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
Residents living south of Lake Wales can expect a new fire station to be built on Nest Egg Road now that the Lake Wales City Commission has approved the acquisition of property there.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 5, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda, which included an item concerning the acquisition of five acres of land on Nest Egg Road.
The property is being considered by the Lake Wales Fire Department as the location of a new fire station. The proposed station would be situated nearly five miles from the main station in town, thus providing quicker response time for emergency calls, Joe Jenkins, City Fire Chief, explained at a workshop last week.
“It [the property] is currently outside of the city limits, but there are plans to annex into city limits,” Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, wrote in a city memo. “This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries. The City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to procure the property.”
The land is being provided by McKenna Brothers, Inc. for the price of $300,000. The land has been appraised for $200,000. Chief Jenkins explained the city should consider acquiring the land now at that price as the land could potentially increase in value or become unavailable.
Now that the agenda item has been approved, the City of Lake Wales has been authorized to approve the vacant land contract with McKenna Brothers, Inc., approve a budget amendment for $300,000, and authorize the city manager to “execute the necessary documents on behalf of the city.”
City Commissioner Robin Gibson requested to pull the agenda item for discussion. He approved the idea of acquiring the land for a new fire station but expressed concern about the price.
“The thing that concerns me at the session was that the property is appraised for $200,000 but we will pay $300,000,” Gibson explained. “That concerns me. I am interested in the price differences and other locations for the branch and fire station. There was a good discussion about it. We are paying so much more than the appraised value, our constituents need to know that.”
City Manager James Slaton replied that the property was chosen because of its availability and its location. He explained that the City had reached out to other property owners, but many properties were not available for sale. He also explained that the location was the most opportune to provide expedient response times for emergency calls, especially in light of future growth.
“We called out the best piece of properties for the citizens, and we have other land owners that are unable to sell some property, so the location was selected because of its geography,” he said.
Chief Jenkins assured the commission that the site was not chosen “arbitrarily.” He and his crew studied the area for potential sites for future fire stations, and the property on Nest Egg Road proved to be the most opportune in terms of location and ability.
Ronald Rue Denton of Lake Wales passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
He was born August 7, 1940 in Eagle Lake to the late Leon and Gladys Denton; he moved to Lake Wales from Eagle Lake in 1946. Ronald was retired from the United States Department of Agriculture and served with the United States Army. He was a member of HighPoint Church Lake Wales. Ronald was an avid fisherman and helped start the Lake Wales High School fishing team. He enjoyed baseball and football and was a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Gators, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He loved reading and was a history enthusiast.
Ronald was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Denton. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jane Denton; daughter, Holly (Danny) Sharpless of Babson Park; sons, Brian Denton (Jessica) of Lake Wales and Ronald “Rue” Denton, Jr. (Sharlene) of Winter Haven; grandchildren, Justin (Emilyn), Austin (Julisa), Anna (Robby), Dylan, Marina, Victoria, Mauricio.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024 at HighPoint Church with Pastor Jack Hilligoss officiating.
Slow down! Especially if you’re in a school zone! Because red light cameras and speed limit detection systems may be coming soon.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 5, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would authorize red light cameras, traffic infraction detectors, and school zone speed limit detection systems in city school zones.
“The City Commission is aware that violations of traffic laws, including the running of red lights and speeding within school zones within the City limits creates a hazard to the citizens of and visitors to the City of Lake Wales,” Chris Velasquez, Chief of Police, wrote in a city memo.
As such, the City is considering the “implementation and administration of traffic citations by municipalities for traffic infractions relating to traffic control devices such as red-light cameras and school zone speed limit detection systems” through The Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program.
If implemented, these systems would monitor traffic at school zones within the city limits, especially during school hours, to detect speed limit violations.
If a potential infraction is detected by these systems, an officer would review the incident to determine if a legit violation has occurred, in which case a traffic citation would be mailed to the perpetrator’s address.
In Florida, the cost of speeding in a school zone is $50 for 1 to 9 MPH over the limit, and $200 for 10 to 14 MPH over the limit.
At a city workshop session on Wed. Oct. 30, Ed Palmer, Patrol Commander Lieutenant at the Lake Wales Police Department, offered a presentation about the proposed system. He presented statistics which revealed large numbers of speeding violations at local school zones.
