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
BOK TOWER GARDENS – Discover the delicious world of tropical fruit at Bok Tower Gardens’ Fruit Festival July 12, 2025. Start your morning with excellent plant lectures by leading horticulture experts. The fun continues as you sip, sample, and delight in a bounty of fruits and gourmet dishes from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The margarita bar will stay open as long as drinks are available.
During the Fruit Festival, purchase “Bok Bucks” and then sample gourmet small plates in the Magnolia Room, a variety of fresh, exotic tropical fruit in the Alexander Discovery Center, and more. Fruit Fest lectures are included in general admission and are first come / first served. No registration is required. Bok Bucks are required for small plates and samples. Bok Bucks are only available on the day of the event, for purchase at the Visitor Center and Alexander Discovery Center.
Chef Matt’s Celebration of Small Plates – all small plates are $4 Bok Bucks per serving.
Deluxe Tropical Fruit Cup Enjoy fresh tropical fruit flavors dusted with Tajin (chili lime seasoning) and drizzled with Chamoy (spicy dried fruit and chili paste). This is a mix of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors in one cup!
Curried Shrimp over Coconut Jasmine Rice Delicious fried shrimp topped with an island curry sauce, roasted chick peas and tomato chutney over fragrant jasmine coconut rice
Pork Tinga Poblano Tacos with Chorizo or Braised Jackfruit Tacos Your choice of slowly simmered pork and chorizo sausage or Jackfruit in a fresh tomato broth with adobo and topped with a sweet mango salsa. Taco is served in a fresh corn tortilla.
Jerk Chicken Slider with Peach and Avocado Salsa Zesty chicken thighs dusted with Caribbean Jerk Seasoning atop a Hawaiian roll and topped with Peach and Avocado Salsa and Jerk Aioli
Watermelon Salad Fresh watermelon and cucumber with tangy feta cheese
Fruit Fest Margarita Bar fueled by Noble Micks – all margaritas are $7 Bok Bucks per serving Mango Coconut Margarita Passion Fruit Margarita Watermelon Mint Margarita Strawberry Margarita
Iced Tea and Lemonade – all tea and lemonade $2 Bok Bucks per serving Freshly Brewed Passion Fruit Black Tea Freshly Brewed Pineapple Turmeric Ginger Green Tea Blackberry Lemonade
Fruit Fest Fruit Sampling – all Fruit Samples are $1 Bok Buck Dragon Fruit Mangos Mamey Sapodilla Jack Fruit Longans Lychees
Schedule of Events 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Horticulture Presentations in the Visitor Center Theatre
9:00 a.m.- 9:45 a.m. – Speaker: Josh Jamison from Cody Cove Farm – Fast-Growing Fruits for the Florida Home Garden
Learn about important fruiting species that thrive in many Florida home garden settings. Many woody fruit trees take five or more years to come into full production. Fortunately, some productive fruit species bear fruit within a year, which can fill the void of fruit while we wait for slower-growing trees to mature. These fast-bearing plants play an essential role in tropical agroecological farming around the world and can be of service to Floridians as well.
Josh owns Cody Cove Farm and Nursery in Babson Park, Florida, a small family farm specializing in unique edible crop genetics. The farm’s goal is to provide nutritious food to the community and promote sustainable agriculture through high-quality plants and produce. It focuses on collecting elite edible plant varieties from around the world and making them available to home gardeners, small farms, and beyond.
10:00 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. – Speaker: Taylor Walker – Growing Subtropical Fruits in Central Florida The unique microclimate of the Lake Wales Ridge in central Florida allows for the growth of many subtropical fruit species that cannot grow in most other locations in the country. Bok Tower Gardens Horticulture Manager and fruit aficionado, Taylor Walker, will introduce you to some exciting fruiting species that can be grown here.
11:00 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Speaker: Raleigh Barnes – Edible Landscape Design with Third Insight Design Edible landscaping replaces strictly ornamental plants with plants that produce food. It allows you to create a multi-functional landscape that repays your investment of water, fertilizer, and time with food. Learn how to create an attractive landscape using colorful fruits and beautiful foliage.
