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
This morning, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, four seniors from Lake Wales High School made big commitments to both their sports and educational futures.
LWHS football players Amanuel Tarver, Jayden Johnson, Russell Watts, and Jeremiah Telot, each signed a letter of intent for their colleges of choice in a ceremony at the high school gym.
Amanuel Tarver at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci
Tarver, #7, cornerback for LWHS, has signed with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Oklahoma.
Jayden Johnson at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci
Johnson, #3, who plays free safety, slotback, and running back positions, is the son of LWHS head varsity football coach Tavaris Johnson. Jayden has signed with Warner University in Lake Wales.
Russell Watts at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci
Watts, #57, team captain who plays center and defensive end, has signed with Sanford University in Alabama.
Jeremiah Telot at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci
Telot, #28, who plays defensive end, has also signed with Warner University in Lake Wales.
Parents, friends, and family were in attendance to mark the occasion. 
Lois Curtis of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Winter Haven Hospital.
She was born September 5, 1924 in Rhode Island to the late Fred and Emma Nadon; she moved to Lake Wales from Connecticut in 1962. Lois was the first registered nurse for the Vanguard School and worked there until her retirement. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales. Lois loved animals and always had a pet. She had a wonderful personality and was a very upbeat person. Her family loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed.
Lois was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Hendrickson; second husband, Daniel Curtis; eight siblings; stepdaughters, Paula Morley and Patti Starr; and grandchild, Jennifer Hiers. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Story and husband Vic of Lake Wales, Jeanie Takacs Johnson and husband Carl of Winter Haven; step-daughters, Peggy Fleckenstein and husband Scott, Barbie Chandley and husband Curtis, Beth Collins and husband David; grandchildren, Michelle Geric, Jeff Story, Matt Story, Justin Takacs, Kyle Story; and numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 11, 2025 at Lake Wales Cemetery with Rev. Mackay Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor can be sent to the Humane Society (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/memoria/) or the Lake Wales Care Center (140 E Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853 or https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/).
The Ridge Beekeepers Association invites you to participate in the 2025 Ridge Beekeepers Beekeeping Seminar.
Saturday, April 26 · 8am – 3:30pm EDT
UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service. 1702 S. Holland Pkwy, Bartow, FL 33830
This is a family event where you can learn everything about the Western Honey Bee.
The Western Honey Bee is responsible for pollinating approximately 85% of all of the crops we eat today. Join us and learn important topics beekeepers should know to be able to keep bees in Florida.
The seminar is composed of 10 stations where participants will rotate every 25 min. to learn a different topic of beekeeping. Topics will include:
Looking inside the hive/Honey Bee Biology.
Pest and diseases of Honey Bees.
Queen Bees management.
Nectar sources for Honey Bees.
Starting a Hive.
Beekeeping Tools.
Honey Extraction.
Wax Rendering.
Honey Bee Transport.
Hive Construction.
A giveaway of beekeeping items will be held at the end of the seminar.
Lunch is included with ticket purchase.
*Walk-ins are welcome to register and purchase tickets on the day of the event.
A man from Avon Park was arrested Monday morning near the intersection of Hwy. 60 and Hunt Brothers Rd. after a hit-and-run crash he allegedly caused in Lake Wales.
The following information, and excerpts from the arrest affidavit, were provided to Lake Wales Daily by Polk County Sheriff’s Office:
“On 04/07/2025 at approximately 0640 hours, Abraham Garcia Rosario (suspect, DOB 3/16/2000) intentionally and unlawfully left the scene of a vehicle crash involving damage to another vehicle. The suspect was the driver of Vehicle 1 when Vehicle 1 crashed into Vehicle 2 driven by (the victim).
“The suspect did not stop or make any attempt to provide any information or exchange any information with the victim. The suspect also made no attempt to contact law enforcement to inform them of the vehicle crash. Neither the suspect nor the victim suffered any injuries from the crash.
“A witness observed the suspect from when the suspect vehicle came to a stop after the crash until law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on said vehicle. The witness never lost sight of the suspect vehicle Post-Miranda warning, the suspect advised he left the scene because he thought the other vehicle left as well. It was discovered the driver did not have a valid driver’s license.
