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
Frostproof, Fla. – Concerns have been circulating on social media about possible bacterial contamination in Lake Clinch, raising questions from local residents and prompting a response from the City of Frostproof.
Several parents reported their children became sick after swimming in the lake. One widely shared post claimed multiple children had been diagnosed with bacteria-related illnesses and tagged the City of Frostproof, urging officials to take action and conduct testing.
Lake Clinch is a 1,207-acre natural freshwater lake located on the west side of Frostproof in Polk County. It’s a favorite local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake features a public boat ramp on the southwest side of the city and a public Florida state park along the eastern shore. The average depth is about 16 feet, with the deepest areas reaching up to 55 feet. The lake is also well known for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill, making it a go-to fishing destination for locals and visitors alike.
In response to the recent concerns, the City of Frostproof released a statement on July 10 confirming that water samples were collected on July 2 and tested at Pembroke Laboratory, a division of Florida-Spectrum Environmental Services.
The results showed fecal coliform levels of 25, 42, and 43 CFU/100mL at three locations around the dock area. According to the city, these results are well within the safe range and considered to be on the lower end, with no current cause for concern.
“We’re aware of recent concerns circulating regarding Clinch Lake and reports of E. coli-related illness,” the city stated. “Please know that the City of Frostproof takes water safety seriously and continues to monitor closely.”
City officials say they will continue routine testing and will share any new developments with the public. Residents with questions can contact Frostproof City Hall at 863-635-7855.
Most people dig a good French fry, but have you ever wondered how it all started? Since it’s National French Fry Day, here’s a little history, fun facts, and who’s offering drive-thru deals today!
What is National French Fry Day?
National French Fry Day is celebrated nationally on the second Friday each July (this year, on July 11). The tradition began in the early 2000s as a fun food holiday in the U.S (there are many of these throughout the year). Why this particular date? While we don’t know for sure, it may have been to coincide with France’s Bastille Day, a subtle nod to the holiday’s name.
Naturally, the day of fries has grown in popularity, in part thanks to social media and marketing endeavors. But truth be told, who doesn’t appreciate a good French fry?
How did it all start?
While you would be hard-pressed to find someone that’s never had one of these handheld potato goodies, it’s actually a matter of debate, as both France and Belgium claim the rights to their creation. Fries, however, were generally known to be a street food.
It’s said that the first time the idea of fried potatoes resembling what we have today came from a Parisian cookbook from the late 1700s. The recipe was brought to Belgium, where the first “fry shop” was established, leaving the argument of who gets the credit open to interpretation.
Regardless of how the idea was developed, French fries have been around for quite some time, and continue to be a cultural favorite.
How did it all start
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When it comes to quality, 72 % agree that the ideal fry is crispy on the outside and soft inside, yet opinions split over cut and style. 28 states, including North Dakota, Mississippi, and Alabama, rank straight-cut, seasoned fries as their top choice. Shoestring fries dominate in Hawaii, New Hampshire, Michigan, Maine, and Texas. Curly fries lead in Alaska, Kansas, Connecticut, and Oklahoma, and crinkle-cut wins in Nebraska, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania (and is also Illinois’s favourite). Finally, waffle fries only ranked in the top position in Colorado.
French Fry formats
There are too many to make a complete list. Most people agree that the perfect French fry is hot and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Straight-cut, restaurant-style, curly fries, waffle fries crinkle-cut are just some of the options.
How should they be seasoned? Straight up salt is the most popular, but what about garlic powder, paprika, or Old Bay?
What should we dip them in? Anything from ketchup, to ranch, to cheese sauce are at the top of the list, but there are so many options. Canadian Poutine goes even farther, topping its serving of fries with gravy and cheese. Loaded fries can have a dozen toppings, and are a popular restaurant favorite.
Let’s celebrate National French Fry Day; where to get a deal
Unless your planning to cut up potatoes and fire up the air fryer or Fry Daddy, one can celebrate in true American style and just head to your nearest drive-thru or restaurant to place your order. A few national fast food restaurants are offering fantastic fry deals for this fun food holiday.