A school zone study from Sep. 2023 revealed that Lake Wales High School experienced 2,036 speed limit violations, while Hillcrest Elementary experienced 329 and McLaughlin Middle School experienced 271.
At the workshop, Commissioner Carol Gillespie raised concerns about implementation of the proposed systems. She claimed these systems could potentially place a financial burden on residents through increased citations.
One resident, Frank Lum, spoke during the public hearing at the regular meeting. While he understood the need to address speeding violations, he felt the implementation of such a proposed system should be done with caution and care.
“I am sitting on the fence,” Lum said. “This is something we should not rush into, and make sure that all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed…I want to urge extra caution and thought behind the ordinance.”
Commissioner Gillespie inquired whether the city would need to amend its budget to figure out the expenditures. City Manager James Slaton replied that the ordinance was to authorize the program, and that the decision was legislative, not financial. As such, there would be no fiscal impact on the city until it decides to move forward with implementing the system.
City commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the ordinance. The second reading would be hosted at a future city commission meeting.
Today is the grand opening of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, located at 1340 SR 60 in Lake Wales.
I arrived at the Ollie’s parking lot about 9:15 am. The parking lot was definitely full, something most are not accustomed to seeing here. There are other retailers in this plaza, so this definitely adds to the amount of cars. Being that this is a grand opening, I expect the number of vehicles to be a little less in the future.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
I was able to park at the far end of the lot, and maneuvered through puddles on foot to the front of the store. Upon walking up to the entrance today, you have the option of either walking in directly to shop, or completing an electronic profile with the help of customer representatives; a kiosk was set up outside.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
After 15 minutes, when I made it to the front of the line, I was able to give some basic information and signed up for a rewards card. In return, I received a branded tote bag and a T-shirt for my efforts. I was informed that for every dollar spent, I would receive a point. I was not advised as to how their reward program works, or what said points would eventually do for me.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
The store is completely full of merchandise. Shelving is stocked floor to ceiling throughout the store, and there are several pallets stacked in the aisles, but there is still plenty of room to walk around. Despite the parking lot being full, the aisles are not overloaded with people, or stuff. Shopping was not too crowded. Clever signage dons the store’s walls, explaining how closeouts and bankruptcies help to stock store shelves and bring bargains to consumers.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
As expected, one side of the store was predominantly grocery. Everything from cans to bottles of all kinds. Snacks. Drinks. Canned veggies. Cereals. Dry goods. And much more that can be noted. Boxes of K-cups were set on a pallet. In addition to grocery, there’s also paper goods, laundry and kitchen items, small appliances, and household goods.
Square orange stickers denote the price of goods.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
As I looped around the store, I encountered quite a variety of items. There was a camping and outdoor area with tents, Coleman sleeping bags and lanterns.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
The toy department is spread out over a couple of aisles. A variety of toys and games for children of all ages was available.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
The Christmas section had decorations, floor mats, tree skirts and wrapping materials.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
There is even a book area, holding racks and racks of cookbooks, novels, children’s activity books, and more than I can specify here.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
The thing to remember is that their stock will rotate and change as new shipments come in. If you bought a particular brand of soda last week, it may not be there next week.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
Even though I arrive fairly close to the opening time, the checkout line was very responsive. Every cashier station was staffed with two people, one to help with bagging. It made the process very quick. I bought three books, a huge Crayola coloring roll, some chocolates for the holidays, and an item for baking for a total of $30.52. My newly received rewards card got the same amount of points.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
My items were bagged, I was thanked for my business, and headed out the door. And the sun was shining.
A Victory Ridge Academy student gains valuable experience as a result of partnership with Publix Supermarkets. Photo provided by Victory Ridge Academy.
by James Coulter
Customers visiting Publix Supermarket along Highway 60 in Lake Wales can expect to be greeted and served by friendly students with developmental differences now that the store has partnered with a local school.
