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

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2023

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

Citizens Bank Announces Big Changes in Top Offices

Maria Iannucci

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January 29, 2025

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Citizens Bank Announces Big Changes in Top Offices

CEO Greg Littleton, Citizens Bank and Trust

Greg Littleton, Chief Executive Officer and president of Citizen’s Bank & Trust, will be stepping back from his role at the end of this year. This is just one of a handful of changes happening at the highest levels of the company in the coming year.

A press release on the matter has been shared by the company, which announces the following changes:

Citizens Bank & Trust president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Greg Littleton, has announced that 2025 will be his last year working full time in the role of president. Citizens Bank & Trust board member, Steven E. Crisman, has been named president and will formally join the leadership team on March 31, 2025. Littleton will remain as CEO for the remainder of 2025.

Steve holds a Certified Public Accountant designation and is a lifelong resident of Polk County. Most recently he served as Director, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Six/Ten, LLC, a downtown redevelopment real estate company located in Winter Haven, Florida. His professional background includes financial management, strategic planning, business operations, and customer relations. Steve holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Polk State College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from The University of South Florida. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and is also a past board chair of the organization. A long-time advisory board member for the Bank, he joined the Bank’s Board of Directors in 2024.

“A succession plan has been in the works for several years, and the timing of the plan worked well to implement in 2025,” said Greg Littleton, president and CEO. “Steve’s professional background as a CPA, business owner and entrepreneur, along with his strong commitment to community and civic involvement, make him a great choice to lead Citizens Bank & Trust. Together, I look forward to growing our banking relationships throughout our service area.”

Littleton joined Citizens Bank & Trust in 1997 and was named president in 2001. In 2022, he was recognized as Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). He currently serves as a member of the Polk State College District Board of Trustees, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for AdventHealth Polk Market, Polk Vision, Winter Haven Economic Development Council, and FBA BankPac. He is the current campaign chair for the United Way of Central Florida.

Littleton is a past chair of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, East Polk Committee of 100, Central Florida Development Council (CFDC), United Way of Central Florida, Polk Vision, Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Florida Hospital, Polk State College District Board of Trustees, Polk County Public Schools Efficiency Commission, and FBA BankServ. He has also previously served on the boards of the Bartow Economic Development Council, Lake Wales Arts Center, Polk Museum of Art, Florida Bankers Association, FBA Governmental Relations Council, Polk County Industrial Development Authority, and the Florida Statewide Passenger Rail Commission.

“Over the past twenty-four years, Greg has made a significant impact to the growth and footprint of the Bank that my grandfather founded in 1920,” stated Latimer “Coot” Wilson, Chairman of the Board. “His strategic vision and dedication to our customers, employees, and the community has been unprecedented in our company history. On behalf of the shareholders and board of directors, I’d like to express my appreciation to Greg, and I look forward to working with both him and Steve as we continue to serve the financial needs of our community and business partners.”

Additionally, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Weymon Snuggs will continue full time in his current role throughout 2025. In 2026, he will transition to a part-time arrangement, continuing to serve the Lakeland Market. Snuggs has been very active in the community since coming to Lakeland in 1997. He currently serves on the YMCA Board of Directors and several committees for other nonprofit organizations. Snuggs is a past board chair of Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) Systems, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Polk Museum of Art, United Way of Central Florida, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, and Lakeland Vision. He previously served on the boards of Orlando Health, VISTE, LRH Foundation, the Lakeland Chamber Foundation, and the Lakeland Firefighter Pension Fund Board. In 2008, he chaired the United Way of Central Florida Campaign, and in 2015 received the George W. Jenkins Volunteer of the Year award.

Current Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, Chad Tagtow, will become COO in January 2026, with a focus on operations, efficiencies, and technology. Tagtow joined the Bank in 2004 and has held progressive leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief Innovation Officer.

In Loving Memory of Glenda Eileene Ellis, 76, of Frostproof

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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January 28, 2025

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Glenda Eileene Ellis, 76

Glenda Eileene Ellis of Frostproof passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at her residence.

She was born December 22, 1948 in Atmore, AL to the late Glenn and Thelma Henson; she came here as a child from Alabama. She was retired from Cargill and a member of the Church of God. She was a tribal citizen of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She enjoyed watching her soap operas, going to casinos and her bowling league.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Gary Henson. Survivors include her daughter, Brenda Pruitt and husband, Gary of Frostproof; sons, Bryan Hutto and wife, Denisha of Fairfield, IL, Stacy Gregg Jr and fiancée, Kendall Townsend of Frostproof, Michael Hutto and wife, Billie of Frostproof and Davis Ellis and wife, Natasha of Frostproof; 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Frostproof Church of God with Rev. Sam Haag. Interment will follow at Silver Hill Cemetery.

