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