Victory Ridge Academy, a school for students with special needs in Lake Wales, has entered into a business partnership agreement with Publix Supermarket on Highway 60 to offer (CBVE) Community-Based Vocational Education Training for students ages 14 to 22. Through this partnership, students with developmental differences attending Victory Ridge Academy will be able to gain valuable job and life skills by working at the local supermarket, all while supervised by a certified teacher and their (SES) Supported Employment Specialists. These SESs are certified by the State of Florida and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Evelyn Lewis, Director of Transitional Service at Victory Ridge Academy, contacted the local supermarket last year seeking vocational opportunities for her students. Six months later, she was contacted by a representative from Publix, who offered Victory Ridge Academy a contract agreement.
“It is an awesome partnership with Publix,” she said. “That is one more partnership to add to the list that we already have.”
Victory Ridge Academy has entered into similar partnerships with other local businesses, including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, AdventHealth of Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens, Eagle Ridge Mall, Lake Wales Bowling Alley, Hampton Inn & Suites, The Freedom Tour, and Lake Wales Care Center.
A Victory Ridge Academy student gains valuable experience as a result of partnership with Publix Supermarkets. Photo provided by Victory Ridge Academy.
“The main skill [we want these students to learn] is to be independent,” Lewis said. “We focus on employability skills [and] social skills…just for them to be the best that they can be, and to know that they are not limited just because they have a disability; they are not handicapped, they are handi-capable. That is my saying. They are handi-capable.”
Lewis has served as an educator for 33 years. She has an Ed.S Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction and is certified in ESE, ESOL, and Reading. She previously worked in the Polk County School System for 21 years. As the Director of Transitional Services, Lewis has been seeking other potential partnerships with businesses in the Lake Wales community. However, while many businesses have expressed interest, some are still thinking about it, while other businesses have not only agreed to offer vocational training opportunities, but have gone above and beyond in making a way for the students.
“As a matter of fact, we have students at Hampton Inn & Suites now participating in (WBLE) Work Based Learning Experiences….to learn different skills from housekeeping to maintenance,” Lewis explained. “We want them to get as much training and experiences that they can while they are here with us so once they age out of school, they are able to go out and do more than just sit on the couch watching TV. This is our passion, and we love it. As long as we are able to continue to assist our students, we will continue working trying to make a difference.”
Hannah Herring, Publix Super Markets Media Relations Manager for the Lake Wales area, offered the following statement when asked about the company’s relationship with Victory Ridge Academy:
“Publix has a relationship with schools in our footprint to offer a community-based vocational education program to high school ESE (exceptional student education) students. This work experience allows students to perform tasks alongside Publix associates and gain knowledge, experience and confidence in the workforce.
“Many students are able to jumpstart their careers either at Publix or with another employer by becoming gainfully employed once they’ve completed the program. Students have an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of roles, including front-service clerk and stock clerk as well as roles in our bakery and produce departments. The students enjoy learning job skills that will serve them well into their futures, and Publix is proud to invest in local students and our communities through this program.”
A Victory Ridge Academy student gains valuable experience as a result of partnership with Publix Supermarkets. Photo provided by Victory Ridge Academy.
Lewis chose Publix as their next business partnership due to the overall “friendly” and “community” image of the local supermarket chain. Through their training, students will not only be able to gain vocational skills, but also communication skills and other valuable life skills for them to live independent lives.
“It is our goal for them because that is rewarding for them when we hear them say, ‘I did it! I got a job!’ That makes us happy; that makes us know we’ve done what we could to assist them in getting there,” she said.
Lewis has high expectations for her students serving at Publix Supermarket, and at other businesses. She has even higher expectations to form more business partnerships with other local businesses. “I just thank my Executive Director, Steve Whitaker for having faith in me by giving me this opportunity back in 2016, and telling me to run with it. I thank my staff that assist the students every single day, but most of all, I thank the parents and students. To all the business partners, I am looking forward to great things to come,” she said.
“A lot of people do not know that these students can do great things. Never say can’t. They can do it. . I am proud of my school. I am proud of the students here. And like I said: Victory Ridge Academy Transition Program is rocking and rolling, and I thank God for that.”
Suzanne Elayne Fuday of Lake Wales passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Winter Haven Hospital.
She was born June 5, 1946 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Theron and Norma Lamphere; she moved to Lake Wales from Michigan in 2005. Suzanne was an auto insurance underwriter and was a member of Cypress Ridge Presbyterian Church. She loved to do crafts, especially scrapbooking. She collected Boyd’s Bears and enjoyed painting. Suzanne was a beautiful woman who took care of everyone and loved her family dearly.