Burger King: members of their Royal Perks reward program get a free order of fries (any size) with any purchase every week through December 31, 2025. For the holiday itself, Burger King is offering an additional promotion that appears in the app’s “Offers” tab: Royal Perks members can activate a buy-one-get-one-free deal on medium fries (or, at select locations, a free any-size fry with a $1 purchase). The one-day offer is redeemable only on July 11 and must be loaded into the BK app or on bk.com before placing your order.
McDonald’s: Score free medium fries with any purchase of $1 or more every Friday, including National French Fry Day, through December 26, 2025. This offer is exclusive to the McDonald’s app.
Checkers: Celebrate National French Fry Day on July 11, 2025, by bringing a recent receipt from a purchase of a competitor’s fries to a participating Checkers and enjoy a free large Famous Seasoned Fries, no other purchase needed.
John Greskowitz of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at his residence.
John was born May 27, 1954, in New York City to the late John Greskowitz and Nancy Mancinik. John was of the Catholic faith. He loved shooting and spending time with his fur buddies Flash, Junior, and Harvey. He also loved his giant-scale Radio Controlled Airplanes and was a member of the Ridge Barnstormers. John had a close relationship with both his real and adopted family and loved them all dearly.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nancy Greskowitz. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Allyn; and former wife Christie Bice.
No services have been scheduled at this time. Contributions can be made to the Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org) and the Humane Society (www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org) in John’s honor. Acknowledgments can be sent to Christie Bice.
Hamandrawatee Ramjit known as Dularie (Mama) born April 21, 1953 at home in bush lot village Corentyne, Berbice in Guyana. She was the eldest daughter of her late parents Lakhan and Poonya Babulall. She was the Eldest sibling of Dewan, Meme, Renee, Bee, Besho, Camie and her nonbiological siblings Rishi and Maragin Rampersaud.
Dularie ventured to America in Oct of 1981. Her life in America started in the Bronx, where so many great memories were made. After that she venture on to NJ and then finally settled in Florida. Everyone who knows mama knows she had a love for cooking and catering to her family and friends. That was her way of showing her love, a love language as some call it. I personally know this because whenever I visited she always cook all of my favorite foods. She loved shopping and she loved sewing.
She made so many clothes for so many people. She worked as a seamstress at T&G Bridal. Where she was given the nickname Ruby, because even then, she was a true Gem. Even though she had to end school at just 9yrs old She became so good at her craft.
Dularie married Mohan Ramjit and had 2 children of her own Reshma and Krishna. She eventually gained her daughter in law, Babita Ramjit. She was the most loving MaMa to her 6 grandkids; Junior and Amanda, Natalie and Abdiel, Jaden, devani and Jenessa, and the two partners in crime dharin, and Royce. She was also a great grandma to 5 beautiful grandkids; Ellanie, Aaliyah, Nadielys, Aaryn, and Abdiel JR.
Dularie passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, July 5th 2025.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a Firearms Safety Course/Concealed Weapons Class on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 8:00 am – Noon. If registration for the class fills up, a second afternoon class will be added for 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW for July 12th – CALL 863-298-6242.
Cost of the class is $70; with a portion of the proceeds to go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable. An additional $12.50 will be charged to those who don’t bring their own ammunition.
This class fulfills the requirements by the FL Department of Agriculture need to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Even though permitless-carry in Florida went into effect in 2023, there are still benefits to having a permit (reciprocity in states which don’t allow for concealed carry without a permit, and permit holders are exempt from the 3-day waiting period when purchasing new firearms).
Any questions about the CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, please call Sergeant Bennett or Sergeant Caratsole at the PCSO Training Section at 863-534-7200, during normal office hours.
YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your seat. When you call, you will be given further instruction about where to go for the training.
Any questions about this course? Please call 863-534-7200 during normal office hours and ask to speak with Sergeant Daniel Bennett or Sergeant Keith Caratsole.
PCSO – Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 65 people for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs last month.
