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Friday, May 2, 2025

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Orlando Woman Charged With DUI With Serious Bodily Injury After Crash Critically Injuring 2 Young Children In Frostproof Crash

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

Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and Alligator Super Hunt Applications Window Opens May 2

Photo credit: Grape Hammock

FWC – The application periods for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the Alligator Super Hunt open Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. ET. All applications submitted for the statewide hunt between May 2 and May 12 will have an equal chance of being selected.

You can apply at any county tax collector’s office, through a license agent, or online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

You can submit one application for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program, which allows you to hunt a single alligator management unit or county – if you are randomly selected. Applicants may select from a list of units and counties with an order of preferred priority.

For the Alligator Super Hunt, you can pay to apply as many times as you want to increase your chances of being randomly drawn to hunt at most alligator management units and counties. The Alligator Super Hunt opportunity is a relatively new program, initially launched last year.

Learn more about both opportunities at MyFWC.com/Alligator.

The Ramon Theater Presents Arkansas Trainwreck June 14

The Ramon Theater will present Arkansas Trainwreck on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The theater is located at 15 East Wall Street, Frostproof.

Arkansas Trainwreck, a Senior Bluegrass Band, boasts over 100 years of collective experience. Founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, the band focuses primarily on Folk, Originals, and Bluegrass music, while also performing covers from renowned artists such as the Beatles, Bob Dylan, John Prine, and John Denver.

Alan Stewart, lead vocalist and songwriter, plays guitar, banjo, and serves as the band’s musical director. Having hosted the largest music jam at his Little Rock residence for over 40 years, Alan’s expertise is unparalleled. Julie (Jewels) Shelmire contributes lead and harmonizing vocals, playing bass guitar.

With a background in choir singing from a young age, Julie began playing bass a few years ago, participating in music jams and collaborating with Alan. Barry Lee Spence, on acoustic guitar and lead/harmonizing vocals, studied guitar under notable local musicians Victor Tutlo and Fred Douglas in Chester, Pennsylvania. His performances include appearances on local TV programs and the 1974 Mason Dixon 500 country music show, featuring George Jones and Tammy Wynette. 

Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.simpletix.com/e/summer-music-nights-arkansas-trainwreck-tickets-215688

In Loving Memory of Terry Lynn Booth, 74, of Lake Wales

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Terry Lynn Booth, 74

Terry Lynn Booth of Lake Wales passed away Friday, April 25, 2025 at his residence.

He was born December 8, 1950 in Fort Pierce to the late Warren and Virginia Booth and he was raised by Warren and Grace Booth. Terry was a retired mechanic and was of the Baptist faith. He served with the United States Army and the United States National Guard. Terry enjoyed working on cars and eating good food. He was always known to help his family and friends and he loved his family deeply. 

Terry is survived by his wife of 23 years, Debra Booth; daughters, Jennifer Gleason and husband Bruce of Valrico, Kristin Collier and husband Robert of Babson Park; son, Jason Booth and wife Shelley of Lake Wales; stepdaughter, Erin Brandon of Lake Wales, Stephanie Richardson and husband Rick of Babson Park, April Johnson and husband David of Lake Wales; brothers, Joe Sims and wife Delores of Bethune, South Carolina, Dennis Booth and wife Cindy of Aiken, South Carolina; sister, Gloria Booth of Lake Wales; many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 3:30 PM until 5:00 PM, Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. A private funeral service will be held for the family. Interment will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. 

Motorcyclist Killed Last Night in Two-Vehicle Crash on Lake Wales Road

Photo provided by PCSO

Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed in a social media post that motorcyclist was killed Tuesday evening, April 29, 2025, in a two-vehicle crash near Lake Wales. The following information comes from a press release sent by Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer for PCSO:

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and members of Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the crash on Mammoth Grove Road near Stokes Road at about 9:53 pm.

When first responders arrived, they determined that 38-year old Justin Casey Weyburn of Lake Wales was deceased. Weyburn had been the operator of a black 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The other person involved in the crash was not injured. He was identified as 41-year old James Keen, Jr. of Lake Wales.

Based on the investigation so far, Weyburn was traveling on his motorcycle eastbound on Mammoth Grove Road.

Meanwhile, Keen was driving a black 2023 Ford F250, and pulling a boat on a trailer.

The Ford was exiting a private driveway onto westbound Mammoth Grove Road. As the turn was being made, the truck entered the eastbound lane, and the two vehicles collided head-on.

Mr. Weyburn was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The roadway was closed for three hours.

The investigation remains ongoing.

In Loving Memory of David Arthur James, 63

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David Arthur James, 63

David Arthur James of Memphis, Tennessee passed away Friday, April 25, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born May 30, 1961 in Memphis, Tennessee. David was a delivery driver and enjoyed to golf. He loved to spend time with his best friend Michael Bruno and his grandchildren.

