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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

In Loving Memory of Mack A. Kinder, 82, of Lake Wales

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Mack A. Kinder of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at his residence.

He was born April 12, 1942 in Ashford, West Virginia to the late Jessie and Ruby Kinder; he moved to Lake Wales from Chicago, Illinois 26 years ago. Mack was the owner and operator of R&M Decorators. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, but especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Mack is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rhonda Kinder; children, Douglas (Jackie) Kinder of Tennessee, Julia Kinder of Chicago, Illinois, Deanna Kinder of Chicago, Illinois, Mathew (Lori) Kinder of Lake Wales, and Theresa (Ronald) Peterson of Lake Wales; 18 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Steve Livingston officiating. 

558-Acre “Gateway to the City” Development Approved for Lake Wales; Residents Say NIMBY

by James Coulter and Maria Iannucci

 

A proposed mixed-use development, located on 558 acres of land west of Lake Wales, may have received approval from the city, but it has many residents saying, “Not in my backyard!”

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of three ordinances about a proposed mixed-use development.

The development, which has been deemed “the gateway to the city”, has been proposed on approximately 558 acres of land located north of SR 60 on the western edge of the city and 12 miles east of Bartow.

The proposed development would include a mix of commercial and residential properties, including an eclectic variety of residential units from townhouses to cottages.

Now approved, these three ordinances would annex the 558 acres of land into the city limits, and amend the zoning map and the City of Lake Wales Comprehensive Plan to accommodate the development.

Shelton Rice, the attorney representing the person spearheading the development, claimed this project has been in the works for many years. He mentioned how the variety of different housing options would help attract new residents and businesses to the area.

“We are excited about it, and we hope the city is excited about it,” he said.

However, while the three ordinances received unanimous approval from the city commissioners, residents feel less than enthused about the overall project, with many claiming it would only bring growing pains to the city.

“They’re going to make little Lake Wales look like New York,” one Facebook comment bemoaned.

“Even though we don’t want it it’s our money that’s paying for it all,” another comment said.

“Why don’t the people of Lake Wales have an actual voice in any of this stupid development that nobody ever needed or wanted?” one person asked in a comment. 

At the meeting, one resident, Janine Montgomery, took to the podium to speak out against the development. She claimed it was “literally pricing out” young families out of home ownership.

“What I see here are a lot of businesses and leasers,” she said. “I see a lot of development going on, and I see more rental signs than ownership.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson insisted that the development was “magnificently planned” and offered flexibility in different markets. He claimed the city, according to current demographics, had the lowest median income in Polk County. As such, a project like this was required to draw economic development into the city.

“We need jobs and opportunity for these folks to earn a decent wage so that they can afford housing,” he said. “To do that, you need to attract employers, and they are often attracted by high-end housing, which we do not have.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie admired the initiative the city has in obtaining this land before any other city or the county itself “snagged it” for themselves.

“There are other cities waiting to snap up this land we are looking to annex,” she said. “There are other cities that would grab this property if we didn’t. And it’s good that we are [obtaining it].”

While Lake Wales Mayor Jack Hiligoss did not attend last night’s meeting, he does offer his perspective of how this approval of what’s known as Lake Wales Commons will ultimately benefit the citizens of Lake Wales.

“Growth is not our choice, it is our reality,” says Hiligoss. “It will either be a reality that happens to us or works for us. The staff and Commission of Lake Wales has planned and prepared to make sure the growth works FOR our citizens and this development is an example.

“Years ago, we established a 180 Utility service area that determines where we will consider annexation by setting the footprint we desire for our city. We followed that with a land use plan determining what uses we would prioritize on those pieces of land we did accept for annexation. This property owner and developer asked for annexation. The land is within our footprint and the land uses proposed met our planning criteria.

“I agree with Commissioner Gibson’s statements. This property will attract the sorts of job and housing opportunities our citizens need and we need to provide if we hope to maintain a good quality of life for them.  

“I also agree with Commissioner Gillespie. If we refuse their request for annexation, they will simply go elsewhere. The City of Winter Haven has already annexed and is developing very close this property. What will happen then is our roads, schools, and other infrastructure will bear the impacts of increased use but gain none of the financial benefits needed for us to maintain services. It is easy to cry, “Stop the growth” but it is unrealistic and it would be detrimental to our citizens if we assumed that as a policy.”

Semi Vs. Sedan Crash in Lake Wales, Minor Injuries Reported

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Provided by reader

At approximately 5:23 PM on November 20, 2024, a vehicle collision was reported on US Highway 60 west and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Lake Wales.

According to Lake Wales Police Department Public Information Officer Dale Hampton, the collision involved a semi versus sedan. Minor injuries were reported.