Shooting Investigation Underway as Shots are Fired Near Scenic Hwy.

Maria Iannucci

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January 28, 2025

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Shooting Investigation Underway as Shots are Fired Near Scenic Hwy.

Citizens in Lake Wales reported hearing shots fired in an area near the city of Lake Wales tennis courts this afternoon.

Lake Wales Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Dale Hampton states that at approximately 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, shots were reportedly fired near the area of Scenic Hwy. and Osceola Ave. in Lake Wales.

The preliminary investigation is said to have shown shots being fired at a white vehicle, which, at the time of publication of the story, has not been located.

LWPD has taken two juveniles in custody with regard to the shooting, and a firearm has been recovered. The names of the juveniles will not be released to the public at this time.

Hampton says there is no immediate threat to the public at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information with regard to this incident is encouraged to contact Lake Wales Police Department.

Lake Wales Little Theater Holding Auditions for Vintage Hitchcock Production Feb. 3-4

Maria Iannucci

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January 28, 2025

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Lake Wales Little Theater Holding Auditions for Vintage Hitchcock Production Feb. 3-4

Those with a flair for the stage, a desire to see a community project succeed, and anyone looking to have some fun and make new friends are welcome at the upcoming auditions for Vintage Hitchcock – A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry, the next production of the season for Lake Wales Little Theatre.

Auditions will be held on February 3rd, 4th, 2025, at 7PM each evening, at the theater, located at 411 N. 3rd St., Lake Wales.

The show is scheduled to run March 28 – April 13, 2025.

The production is suggestive of a 1940s radio station. Spies, murder, love, and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense’s earlier films.

With The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play is a triple feature, complete with vintage commercials, that recreates a daring train chase, a serial killer’s ominous presence, and a devastating explosion through the magic of live sound effects.

The director of the production is Lesley Wassom.

In Loving Memory of Fay Ellen Barry, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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January 28, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Fay Ellen Barry, of Lake Wales

Fay Ellen Barry of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Scott Lake Health and Rehabilitation in Lakeland.

She was born July 4, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Clarence and Verna Fairchild; she moved to Lake Wales in 2005. Fay was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Fay was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Barry in 2016; daughter, Candy Evans; and grandson, Troy, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Price (Randy), Cathy Noel, and Carra Price (Raymond); sons, Robert Barry, Jr. and Troy Barry (Emma); grandchildren, Rhiannon, Niles, Robert, III, Alena, Michael, Kayla, Jessica, Ellery, Contessa, Jolene, Eddie, Crystal, Randy, Jr., Paul, Brianna and 20 great- grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.

One Person Transported For Medical Care After Car Hits Medical Transport In Frostproof

carl

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January 27, 2025

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One Person Transported For Medical Care After Car Hits Medical Transport In Frostproof

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident in Frostproof Monday afternoon. According to information, gathered by Lake Wales Daily, the accident occurred at 4:37pm. The crash involved an Elite Medical Transport and a small white car. The accident occurred at the intersection of CR630/Fort Meade Rd. and Par Dr.

Vehicle involved in accident. Right front is damaged.

According to initial information one person was transported for treatment.

File Photo of Elite Medical Transport Ambulance

The roadway was partially blocked for about an hour.

Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crash at Scenic Hwy. N and 640

Maria Iannucci

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January 27, 2025

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Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crash at Scenic Hwy. N and 640

On Monday, January 27, 2025, a traffic collision reportedly involving a motorcycle was reported at 11:00 a.m. at or near the intersection of Scenic Hwy. N. and Hwy. 640.

The accident reportedly involves a motorcycle vs. vehicle, with rollover and heavy damage.

Expect significant road blockage and heavy presence of first responders.

UPDATE: 1/27/25, 11:55 a.m.: Katelyn Hoverkamp, public information officer at Polk County Fire Rescue, says PCFR crews were dispatched at 11:06 a.m. to a traffic collision reported at the Scenic Hwy N/Hwy 640 intersection in Lake Wales.