Owners of Third Insight Design and Nursery, Raleigh Barnes and his wife Annie Jimenez, are lifelong gardeners whose organic principles stretch far beyond industry standards. They incorporate permaculture, organic gardening, native gardening, and agroforestry. Raleigh is the past Vice President of the Tampa Orchid club, a member of the Sarasota Bromeliad Society, and the Riverview Garden Club. As founder of the Apollo Beach Garden Club, along with many volunteers, Raleigh created a community forest garden at the Apollo Beach Recreation Center, where the club hosts their monthly meeting.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – The Caribbean Crew Steel Drum Band Live! Blue Palmetto Café Terrace Winner of 6 national awards for Top Steel Drum, The Caribbean Crew Steel Drum Band performs a variety of steel drum music, reggae, calypso, soca and dancehall. They also perform Top 40 hits, folk songs, Jimmy Buffet selections, and jazz standards. Come early for the beachy vibes and enjoy a delicious meal or beverage before the festival begins.
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Steel Drum Performers During the festival, enjoy solo steel drum artists at the entrance to the Magnolia Room and Alexander Discovery Center.
Event Date & Time
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Price
Admission is free for members / $20 non-member adult, $10 kids (ages 6-17), Kids 5 and under are free Sampling and Small Plates require Bok Bucks – only available on the day of the event, for purchase at the Visitor Center and Alexander Discovery Center
To improve communications during emergencies such as hurricanes, the Polk County Utilities Division has been approved to purchase emergency operations communications equipment and services.
At their meeting on Tues. July 1, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted unanimously to approve a request from the Utilities Division to purchase radios and other related essential services through a one-time expense of $269,754.
“The Utilities Division has identified the need to improve communications during emergencies such as hurricanes and other real-time events,” wrote Holden Wright, P.E., Utilities Projects Manager.
“During Hurricane Milton in 2024, Utilities lost the ability to communicate with cell phones and had to rely on existing radios for not only field staff, but also Contractors conducting emergency work to restore service,” he further elucidated.
The Utilities Division will purchase this equipment through an agreement with Motorola, which they had initially entered into on Nov. 5, 2019. The agreement, as Wright explained, provides “for the purchase of various Motorola equipment and services using discounted pricing and hourly rates.”
“These additional radios will ensure that all staff and authorized Contractors in the field are equipped with radios during storm events, increasing Utilities’ reliability and level of service,” Wright wrote.
Funding for this purchase is available through the Utilities Operating budget.
Kevin Harold O’Leary of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Lakeland Regional Hospital.
He was born June 5, 1960 in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas to Harold and Alice O’Leary; he moved to Lake Wales from Stuart in 1996. Kevin served with the United States Army as an attack helicopter pilot. He was a Certified Public Accountant for Management Experts in Avon Park. Kevin was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was an avid gardener. He loved his grandchildren and grandpups.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 42 years, Georgie Latham O’Leary; daughter, Cecelia O’Leary Brown and husband Naithan of Fayetteville, North Carolina; son, Angus John O’Leary and wife Jamie of Boston, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Simon and Eli of Boston, Massachusetts; siblings, Kathleen O’Leary and husband Mark Kinaçi of Dunedin, Timothy O’Leary and wife Michelle of Gallatin, Tennessee, Jacqueline Hotchkiss and husband John of Weatherford, Texas, Sean O’Leary and wife Tamora of Lakeland.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales with Father Luis Osorio officiating.
National Postal Worker Day is celebrated on July 1st every year, since the day was established in 1997, to honor the dedicated postal workers who deliver mail and packages, and work in post offices and other capacities every day.
It’s that one day of the year we can officially show appreciation for their hard work and commitment,particularly considering they are often out in the heat, rain, lighting and even hurricanes, and often working in various weather conditions.
Here’s why it’s important: they provide an essential service. Postal workers connect people and businesses through mail and package delivery. From birthday cards to credit card bills to medication to live animals, it’s what they do.
They work in various roles, including sorting, delivering, and providing customer service, often in challenging conditions. If the line at the post office is any indication, they are professional and generally do their best to help you with your needs.
National Postal Worker Day encourages public acknowledgment and gratitude for their contributions. Well for this year, that day is almost over, but it cost nothing to be nice to show kindness every day of the year. 