David is survived by his wife of 44 years, Neely James; daughters, Jessica Read and husband Matthew of Memphis, Tennessee, Lauren McMurry and husband Brian of Memphis, Tennessee; sisters, Arta James of Los Angeles, California, Dr. Kelly James of Memphis, Tennessee; six grandchildren.

No local services are being held.

In Loving Memory of Frederic Stanley Budarz, 91, of Lake Wales

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Frederic Stanley Budarz, 91

Frederic Stanley Budarz of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born February 11, 1934 in Chicopee, Massachusetts to the late Stanley and Tessa Budarz; he moved to Lake Wales from Massachusetts 25 years ago. Frederic attended Greenfield High School where he was active in many sports before graduating in 1952. He enlisted with the United States Army and proudly served from 1954 until 1956. He married Lucy Auclair in April of 1959. Frederic retired from the State of Massachusetts as a Dairy Farm Inspector. Following his retirement, he moved to Lake Wales in 2020. Frederic loved the ocean, vacationing in Aruba, and cruising. In his free time, he enjoyed driving in the country.

Frederic is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lucy Auclair Budarz; daughters, Karen Crowley and husband John of Bernardston, Massachusetts, Dianne Interlande and husband Paul of Turners Falls, Massachusetts; sisters, Carol Cadarette and husband Jim of Deerfield, Massachusetts, Doris Reddington of Enfield, Connecticut; and grandchildren, Alex and Johnny.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Massachusetts. 

Crash Blocking Some Lanes Of Hwy 27 At First Avenue N. In South Lake Wales

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The Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s Office are currently working an accident involving injuries on Hwy 27 in Lake Wales. The accident occurred near the intersection of Hwy 27 & First Avenue N. at approximately 4:41pm.

The Southbound lanes in that area are down to one lane. It appears a helicopter evacuation will be taking place. They have asked for an additional ambulance. This is a developing story and we will update as soon as additional information is available.

Photo Credit: Julie B.

Work Begins On New Belle Lago Subdivision Near Lake Belle

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Editors Note: Many people may or may not realize that a large number of current housing and building projects have been voted on and approved years ago. This is the case in the project for Bella Lago. On July 6, 2021 is when this project came up and was approved 5-0. Here is how the vote went: “ Commissioner Howell made a motion to approve the Preliminary Subdivision Plat for Belle Lago after ublic hearing. Deputy Mayor (Robin) Gibson seconded the motion.- By Roll call vote: Commissioner Howell “YES”, Deputy Mayor (Robin) Gibson “YES”, Commissioner Williams “YES”, Commissioner Fitzgerald “YES”, Mayor Fultz “YES” – Motion passed 5.0.

Lake Wales, FL – More new homes are coming to Lake Wales as construction gets started on Belle Lago, a brand-new neighborhood near Lake Belle. Belle Lago will have 84 single-family homes and will be built on land that used to be a citrus grove. It’s located along the west side of South Scenic Highway, right by the southern edge of the lake.

Photo Credit: CF George Media

The Lake Wales City Commission gave the green light for the project back in July 2021. The neighborhood will have one entrance off South Scenic Highway and will stretch along about 2,000 feet of lakefront. Plans also include a fishing pier and open green spaces for residents to enjoy. Several stormwater ponds are being added too, to help protect the lake from runoff.

Belle Lago will sit next to Ridge Manor, but it won’t connect directly to that neighborhood, since it’s designed with only one way in and out.

Photo Credit: CF George Media

City leaders say Belle Lago is part of the bigger plan to bring more housing to the area, while also keeping Lake Wales’ natural beauty intact. Once it’s finished, Belle Lago is expected to offer families a peaceful spot to settle down, with the added bonus of lake views and outdoor space.

Photo Credit: CF George Media

In Loving Memory of George Herbert Jolly, 82

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George Herbert Jolly, 82

George Herbert Jolly of Fort Meade passed away Friday, April 25, 2025 at AdventHealth Heart of Florida.

He was born October 17, 1942 in Manchester, Tennessee to the late William and Frances Jolly. George was a retired operations manager and was a veteran of the United States Army. He loved to hunt and was a member of a hunt club. He enjoyed watching Nascar and football.

George was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Goodin; granddaughter, Leigha Alexandria; and his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jolly; daughter, Angela Hall and husband Larry of Lake Wales; grandchildren, Brandon Trammell and wife Ashlee, Kyler Trammell, Calvin Hulett, Claytin Hulett, Colton Hulett; great-grandchildren, Deacon, Devyn, Lucas, Aubrey, Hadley, Henley, Cashton, Caibree, Waylon, Clayton, Brook, Junior, and Abby.

No services are scheduled at this time.