Suzanne was preceded in death by her sister, Debbe Miller. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jim Fuday; daughter, Stacey Florian of Grand Ledge, Michigan; son, Steven Fuday (Nora) of Jacksonville; sister Yvonne Swift of Lowell, Michigan; grandchildren, Jennifer Hughes (Scott), Cassandra Florian (Isaac Tessman), Erin Florian, Lee Florian, James Florian, and Ashley Florian; and great-granddaughter, Valerie Hughes.
Synopsis: The long-running soap opera The Bold and the Young is in its last days: its hunky hero has self-esteem issues, its villainous old man is more interested in soup, and its heroines are slightly psychopathic. The executive producer gives the squabbling cast an ultimatum: Complete one episode overnight or the show dies. But when the director ends up murdered, and other cast members start dropping like flies, it seems like his threat might actually come true. Can these misfits discover the murderer before the show is literally killed off?
K9 Bane, one of three K9’s currently at the Lake Wales Police Department. Photo provided by LWPD
By James Coulter
The puppy may not be a part of the Paw Patrol, but one lucky dog may be joining the ranks of the Lake Wales Police Department (LWPD) if the City of Lake Wales gives its approval.
At their workshop on Wed. Oct. 30, Lake Wales City Commissioners reviewed the consent agenda for their next regular meeting. One agenda item involved the donation of a police dog to the LWPD.
“Last year one of the department’s canines retired along with their handler following a long career serving our community,” Captain Stephanie Goreck, Support Services Commander, wrote in an LWPD memo.
“Patriot Canine Services learned about the department’s vacancy and has graciously offered to donate an 8-month-old Belgian Malinois that has already received some basic obedience training,” she continued.
If the donation of the canine is accepted by the Lake Wales City Commission, the 8-month old Belgian Malanois will start its training with a new handler on Fri. Dec. 20, 2024, and be ready for duty in the Summer of 2025.
The process to select the new handler should be completed in the coming weeks.
“The approximate value of this canine donation is $10,000.00,” Captain Goreck wrote.
The Lake Wales City Commission will consider this agenda item, along with the rest of the consent agenda, at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. Oct. 5 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
The City of Lake Wales is hoping to procure a permanent generator at city hall through funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but they will first need to conduct a public hearing to authorize the submission of the grant application.
At their workshop on Wed. Nov. 30, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an item on their consent agenda for next week’s meeting. The item pertained to a grant application for FEMA funding for a permanent generator at city hall.
The application was submitted on Dec. 2023 for $153,273. The City had since been notified on June 2024 that the application had been approved with up to $160,553 in funding. These funds include $109,481 from federal shares, $43,791 in local shares, and $7,280 in sub-recipient management costs.
“We were recently informed that Florida Commerce intends to award the city the Local Share through a Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR),” wrote Sara Irvine, Special Project Administrator. “Hence, the reason for holding a Public Hearing.”
If approved, the City will schedule a public hearing to take citizen input, approve the submission of the grant application, authorize the Mayor to execute the grant application(s) for submission, and authorize the Mayor to execute the FEMA HMGP Sub-Recipient Agreement.
City Manager James Slaton stated that the generator would be an asset for the city in case of an emergency.
“This is another major improvement,” he said. “Hurricanes are one thing, but throughout the year, we will lose power in this building.”
The consent agenda item will be considered by the city commissioners at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. Nov. 5 at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853.
Steven Lee Wolfson of Lake Wales passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
He was born June 18, 1952 in Lake Wales to the late Herbert and Rae Wolfson; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. Steven was a retired salesman and attended Temple Emmanuel in Lakeland. Steven was the mayor of Lake Wales from 1995 – 1996, a City Commissioner of Lake Wales from 1992-1996, and a member of the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce in 1992.
Steven is survived by his daughter, Sarah (James) Wolfson Parks of Wauchula; son, Andrew (Mary) Wolfson of Louisville, Kentucky; sisters, Ellen Smith of Gainesville and Nancy Ross of Atlanta; and grandchildren; Jack Wolfson, Maggie June Wolfson, Morgan Parks, and McKenzie Parks.
A graveside service will be held Monday, November 4, 2024 at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland.
