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

She Served in the Air Force. He Served in the Marines. Now They Serve Their Local Community of Frostproof

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May 31, 2025

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She Served in the Air Force. He Served in the Marines. Now They Serve Their Local Community of Frostproof

by James Coulter

She served in the Air Force. He served in the Marines. Since then, they’ve married, raised children, and served their hometown as business owners, community volunteers, and even elected officials.

Billie and Michael Hutto both live in Frostproof. They have raised seven children together, one of whom has grown up to follow in their footsteps and join the military.

Previously the owner of P&J Recreation in Frostproof, Billie sold the family business last December and now spends her time serving as her father’s caregiver.

Mike, on the other hand, currently works as a realtor with Keystone Realty. He was recently re-elected for another three-year term on the Frostproof City Council, where he had been appointed as the mayor.

Billie joined the U.S. Air Force in 1998 and was stationed atTyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, where she served as a contracting officer. Before that, she had worked as a state-certified corrections officer after graduating from college.

Her assistant warden influenced her to join the Air Force. She was told that the military branch offered a “much better atmosphere” with the opportunity to visit more places. As someone who wanted to see the world and pursue her education, she felt it was the right fit for her.

“It took me many places with many opportunities and afforded me the option that I always wanted to pursue my education,” she said.

Her time in the military not only allowed her to visit many countries like England, but also complete her associate’s, bachelor’s, and even master’s degree.

Mike, on the other hand, was a wayward soul without a sense of direction. Seeking structure and discipline in his life, he was inspired by his best friend’s father to join the U.S. Marines.

“Needing some structure and discipline and harder guidance, breaking you down to build you back up, I felt like that was more of what I needed, and that was the reason I chose the Marine Corps.”

He was enlisted as an air traffic control trainee stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina. He made several appearances at Pensacola Naval Air Station, and received several accommodations and recognitions for inclement weather, landings, and non-radar landings.

Since leaving the military, both have married, raised a family of seven children, and have served their community as business owners and, in Mike’s case, as elected officials.

Billie and Mike Hutto recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss their military experience and how it shaped them into the individuals that they are today. Listen to the full podcast on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-61-honoring-our-veterans-wbillie-michael-hutto

Avon Park Woman Arrested For Alleged DUI In Lake Wales With Child in Vehicle

LAKE WALES POLICE DEPARTMENT

carl

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May 31, 2025

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Avon Park Woman Arrested For Alleged DUI In Lake Wales With Child in Vehicle

Lake Wales, FL – A woman identified as Madisyn Margaret Griffin of Avon Park was arrested by the Lake Wales Police Department on May 16, 2025, following a traffic stop in which she was allegedly driving 88 mph in a 50 mph zone with a young child in the vehicle.

According to arrest affidavits filed with the Polk County Clerk of Court, Griffin was stopped near the intersection of Highway 27 and Washington Avenue at approximately 11:32 p.m. Officers alleged that a strong odor of alcohol was coming from her person and that she exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and unsteady movements. Griffin allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol and taking a muscle relaxer earlier in the day.

Police also reported observing a small child, approximately 4 years old, seated in the rear of the vehicle.

Field sobriety exercises were conducted, during which Griffin allegedly displayed multiple indicators of impairment, including sustained nystagmus and difficulty with balance and coordination. According to police, she had difficulty maintaining heel-to-toe steps and counted inconsistently during the tests.

Griffin was taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Jail without incident. At the processing center, she allegedly provided two breath samples on an Intoxilyzer 8000, which registered blood alcohol concentrations of 0.101 and 0.102 — both over Florida’s legal limit of 0.08 BAC. Under Florida Statute 316.193(4), DUI charges can be enhanced if a minor is present in the vehicle.

Griffin, who is listed as a substitute teacher for the Highlands County School Board, was charged with DUI with a person under 18 in the vehicle, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Single-Family, Mobile Homes to Pay More, Multi-Family Homes to Pay Less, for Fire Protection with Assessment Rate Changes

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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May 30, 2025

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Single-Family, Mobile Homes to Pay More, Multi-Family Homes to Pay Less, for Fire Protection with Assessment Rate Changes

by James Coulter

Lake Wales residents living in single-family and mobile homes might pay more for fire protection, while multi-family homes might end up paying less if the City of Lake Wales approves changes to the preliminary rate for the fire protection services assessment.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. May 28, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a resolution to amend the preliminary rate for the fire protection services assessment for the next fiscal year.

Under the proposed changes, single-family units are expected to pay $174 per dwelling unit, multi-family units will pay $143, and mobile home units will pay $63.00.

For non-residential properties, commercial properties are expected to pay $0.18 per square foot, industrial/warehouse will pay $0.03, and institutional will pay $0.14.

“The Fire Protection Assessment will create a dedicated funding source for fire protection services,” wrote Finance Director Dorothy Abbott.