School Resource Officer Sammy Natal; image provided by LWPD
A Lake Wales school resource officer at a Lake Wales Charter School has resigned following the completion of an exhaustive internal affairs investigation into allegations of misconduct and dishonesty.
Lake Wales Police Department Public Information Officer and internal affairs investigator, Lt. Dale Hampton, says the initial complaint against Officer Sammy Natal, then serving as the school resource officer at Bok Academy North, came on April 10, 2025. A concerned parent reported what they described as “concerning” behavior by Natal. The parent contacted the school, which in turn notified the Lake Wales Police Department. LWPD promptly removed Natal from his assignment at the school pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Under Florida law, all law enforcement officers are entitled to specific protections during internal investigations through the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights (LEOBR), outlined in Section 112.532 of the Florida Statutes. These protections ensure that officers are informed of the nature of the investigation, granted access to legal representation, and provided with recorded interrogations. The law also requires officers to cooperate fully with investigators and prohibits them from discussing the investigation with others during the process.
Over the weeks that followed the complaint, LWPD conducted a lengthy investigation. Investigators reviewed more than 3 terabytes of school surveillance footage, covering hundreds of hours of video recordings from the Bok Academy North campus. In addition to the extensive video review, 17 interviews were conducted, including conversations with students, school employees, a Lake Wales police officer, and Officer Natal himself.
According to a 10-page summary of the internal affairs report, Natal was accused of violating four General Orders, which govern professional conduct within the police department:
2.03 (1)(A) Conduct of Members
12.02 (8)(RR) Conduct Unbecoming a Member
12.01 (4)(J) Garrity Warning
2.03 15(B)(2) Dishonesty and Untruthfulness
The investigation revealed allegations that Natal made comments to students that some found “uncomfortable.” He was also accused of engaging in physical contact with multiple female students, all minors, in the form of high-fives that ended with both parties “interlocking fingers.”
While Officer Natal denied all allegations, the investigation did confirm that he violated the department’s Garrity policy, which prohibits officers from discussing an active internal investigation. Investigators documented that Natal initially denied speaking about the investigation but later admitted to doing so, calling it a “mistake” and apologizing.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that violations related to general conduct and unbecoming behavior were not sustained due to insufficient evidence. However, violations pertaining to the Garrity policy and dishonesty were sustained, meaning investigators found credible evidence that Natal failed to comply with those internal policies.
Because of the sustained policy violations, the Lake Wales Police Department recommended termination of Officer Natal’s employment. Natal, however, chose to resign.
No criminal charges were filed in this case. Hampton confirmed that while extensive video footage and multiple witness statements were reviewed, there was no evidence that rose to the level of a criminal offense.
If you are ever searching for a place to feel connected or get more involved with your community, look no further than the Lake Wales Moose Lodge. On May 22nd, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Hayhurst and Dwayne, who have each been members of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge for over ten years. I asked them about the lodge’s mission and their involvement in the community.
I met Mr. Hayhurst and Dwayne at Kimber’s Bar & Grill, where they were representing the Lake Wales Moose Lodge as sponsors of Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, which was hosting an event that evening. Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is just one of the many organizations that the Moose Lodge supports throughout the year.
Mr. Hayhurst explained that the lodge is deeply committed to supporting the local community, more so than many other organizations. Their contributions are evident in the wide range of groups they help, including Lake Wales High School athletics, Nalcrest High School Softball, Shop With a Cop, Habitat for Humanity, the Veterans Association, and many more.
The Lake Wales Moose Lodge is dedicated to making a lasting impact, and their calendar is filled with charitable events. Upcoming efforts include hosting the Shop With a Cop event one week before Thanksgiving and another benefit for Culpepper’s Foundation in January.
At its core, the Lake Wales Moose Lodge—and the Moose Lodge national organization—has always been about making a difference. Since its inception, the national Moose Lodge has focused on caring for children and senior citizens, a mission it proudly continues to this day.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining, you can learn more at mooseintl.org. Membership is open to those who want to do more than just socialize—it’s about becoming part of a network that truly gives back to its community.