Among these arrests, 14 were involved in crashes, one had two children with him at the time of his DUI, and seven were determined to be in the United States illegally and now have ICE Holds on them.
These 65 arrests were PCSO arrests only, and does not include arrests in Polk County made by any of the city police departments or the Florida Highway Patrol.
If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Lake Wales resident, Stacy Ennis, with her husband, Jerry (left) and their children
Freeze dryers have been around for decades. While the concept is not new, the availability of the technology is growing, and a Lake Wales woman has been both embracing it, and evolving the way she uses it.
Stacy Ennis, as many did, started a new hobby during the days of the COVID-19 pandemic; freeze-dried foods have been growing in popularity since the 2010s, when the technology became more mainstream. One can now go to any number of local retailers (yes, even in Lake Wales), and order one, not to mention online ordering.
Ellis’ freeze dryer, a large HarvestRight
The Lake Wales mother of three started out small, with a mindset that the pandemic instilled in our culture.
“During COVID, I became very interested, maybe even a little obsessed, with homesteading and prepping,” says Ennis. “The world had become so uncertain and I wanted to make sure that we could provide and feed our family even through shortages, power outages, EMPs or war.
“My large Harvest Right was a Mother’s Day gift.”
She began with simple items; freeze-drying strawberries, bananas, mangos, watermelons and raspberries. Her theory was to learn the process with items her family could enjoy in the short-term while figuring out the best storage process. In time, she began sharing her processes and learning curves on a YouTube channel.
With time and experience, Ennis saw an opportunity to take her hobby to the next level.
Freeze dried Skittles
“As friends and family started reaching out and requesting candies, I started a side business called Fantastical Freeze Dried treats but the market got kind of flooded with freeze-dried goodies, so I have gone back to doing my original plan….prepping. It’s food security for my family even after I am gone. It also allows you to put food up for long term at today’s prices. Storage is easy and weighs much less than canned items and doesn’t take up as much room as canned items.”
Ennis still regularly freeze-dries food, but some items are done more frequently due to family use and needs.
Apple slices, freeze dried
“I do a lot of left overs from large meals like goulash and chicken and rice soup. Raw scrambled eggs when my chickens are being over-generous. Fresh and frozen veggies when I buy in bulk. Lots of fruits. I have even freeze dried my daughter’s extra breast milk for easier storage.”
She often feeds her family from her stash; her husband, Jerry; daughter, Riley, 27 and her husband, Austin; her young grandchildren, Lincoln and Theo; her son, Parker; and her youngest daughter, Addison, 19.
Freeze-dried ice cream, sectioned into portions
In recent years, home freeze dryers have moved from niche homesteading tools to must-have appliances for health enthusiasts, survivalists, and food lovers alike.
What began as bulky, commercial-grade equipment used mainly by pharmaceutical and food processing companies has now found a comfortable space on kitchen counters and in garages. Thanks to improvements in size, about the size of a home dishwasher, user-friendliness, and price, freeze-drying at home has become increasingly accessible to the average consumer.
A fully cooked freeze dried meal. Add water and heat up and it’s ready.
When considering a freeze-dryer, size is the most significant consideration. With only a couple of brands on the market, HarvestRight is by far the most popular. While the marching comes with a starter kit of items, you will need to replace consumables like Mylar bags and containers for storage; these are relatively affordable at a few cents a bag. A plethora of accessories including extra trays, food separators, stackers and lids, are also on the market.
From Labs to Kitchens: A Brief History
Freeze drying—also known as lyophilization—was first developed during World War II to preserve blood serum. By the 1950s, it was being used to preserve foods for astronauts and military personnel. Until recently, the high cost and complexity of freeze-drying technology made it impractical for home use.
That began to change in the early 2010s when a few companies, most notably Harvest Right, introduced compact models targeted toward individual consumers. Since then, innovation has accelerated, with improvements in energy efficiency, automation, and mobile app integration.
Benefits of Owning a Home Freeze Dryer
1. Long-Term Food Preservation: Freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 years when properly stored. Unlike traditional dehydrating, which removes about 80% of moisture, freeze drying removes up to 98–99%, dramatically reducing spoilage risk.