The roadway should be open at this time.

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Donates 55th AED to Babson Park Elementary School

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Photo provided by Melanie Culpepper

by James Coulter

Students and staff at Babson Park Elementary can feel much safer during the school day now that an automated external defibrillator (AED) has been donated and installed at their cafeteria.

On Tues. Nov. 12, 2024, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) donated their 55th AED at Babson Park Elementary. The device was installed in the school cafeteria with a safety presentation provided by Eric Shimkus of Polk County Fire and Rescue.

Elizabeth Tyler has served at the school for 22 years, having served as its principal for 11 years (and 11 other years as assistant principal). She was honored to have the AED donated to her school.

“We are honored to receive the AED from the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation,” she said. “Having an additional AED in the cafeteria will benefit everyone who visits our campus. The passion to help our community save lives was evident by the whole CCF team.”

Along with the AED, CCF also included a fire extinguisher in their demonstration. This addition was provided to honor JoLynn Willis, a five-year-old girl who recently lost her life, as Melanie Brown Culpepper, CCF founder, explained.

“Last evening was the [first] time bringing the importance of a fire extinguisher to your vehicles as I wanted to add this to our CCF Demonstration in honor of Jolynn,” she wrote. “She was a [little] girl we lost this week due to a car fire and has touched the hearts of our community.”

Melanie started CCF four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. 

Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, Melanie started her non-profit to raise proceeds to install AEDs across Polk County.

Since then, her organization has donated more than 55 AEDs at local establishments like Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Franks, and Caribbean Bay in Winter Haven.

CCF will be hosting its annual fundraiser, Saving Lives Matter, on Sat. Nov. 30. 2024 at Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven. Learn more on their Facebook page at facebook.com/honoringculpepper

 

Red Light Cameras and Traffic Infraction Detectors Approved for School Zones

Source: Wikipedia

by James Coulter

Slow down! You’re in a school zone. And soon there will be red light cameras and speed limit detection systems to give you a ticket if you break the rules of the road.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, Lake Wales city commissioner voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance to authorize the use of red light cameras and other traffic infraction detectors in school zones.

Lieutenant Ed Palmer, Patrol Commander for the Lake Wales Police Department, has explained in previous meetings and workshops how the city has experienced an increase in traffic fatalities and violations, especially within school zones.

As such, the city intends to set up red light cameras, traffic infraction detectors, and speed limit detection systems in school zones to deter traffic violations.

If red light cameras are implemented, these cameras would monitor school zones for potential traffic violations. When a violation is detected, a vendor will have 30 days to review it. If approved, a citation will be sent to the violator, who will have 60 days to either pay the fine or fight it.

During public comments, Danny Krueger, a resident and former city commissioner, spoke out against the proposed cameras, claiming they served as a potential violation of civil liberties.

Krueger claimed that such systems would only increase government surveillance and potentially violate a citizen’s right to privacy. He claimed having an officer on duty in school zones would be more effective and less invasive.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie acknowledged that proposal like this had their pros and cons, yet she insisted that the pros outweighed the potential cons.

“Your own private right to drive as fast as you want gives way to the safety of children who want to cross the street,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson claimed that a similar controversy surrounded officers hiding behind billboards to chase after speeding vehicles. However, he insisted that the proposed systems were “fair” and in compliance with the courts and system.

In Loving Memory of Silvestre “Chivo”Martinez Castillo, 61, of Frostproof

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Silvestre “Chivo” Martinez Castillo, 61

Silvestre Martinez Castillo of Frostproof passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales under the care of Vitas Hospice.

He was born February 27, 1963 in Brownsville, Texas to the late Juan and Maria Castillo; he moved to Frostproof from Texas in 1978. Chivo was a truck driver and of the Christian faith. Chivo enjoyed listening to music, going for walks, going dancing, and eating anything sweet especially ice cream. He was proud to live in Frostproof and knew many people in the town. Chivo was a strong and independent man.

Chivo was preceded in death by his brothers, Juan Castillo and Ricardo Castillo; sister, Raquel Henson; nephew, Carey Juan Henson; and brother-in-law, Victor Garcia. He is survived by his daughters, Laura (Zane) Sullivan of Frostproof, Cassandra Castillo of Avon Park, and Tera Castillo of West Virginia; sisters, Rosa (Eric) Moreno of Frostproof, Diana Garcia of Frostproof, Aurora (Alfred) Martinez of Bakersville, California; brothers, Amado (Dalia) Castillo of Ohio, Juan Castillo of Frostproof, Gilbert (Ashley) Castillo of Frostproof, and Jarvis (Maggie) Castillo of Avon Park; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof with Rev. Kelly Galati officiating. 