As Mr. Hayhurst puts it, “Once you come into your local lodge and become a member, it’s not just about socializing and drinking at the bar and having a good time. You then start to learn what it’s all about, and it’s really worth it once you get in there.”
One thing is certain: members like Mr. Hayhurst and Dwayne do an outstanding job representing the values of the Moose Lodge. They embody what it means to serve and support their community and are perfect examples of what it means to be part of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge.
Bernie John Jackson of Lakeland passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Lakeland Hospice House.
He was born January 11, 1940 in Tampa to the late Bernie and Edith Jackson. Bernie was a retired Police Officer from Lakeland Police Department. When he was younger, Bernie enjoyed water skiing; he skied at Cypress Gardens. He loved being a Ham Radio operator and enjoyed doing word search books.
Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Ruth Jackson; and son, John. He is survived by his daughters, Anne Becker and husband Charles of Lakeland, Linda Rodriguez and husband Eddie of Brooksville; sons, Thomas Jackson and wife Jan of Titusville, Bernier Jackson of Orlando; sister, Judith Brown of Tampa; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Lake Wales Mausoleum.
At 3:26 PM on Monday, June 30, 2025, a traffic collision was reported at 760 Palm Ave. N. in Frostproof.
A Polk County Sheriff’s Office public information officer has advised that the collision involved an oil truck. One victim was said to be entrapped.
Polk County Fire Rescue public information officer, Nathaniel Gale has confirmed that one patient was transported by air as a trauma alert.
The cause of the crash is unknown.
A local witness in the aftermath of the accident, Thomas Spradlen, says several roads were blocked for some time as multiple rescue units worked to extricate one victim.
Due to privacy regulations, the condition of the airlifted patient remains unknown.
George Lewis Brown, Jr. of Yalaha passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025 at his residence.
He was born on July 14, 1936 in Grove City, Pennsylvania to the late George and Lucille Brown; he moved to Lake Wales from Buckhannon, West Virginia in 2007, then moved to Yalaha. George served with the United States Air Force from 1955 until 1959 and was a financial accountant for MacAsphalt for 27 years before retiring. He was a member of Frostproof Presbyterian Church.
George was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Vance Brown in 2018. He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Ann Matthews and husband Steve of Huntington, West Virginia, Cynthia Lynn Sullivan and husband Bryan of Bartow; son, Michael Alan Brown of Yalaha; sister, Betty Mae Linn of Reston, Virginia; nephew, Nick Strope; and 12 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.
Before heading out the door for pool days, bike rides, summer camps and other family-favorite activities, there’s one key component to starting your day on the right foot: a nutritious breakfast. Filling morning meals help you and your loved ones power through all summer has to offer, whether you’re getting active on a hike or family walk or simply soaking in the sun.
Paired with a healthy lifestyle, an 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice includes key nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, thiamin and potassium, as well as calcium and vitamin D (in fortified juices), that help support the immune system all year long. Summer is no exception, particularly with its usual hectic schedules that include sports and other outdoor activities. Plus, it’s fat-free, cholesterol-free, sodium-free, has no added sugar and is made up of almost 90% water, which means it’s a healthy complement to your water hydration routine, another must during the hot summer months.
While delicious and nutritious on its own, an option like Florida Orange Juice can also be enjoyed as part of morning favorite recipes like French toast. As a meal that can satisfy the entire family, this Orange Juice French Toast with Infused Whipped Cream offers a twist on a breakfast classic.
As a delicious addition to any diet, 100% orange juice is a perfect way to sit down together at the table before tackling the day’s adventures.To find more nutrition-forward summer recipe ideas, visit floridajuice.com.
Orange Juice French Toast with Infused Whipped Cream
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup, plus 1/4 cup, Florida Orange Juice, divided
10 slices milk bread
1 cup heavy whipping cream
neutral oil
maple syrup, for serving
In shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk and 3/4 cup orange juice.
Dunk each slice of bread in egg mixture, letting it soak in.
While bread soaks, whip heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks, about 3 minutes. Gently fold in remaining orange juice until well combined.
On hot pan over medium heat, in small amount of oil, fry both sides of each bread slice. Remove from heat when golden brown.
Serve French toast in stacks with dollop of whipped cream and drizzle of maple syrup.