“Failure in adopting Resolution 2025-11 will result in a loss of $1,906,519 in estimated net revenue dedicated to the fire department budget,” she continued. “This money would then have to come from the general fund.”

At the meeting, Abbot explained that it had been ten years since the fire assessment rate was updated, which is why the rate needed to be changed in order to help balance the city’s finances.

“It is hard to balance the city’s books unless we look at increasing the fire assessment,” she said.

Commissioner Keith Thompson asked why rates for multi-family units decreased while the rates for other units increased. Abbott replied that the city had worked with an outside entity to review fire calls and determine that their assessment for rates was “reasonable and accurately reflected service costs.”

City Manager James Slaton insisted that the city aimed to alleviate the burden on taxpayers and thus amend the fire assessment rates to help cover the sufficient fire protection needed. “We asked what we need and not more,” he said.

The Lake Wales City Commission will vote on the resolution, along with other items in the consent agenda, at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. June 3 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Lake Wales Women’s Club Planning 3rd Annual Plant and Garden Festival Oct. 18 -19

Maria Iannucci

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May 30, 2025

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Lake Wales Women’s Club Planning 3rd Annual Plant and Garden Festival Oct. 18 -19

by James Coulter

The Lake Wales Woman’s Club is planning to host its 3rd Annual Plant and Garden Festival this October, with the Lake Wales City Commission reviewing a special permit for the upcoming event.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. May 28, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a special event permit application submitted by the Lake Wales Woman’s Club.

The application was for a special permit to host a plant and garden festival event in October at their building, located at 275 E Park Ave., Lake Wales.

The request was to have portions of Cypress Garden Lane and Park Avenue closed during the event, which is planned to be scheduled between 9 AM to 3 PM on Oct. 18 and 9 AM to 1 PM on Oct. 19.

Specifically, the request is for the temporary closure of Cypress Garden Lane between the entrances to the parking area.

For the past three years, the Lake Wales Woman’s Club has hosted its annual plant and garden festival to sell a diverse selection of plants, yard art, and garden accessories. The event is free to the public.

For more information, visit their website at: lakewaleswomansclub.org

Lake Wales city commissioners will vote upon the special event permit, along with the rest of their consent agenda, at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. June 3 at 6 PM Lake Wales City Hall.

Less Than an Acre of Land Considered to be Annexed to Help Annex Hickory Ridge Subdivision into City Limits

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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May 29, 2025

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Less Than an Acre of Land Considered to be Annexed to Help Annex Hickory Ridge Subdivision into City Limits

by James Coulter

To help annex Hickory Ridge residential subdivision into the city limits, less than an acre of land is being considered for annexation by the City of Lake Wales.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. May 28, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance to annex approximately .25 acres of land located west of Capps Road and adjacent to the Lake Wales Country Club and Oakwood Community.

The annexation was petitioned by its owner, FLLWCC, to allow for the future annexation of Hickory Ridge, a residential subdivision located at the corner of Capps Road and SR 60. In August 2021, Hickory Ridge signed an active binding annexation agreement in exchange for municipal water.

“As the project nears the final plat, it is in the City’s best interest to act on the annexation agreement now, before the lots are officially platted and recorded in the County,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Director.

No immediate development has been planned for the .25-acre property. However, once it is annexed, it will allow Hickory Ridge to seek annexation in the corporate city limits.

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson inquired about Hickory Ridge seeking annexation for municipal water. He asked if the property had access to a sewer.

Cochella replied that the property was not on city sewer and that she was unsure where the people on that property receive their sewer services. Gibson asked staff to ascertain the property’s sewer situation.

Lake Wales city commissioners will vote upon the resolution at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Tues. June 3 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

In Loving Memory of Lendwood H. McElroy, 67, of Frostproof April 16, 1958 – May 19, 2025

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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May 29, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Lendwood H. McElroy, 67, of Frostproof April 16, 1958 – May 19, 2025

Lendwood H. McElroy, age 67, of Frostproof, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025 in Gainesville . He was born in Stuttgart, Germany, and spent much of his life in Frostproof Florida, where he worked as a dedicated citrus worker before retiring.

Lendwood was a man who found joy in the simple things—whether it was a good game of bingo or cherished moments spent with his family. His warm spirit and generous heart left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: oldest daughter Vera Simon and her husband Leonard; son Jr and his wife Charity McElroy; and youngest daughter Christy and her husband Elijhawa Edler. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and a doting great-grandfather to five. Lendwood also leaves behind four sisters and three brothers, along with countless friends and extended family.

A celebration of Lendwood’s life will be held on June 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Frostproof Community Center. Family and friends are invited to attend and share in honoring the life of a man whose kindness and laughter will be deeply missed.

Lendwood was a man who found joy in the simple things—whether it was a good game of bingo or cherished moments spent with his family. His warm spirit and generous heart left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

PCSO Hosting Women’s Self-Defense Class June 7

Events

Maria Iannucci

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May 28, 2025

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PCSO Hosting Women’s Self-Defense Class June 7

The next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th from 10am – Noon.

Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.

The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.

Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.

The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.

NEXT CLASS:
Saturday, June 7th, 2025
PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

If you wish to attend, please RSVP to
[email protected], and please include your name and phone number.

Bok Academy South Celebrates 8th Grade Achievements at End-of-Year Awards Ceremony

Kip

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May 28, 2025

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Bok Academy South Celebrates 8th Grade Achievements at End-of-Year Awards Ceremony

Lake Wales, FL – On a heartfelt evening at the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales, Bok Academy South hosted its annual 8th Grade Awards Ceremony, marking a significant milestone for students transitioning from middle school to high school. The pews were filled with proud families, grandparents, and friends, all gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as students were recognized for their academic and personal achievements. Among the highlights were the impressive number of students who earned a place on the A/B Honor Roll, with many maintaining this distinction across all three years of middle school. A select few were honored for achieving straight A’s throughout their entire middle school career, a testament to their dedication and academic excellence.

Principal Mrs. Barnhart presented several prestigious awards, including two Principal’s Awards, reserved for students who exemplified outstanding leadership and character. The Edward Bok Awards were also bestowed, recognizing students who embodied the school’s values of scholarship and service. In a special moment, two students received the Clint Wright Award for their remarkable contributions to the school community. The evening’s most poignant honor was the Damion Moses Award, presented to a deserving student for their resilience and positive impact.

The ceremony concluded with a roll call of all 8th grade students, each name met with cheers as they were celebrated for crossing the threshold into high school. The event was a joyful reflection of the students’ hard work and the supportive community that has guided them along the way.

Bok Academy South’s Class of 2025 left the stage ready to embrace their next chapter, carrying with them the pride of their achievements and the encouragement of their loved ones.

In Loving Memory of Dawn Figg, 61, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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May 27, 2025

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Dawn Figg, 61

Dawn Figg of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

She was born October 11, 1963 in Easton, Maryland to the late Thomas and Mary Stafford; she moved to Lake Wales from Maryland 25 years ago. Dawn was a registered nurse for Center Well Home Health. She was a fan of Nascar and football. Dawn was an avid reader and loved to travel.

Dawn is survived by her husband of 35 years, Rex Figg; daughter, Erica Vargas and husband Juan of Lake Wales; son, Justin Figg and companion Chelsea Cole of Intersession City; step-son, Brandon Figg and wife Vanessa of Lee Summitt, Missouri; step-daughter, Bobbi Del Holthaus and husband, Shawn of Topeka, Kansas; sister, Kathy Richards of Lake Wales, and Jo Ellen Algiers and husband Terry of Bridgeville, Delaware; brothers, Keith Stafford and wife Mary Kay of Port Charlotte, Tommy Stafford of Bridgeville, Delaware, David Stafford of Federalsburg, Maryland; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.

Connecting Commerce: How the Lake Wales Chamber Can Help

Maria Iannucci

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May 27, 2025

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Connecting Commerce: How the Lake Wales Chamber Can Help

Welcome to our new recurring column, Connecting Commerce; learn more about local business and the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce through its president, Skip Alford.

A Message from Skip Alford, President & CEO:

Greetings,

As the President and CEO of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, it is both a privilege and a passion to serve this community and advocate for the success of our local businesses. Lake Wales is a city with a proud past and a promising future—and the Chamber plays a vital role in helping shape that future for everyone.

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade organization, officially recognized by the IRS. Our mission is to support, connect, and champion businesses in Lake Wales, while working to attract new economic opportunities that improve quality of life for all residents.

5 Ways We Deliver on That Mission

1. **We Advocate for Business-Friendly Policy** – Giving our members a strong voice at the local, regional, and state levels to ensure smart growth and fair regulations.

2. **We Connect You to Opportunity** – Hosting networking events, providing direct referrals, and building bridges between local businesses, investors, and new markets.

3. **We Drive Economic Development** – Actively attracting clean industry, supporting entrepreneurs, and working to bring good-paying jobs to Lake Wales.

4. **We Promote Local Commerce** – Showcasing our local businesses and attractions through marketing, campaigns, and events that bring people downtown and into our shops.

5. **We Empower Through Education** – Offering workshops, mentorships, and resources to help our businesses stay competitive, innovative, and strong.

Come Experience the Heart of Lake Wales

Now is the perfect time to rediscover our city’s charm. Visit our beautifully revitalized Downtown Park Avenue where the efforts of our Lake Wales City Government, and Lake Wales Mainstreet is evident in the growing number of unique shops, dining, and friendly faces of both locals and visitors to our beautiful town! Then stop by the Lake Wales History Museum and walk through the incredible story of who we are and how far we’ve come!

Downtown Lake Wales is not just a place—it’s a feeling! Come be part of it!

Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce 340 W Central Ave., Lake Wales. 863-676-3445

Www.lakewaleschamber.com

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