“The suspect was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Damage to Another Vehicle. (316.061 (1)) and No Valid DL 322.03(1)”
Photo provided with permission from a reader
Rosario was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without further incident.
A more detailed account of the incident follows, as provided by PCSO:
“On the above date and time [0640 hours, April 7, 2025], dispatch notified (a Deputy Sheriff) of a possible hit-and-run, and the victim/reportee, (REDACTED) was still following the other vehicle.
“Upon arriving at the scene, it was learned that V2 (victim) was traveling northbound on Hwy 27 and was slowing down for traffic, which was coming to a stop. V1 was behind V2, failed to slow down, swerved to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of it, and collided with V2. V2 observed V1 continue driving without pulling over to make contact. V2 called law enforcement to report the crash while continuing to follow V1.
“(The Deputy Sheriff) met with (the victim) and Rosario on Hwy. 27 north from the incident location. During the investigation, D/S Clem made contact with the driver of V1 (D1) and learned that he did not have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle on the roadway.
(The Deputy Sheriff) placed Rosario under arrest and transported him to SPC without incident. It was reported that Rosario is not a US Citizen and is an Illegal from Guerrero Mexico. ICE was contacted and made aware of Rosario’s arrest and pending identification status.”
Looking for an engaging and active #summercamp for your kids? Registration is open for Camp Squeeze at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center.
Every week, campers will jump into themed games, art, and science activities to celebrate summer. They’ll be exploring underwater scenes virtually with sharks and dissecting gummy piranhas, executing extraterrestrial experiments with space enthusiasts, giddy-upping on their feet to learn how to linedance like real cowboys and much more.
Registration must be completed in person at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center. Camp Squeeze is from June 9th – August 1st, Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 5:30pm. Children entering Kindergarten to 5th grade are eligible to attend Camp Squeeze. Cost of camp is $90/week for LWFRC members and $100/week for non-members, with a one-time $25 registration fee.
Campers will receive their backpack for the summer upon registration. Call the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center for more information (863) 678-4192.
Between inventory issues and interest rates, buying a vehicle can be quite an ordeal, making it an investment worth protecting.
Today’s vehicles require less maintenance than ever before. You can go longer between oil changes and many tires are rated for longer travel. However, keeping up with regular maintenance remains part of your vehicle’s upkeep.
Whether you’ve purchased a new vehicle or you’re aiming to keep a car or truck you already own in good working condition, these tips can help you maintain its peak performance and appearance.
Car Wash: At least once a month, make a point of washing your car to remove built up grime. Not only is the dirt unsightly, but the mess can also damage your paint job and even the frame. Remember what love bugs can do.
Covered Parking: When possible, use a garage or other form of covered parking. You’ll protect your paint job from harsh UV rays, and you’ll also limit exposure to bird droppings and other potentially corrosive or damaging elements in the environment, like dust and pollen.
Windshield Wipers: Visibility is one of the most important aspects of safety when you’re driving, and windshield wiper blades play an essential role. Squeaking, streaking and failing to clear precipitation are all signs your blades need to be replaced. Check wipers regularly and plan on replacing them at least every 6-12 months.
Battery: You may not think much about your battery as long as your engine is turning over and your vehicle is running smoothly. However, even a car in good condition can have battery damage. At least once a year, check for signs of battery acid. If you detect the white powdery substance around your battery terminals, disconnect the cables (negative first) and apply a mixture of baking soda and water with a wire brush. Rinse with water and dry before replacing the cables.
Air Filter: The air filter doesn’t just affect the air quality in the cabin of your vehicle. A dirty filter can also cause engine strain because it hinders proper air flow. Over time, you may even notice a decline in gas mileage and acceleration performance. Many factors affect how often you need to replace your filter, but a quick visual inspection should give you a clear idea. Your owner’s manual will help you determine how to access the filter; it’s easier than people often assume.
When in doubt, get it checked out! Visit www.lowpaymentkings.com and find a service center near you.
~ If it takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or your mind off driving, it’s a distraction. ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and its public safety partners remind drivers to stay distraction-free while behind the wheel. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and both drivers and passengers alike have a duty to refrain from engaging in or fostering distraction.
The act of driving requires keen concentration as drivers must constantly be in tune with factors such as their speed, surroundings, other drivers, roadway conditions and more. Throw distractions into the mix such as texting or talking on the phone, and this act becomes harder to do safely. Preliminary data for 2024 shows that in Florida, nearly 300 people died and over 2,200 people suffered serious bodily injuries due to a distracted driver.