2. Nutrient Retention: Freeze drying preserves nearly all the nutrients in fruits, vegetables, and meats, making it superior to canning or cooking for those focused on health.
3. Cost Savings Over Time: Though the initial investment (ranging from $2,000 to $5,000) is steep, many users report saving money by freeze-drying leftovers, bulk groceries, and seasonal harvests instead of buying pre-packaged emergency food.
4. Food Security and Preparedness: With growing interest in self-reliance and preparedness, freeze dryers allow households to build long-term food stores customized to their dietary needs.
Challenges and Drawbacks
Despite the perks, owning a freeze dryer isn’t for everyone. Some of the primary challenges include:
1. Upfront Cost and Maintenance: The initial price tag can be prohibitive, and units require regular maintenance, including changing oil (or opting for pricier oil-free pumps).
2. Size and Noise: Freeze dryers are large and can be noisy during operation—sometimes running for 20 to 40 hours per batch—making them less ideal for small homes or apartments.
3. Power Consumption: They use a significant amount of electricity, which may be a concern for off-grid users or those trying to reduce their energy footprint.
4. Learning Curve: While many machines are automated, understanding what foods freeze dry well—and how to store them afterward—takes practice.
Popular Uses and Recipes
Home freeze dryers are incredibly versatile. Common uses include:
Fruits & Vegetables: Strawberries, bananas, apples, corn, and green beans are freeze drying staples. They rehydrate well and make great snacks.
Dairy: Yogurt drops, milk, and even ice cream can be freeze-dried with excellent results.
Cooked Meals: Soups, stews, and casseroles rehydrate impressively, making them popular for backpacking or emergency meals.
Pet Food: Homemade freeze-dried dog treats are growing in popularity.
Herbs & Spices: Homegrown herbs can be preserved with more flavor and shelf life than air-dried versions.
Recipe Highlight: Freeze-Dried Chicken Alfredo Cook your favorite chicken alfredo recipe, spread it in trays, and freeze dry it. When ready to eat, just add hot water, wait 5–10 minutes, and enjoy a gourmet meal on the trail or during a power outage, or even when you don’t have time to cook a full meal.
The Future of Freeze Drying at Home
As technology advances, expect smarter machines, quieter operation, and better energy efficiency. Some companies are even exploring solar-powered models to meet the needs of off-grid users.
With ongoing concerns about food security, sustainability, and inflation, home freeze drying seems poised to shift from trend to permanent fixture in modern kitchens.
Have you tried freeze drying at home? Share your favorite recipe or experience in the post comments!
Beat the heat with fun, free crafts at the Lake Wales Public Library this Saturday, 7/12 at 1 PM to create your own Needle Punch Coasters. All supplies will be provided. Sign up on Eventbrite.com or by calling the Library at 863-678-4004.
The Lake Wales Public Library is located at 290 Cypress Garden Ln., in Lake Wales.
Calling all landowners, hunters, and property managers; are you interested in learning practical strategies to optimize your land for wildlife, hunting, and conservation?
Join the “What’s Your Game Plan?” Habitat and Game Management Workshop hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County on July 15 from 6-8 PM at Brennéan Auditorium, UF/IFAS Extension Office.
Learn how to enhance natural habitat, boost game populations, and plan for long-term wildlife management on your Central Florida property
Topics include: Native habitat enhancement, Wildlife management, Sustainable land-use practice and more.
Sign up for a complimentary field experience on July 19 to see these techniques in action.
Lake Wales Arts Council is kicking off Studio 60 next week — a creative, hands-on pottery experience just for teens.
Designed for teens ages 14–18, this camp offers a unique opportunity to work with professional ceramic artists, explore new pottery techniques, and create original pieces in a fun and supportive studio environment. Whether you’re an experienced potter or just getting started, Studio 60 is the perfect place to learn, grow, and connect with fellow young artists.
Camp runs July 14-18 from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
Spots are limited — register today and get your hands in the clay!
For more information or to register, please visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org.