“Upon PCFR’s arrival at 11:06 a.m., crews located three patients. While on scene, two of those patients were evaluated and declined medical transport. The third patient involved was transported from the scene via AirCare.,” says Hoverkamp.

“No additional injuries were reported. No additional patients were transported.”

UPDATE 1/27/25 12:24 p.m.:

Hoverkamp provides this secondary update:

“Three total patients were transported from the scene. One patient was transported via AirCare upon PCFR’s initial arrival.

“The two patients who declined seeking further medical evaluation when PCFR crews were on scene initially, requested for Polk County Fire Rescue crews to return back and then the two additional patients were transported via ambulance for further evaluation from the scene.”

Avoid this area if possible. This article will be updated when receive additional information from law enforcement.

Vehicle Crash on Hwy. 60 in Kenansville Causing Heavy Backup into Polk near Lake Kissimmee

Maria Iannucci

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January 27, 2025

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Vehicle Crash on Hwy. 60 in Kenansville Causing Heavy Backup into Polk near Lake Kissimmee

Hwy. 60 E from the county line at 9:15 a.m. Photo provided by D. Mixon

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a traffic collision was reported around 7:38 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 on Hwy. 60 and Peavine Rd, near Kenansville. The crash is in Osceola County, east of Polk.

Video provided by D. Mixon

FHP’s website denotes that there are injuries and road blockage as a result of the crash.

Expect delays on 60 if headed east.

Lake Wales EDC Requests $50,000 Increase to Contract to Hire New Staff Member

Uncategorized

Maria Iannucci

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January 27, 2025

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Lake Wales EDC Requests $50,000 Increase to Contract to Hire New Staff Member

By James Coulter

To help facilitate its growing workload and the implementation of new initiatives, the Lake Wales Economic Development Council (EDC) is seeking an increase of $50,000 from the city to help hire an additional staff member.

At their workshop on Jan. 15, 2025, , Lake Wales city commissioners were presented with a request by City Manager James Slaton for an increase of $50,000 to the EDC’s contract to help hire a new staff member.

Skip Alford, Chamber of Commerce and EDC, explained that the new hire would be “crucial for the EDC to effectively carry out its mission and achieve its goals in the coming years,” according to City Clerk Jennifer Nanek in the agenda minutes.

Mayor Jack Hilligoss inquired about the specific amount of $50,000 and how those funds would be utilized. Alford answered that the $50,000 would go toward hiring the new staff member, specifically with the credentials of “strong project management skills.”

Alford also explained that a portion of those funds would go towards “minor building maintenance and upkeep, such as addressing unforeseen issues like the damaged oak tree.”

As Nanek wrote: “Mr. Alford emphasized that the primary focus of the budget increase is to enhance the EDC’s staffing capacity and improve its ability to effectively pursue economic development opportunities.”

The current EDC budget, according to Hilligoss, consists of $125,000 from the City and $31,000 from partner contributions. He asked if the partners could potentially help contribute to the fund increase.

Alford replied that, while “partner contributions have increased slightly”, he had not yet approached them to request an increase in contributions.

Commissioner Keith Thompson expressed skepticism about the city funding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the EDC. He inquired about alternative funding models like matching grant programs and other models that “encourage self-sufficiency and minimize the city’s long-term financial commitment.”

Another concern he had, as Nanek wrote, was the “need for clear, measurable outcomes and a focus on long-term sustainability.” He stated that the EDC “should focus on quantifiable results, such as job creation and economic growth, to justify its funding requests.”

In Loving Memory of John “Jack” Moulton, 85, of Winter Haven

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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January 26, 2025

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John “Jack” Moulton, 85

John “Jack” Moulton of Winter Haven passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Waters Edge.

He was born February 9, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Robert and Mildred Moulton; he moved to Winter Haven from Wisconsin in 1995. Jack was a retired wildlife biologist for the State Government and was a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed playing tennis, going fishing, biking, being outdoors, and taking care of nature.

Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lois W. Moulton; daughters, Lori Lyons and husband Mat of Louisa, Virginia and Carla Finley and husband Scott of Winter Haven; son, Eric Moulton and wife Carla of Greenbrae, California; brother, David Moulton of Syracuse, New York; grandchildren, Mathew Lyons, Alyssa Lyons, Carli Zanders, Marcus Finley, Isabella da Silva Moulton, and Lucas da Silva Moulton; and great-grandchild, Holden Zanders.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to a Nature Conservancy of your choice.

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