UPDATE 10:44 AM: Person Has Been Found Safe: LWPD Seeking Public’s Assistance in Locating Missing/ Endangered Person

 


Denis Mardy, 61 Years of age (LWPD)
 

The Lake Wales Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing/endangered person, last seen in Lake Wales.

On November 18, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., Lake Wales Police responded to Carver Drive in Lake Wales in reference to a missing and endangered person. The family of Mr. Denis Mardy, 61, reported that he was last seen around 11:30 a.m. on the 18th. He is reported to have an altered mental state and may not be aware of his surroundings. 

He was last seen wearing a blue polo-style shirt, blue pants and possibly barefoot. Please contact police immediately if you have any information that would lead to his whereabouts.

The phone number to Lake Wales Police Department is 863-678-4223.

 

 

City of Lake Wales Considers Amending Regulations to Permit “Nonconforming” Lots and Structures

by James Coulter

 

Along Kissimmee Avenue stands a two-story quadplex. The structure was built in compliance with regulations at the time, but as regulations have changed since then, the structure is considered “nonconforming.” It now stands vacant and has become a “blighted property” due to wear and tear.

Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Consultant, has seen that property change hands many times, yet none of its owners have been able to make any renovations due to the new “red tape” in place.

“This one [unit] drives me crazy,” she said. “Somebody buys it and see an opportunity to have a multi-family unit…[but] they are hit by a lot of red tape by the city…[and] move on and sell to someone else.”

Fortunately, proposed revisions to the city’s land development regulations could help facilitate such “nonconforming” structures and lots if the City of Lake Wales approves an ordinance.

At their workshop on Wed. Nov. 13, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance with a proposed amendment to land development regulations pertaining to “nonconforming” uses.

If approved, this ordinance would amend the City Code of Ordinances, permitting “nonconforming uses, lots, and structures” to “keep their nonconforming conditions” and thus “exempting them from losing their legal nonconformity after the use has been discontinued or in case the structure is damaged more than 50 percent of its just market value.”

“In order to encourage the redevelopment of vacant and blighted residential properties, and to encourage a mix of housing type opportunities within the core areas of Lake Wales, staff proposed amendments to the City’s non-conforming regulations which may be inhibiting these efforts,” Cochella wrote in the city agenda memo.

As such, as the memo further elucidates: “Current code prohibits the re-establishment of any nonconforming non-residential use once that use has been discontinued for a year or more.”

Under the proposed amendment, such nonconforming structures would be permitted “within the Core Improvement Area and Community Redevelopment Areas.”

Lake Wales City Commissioners will vote on this ordinance at their next regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 19 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

 

Lake Wales Latte Lounge to Host Murder Mystery Night 11/23

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Put on your detective hat and dive into a thrilling evening of mystery. Join your friends at Lake Wales Latte Lounge for Murder Mystery Night Nov. 23, 2024 at 6 PM.

You and your team will work together to crack clues, unravel secrets, and solve a whodunit using an intriguing mystery box. Bring your sleuthing skills and get ready for a fun, interactive evening that’s perfect for mystery fans and puzzle solvers alike.

Gather your friends, form a team, and get ready to uncover the truth!

Lake Wales Latte Lounge is located at 229 E Stuart Ave., Lake Wales.

Approximately 558 Acres Eyed to Serve as “Gateway to the City” of Lake Wales

By James Coulter

More than 500 acres of land, located west of the City of Lake Wales, is being considered for a massive mixed-use development to serve as a “gateway” to Lake Wales.

At their workshop on Wed. Nov. 13, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners considered three ordinances about 558 acres of land located at the western edge of the city and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.

If approved, these three ordinances would annex the land into the city limits, amend its future land use designation to City Mixed Use (PMU), and amend its zoning designation to Planned Development Mixed Use (PDMU).

The land in question, comprising 26 subject properties, is located west of the city, 12 miles east of Bartow, north of SR 60, and, according to the city agenda memo, “directly adjacent to the City of Lake Wales jurisdiction boundary.”

As the memo states, these properties “have been assembled to accommodate a high-quality, mixed-use development that respects the history and character of Lake Wales while creating a desirable environment to live, work, and shop.”

The proposed project will include an eclectic mix of commercial and residential uses, which will include a variety of residential units from twin villas and townhouses to cottages and multi-family units. As such, this project, according to the memo, will offer a “high-quality environment for living, working, or visiting.”

These ordinances will be considered at the next regular commission meeting on Tues. Nov. 19, 2024, at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

The meeting is open to the public.