A distraction is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off the act of driving. While you may not think you are a distracted driver because you do not engage in more well-known distractions such as texting, you may be engaging in other distractions that put you, your passengers and others on the roadway at risk. This might include, but is not limited to, listening to loud music, eating, engaging with passengers or adjusting your vehicle’s entertainment or navigation system.
Just like the driver, passengers have a duty and responsibility to cultivate a safe driving environment. As a passenger, refrain from distracting behaviors such as, but not limited to, playing music loudly, shouting or talking loudly or unnecessarily directing the driver’s attention to objects or events taking place outside the vehicle.
If the driver is engaging in distraction, you as a passenger have the right to speak up and inform them their actions are dangerous. To remedy, offer to send a text, help with navigation or make needed in-vehicle adjustments for them.
Every day, Florida’s law enforcement officers, first responders, service workers, citizens and visitors find themselves along the side of the roadway. Whether they are doing their job, providing or receiving assistance, or attending to a personal need, it is the duty of all other motorists to obey the Florida Move Over Law and move over a lane or slow down if moving over is not possible.
If you are driving distracted, it is difficult for you to perceive if something happening ahead of you along the roadway requires moving over, slowing down or coming to a stop. Eliminate distraction so you can protect those who protect you.
“When you engage in a distraction while behind the wheel, even briefly, you put your life and others’ on the roadway in danger,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.“No matter how important a text, call or other distraction may be, it can wait. Your primary focus should be ensuring you and your passengers arrive to your destination safely.”
“Steering clear from distractions while driving prevents tragedies,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “It is your duty and responsibility to stay alert and operate your vehicle in a vigilant manner each time you drive. Distractions can wait, but the safety of you and those around you cannot.”
Drivers who receive one of the above citations due to distracted driving can incur points on their driver license, fines and court fees or worse. Don’t let your decision to drive distracted be the reason someone does not arrive alive.
“We all play a role in creating safer roadways and that starts with the choice to make responsible driving decisions, such as putting away distractions, while behind the wheel,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Small actions can lead to major strides in achieving our goal of eliminating serious injuries and fatalities across Florida’s roadways.”
“Distracted Driving is anything that takes your attention away from safe driving. Florida’s sheriffs are committed to enforcing distracted driving laws to protect the public. We ask you to take steps to eliminate distractions that could lead to crashes. As President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, I fully support the ‘Put It Down’ campaign by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles,” stated Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association.
“This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) urges drivers to be “hands free” by connecting their devices to Bluetooth in their vehicles and concentrating on the road,” saidFPCA President Charlie Vazquez, Chief of Police Tampa International Airport “No call or text, no alert from your social media accounts, is worth your life. Please make the roads safer for everyone by choosing to focus fully on driving.”
Next time you get behind the wheel, remember the importance of driving distraction-free. For more information on distracted driving, visit FLHSMV’s distracted driving webpage.
An easy recipe that can serve your family or a crowd is a perfect solution for any cookbook. Look no further than this Easy Enchilada Casserole, an ideal fit for family dinners or hosting a group when served as a dip.
Photo screenshot from Lake Wales Gardens website of one of the buildings in the complex
A structural collapse was reported to Polk County Fire Rescue around 11:32 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 504 4th St. S. in Lake Wales. This address is in the Lake Wales Gardens apartment complex, which encompasses several buildings with multiple units.
Lake Wales Police Department Lt. Ed Palmer says that the ceiling in one of the lower apartments collapsed, which will displace the residents in that unit. The main roof of the building did not collapse. The cause of the collapse is not known at this time.
Management at the Lake Wales Gardens apartments is aware of the situation and maintenance is working to repair the damage. 
At approximately 10:49 AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, a traffic collision was reported on Masterpiece Road at the intersection of Timberlane Rd. in Lake Wales.
They said to be two vehicles involved, one appearing to be a gray SUV.
Masterpiece Road is currently closed in both directions at Timberlane Road as first responders are blocking the roadway while working the crash.
Please find an alternate route. This story will be updated.
UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: Polk County Fire Rescue reports that no injuries required transport. The roadway is now said to be reopened.
