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
A dangerous decision behind the wheel led to multiple children being hurt Saturday afternoon after a crash sent an SUV airborne and into a canal in Highlands County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers responded around 1:31 p.m. on April 18 to Southwest Rucks Dairy Road, where they found a Ford Escape partially submerged in a water filled canal.
Investigators say the vehicle was carrying two adults and five children at the time of the crash.
According to the report, the driver told troopers he had been “showing off” while traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. He lost control of the SUV, which left the roadway, struck a mailbox, went airborne, and overturned into the canal.
The crash left several young children injured, including two with serious injuries.
A 10 year old girl, who was reportedly seated in the rear hatchback area of the SUV, suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital. A 7 year old boy also sustained serious injuries and was transported for treatment.
Three other children, a 5 year old boy and two 2 year olds, suffered minor injuries and were also taken to a hospital.
A 20 year old female passenger sustained minor injuries.
Troopers identified the driver as 19 year old Robert Oyd Lee Vanegas of Port St. Lucie. He was arrested at the scene and booked into the Highlands County Jail.
Authorities say Vanegas is facing charges including no driver’s license, reckless driving, and child neglect causing serious injury. Investigators allege the combination of reckless speed, unsafe conditions inside the vehicle, and failure to properly protect the children demonstrated a disregard for their safety.
A 17 year old male from Lake Wales was killed in a violent early morning crash on Interstate 4 that left multiple others seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. on April 19, 2026, on westbound I 4 near mile marker 66 in Orange County.
According to FHP, a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling westbound when the vehicle suffered a right rear tire blowout. Troopers say the sudden failure caused the SUV to lose control and overturn multiple times, coming to rest across the shoulder and median.
During the crash, one passenger was ejected from the vehicle and landed in the eastbound lanes of I 4.
A 2017 Lexus, driven by a 34 year old male from Sanford, was traveling eastbound and struck the ejected passenger. The Lexus also had a 28 year old female passenger. Neither were injured.
The ejected passenger, a 17 year old male from Lake Wales, was transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The driver of the SUV, an 18 year old male from Bartow, along with several passengers, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
Passengers in the SUV included: • an 18 year old male from Bartow • a 16 year old male from Babson Park • an 18 year old female, city unknown • a 17 year old female from Babson Park • an 18 year old female from Lake Wales • a 19 year old female from Lake Wales
Proposed Ordinance Aims to Track and Curb Long‑Vacant Downtown Storefronts by James Coulter
Downtown storefronts left vacant for more than 30 days may be subject to a mandatory registration requirement under a proposed ordinance.
At their work session on Wed. Mar. 12, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed the draft for a vacancy ordinance addressing vacant commercial buildings in the Downtown Historic Overlay District.
The ordinance would make it unlawful for any building within the Downtown area to remain vacant for more than 30 days unless it has an active building permit for demolition, construction, alteration, modification, rehabilitation, or repair, or is a multi-tenant property that is 80 percent occupied.
Any building that becomes vacant for more than 30 days must be registered by the owner, with violators “subject to the fine provisions and code enforcement provisions to the maximum extent authorized by State law and the City of Lake Wales,” as outlined in the ordinance draft.
City Manager James Slatton mentioned that the ordinance was drafted from similar ordinances across the state and country: “So they [city staff] have taken the best pieces [of other ordinances] and tailored them to Lake Wales.”
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson praised the ordinance as a “real revitalization strategy,” arguing it was essential for spurring downtown economic growth, especially since vacant storefronts often deter prospective businesses.
He added that empty buildings drain local revenue, noting that a single vacant storefront can cost a community more than $400,000 in lost sales taxes and wages. With at least 20 empty buildings downtown, he estimated the annual impact at over $8 million.
He also argued that the ordinance was crucial for securing future government funding, noting that recent revitalization projects have shown the city can put such investments to effective use.
But that success, he warned, could also potentially attract opportunists who buy rundown buildings, inflate prices to block legitimate buyers, and then profit from public improvements.
As such, he wants this ordinance “to provide as much incentive as humanly and legally possible” to avoid such exploitation through “over-anticipating the market.
“So, when we make that investment, we have to make sure there is fairness that a company is making this investment, and for those who exploit, they pay a price,” he said. “Call it a fee. Call it a fine. Call it a penalty. And stay away from a jail term. That is what I am going to do.”
Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked if the ordinance would create “a series of fines.” Deputy Mayor Gibson said he would prefer to avoid the term “fine” and use “registration fee.”
Gillespie then asked whether it was fair to assume that the mass vacancies in the downtown area were due to “exploitation” by the owners rather than other factors.
Gibson replied that he was more than certain that many owners were “not investing in their properties to attract occupancies, and they are indeed exploiting the investment the public has made.”
Commissioner Keith Thompson insisted the current problem was a result of “simple math” and a “multifaceted challenge with property owners”, specifically claiming how many buildings were owned by a single non-profit.
“It does not make sense for a non-profit to own that much property downtown,” he said. “We do have developers who are interested in downtown…we just need some people to get out of the way of what is happening.”
LAKE WALES, FL — Community leaders, state officials, and residents gathered at Bok Tower Gardens for a historic moment as a statue honoring the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was officially unveiled.
The ceremony, led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, highlighted Florida’s growing efforts to preserve and celebrate American history ahead of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Honoring History and Civics Education
During his remarks, Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of educating future generations on the foundations of the United States and the sacrifices made by the nation’s founders.
He pointed to Florida’s leadership in civics education, noting initiatives such as strengthened K-12 standards, the introduction of a statewide civic literacy assessment, and the expansion of teacher training programs.
“These efforts ensure students graduate with a working knowledge of what it means to be an American,” DeSantis said.
The governor also highlighted Florida’s broader initiative to honor influential figures tied to the nation’s founding, including statues placed across counties named after founding fathers such as Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, and Monroe.
Why Calvin Coolidge?
The selection of President Coolidge carries special significance for Bok Tower Gardens. Coolidge visited the site in 1929 to dedicate the gardens during one of his final public appearances as president.
DeSantis described Coolidge as a leader deeply committed to constitutional principles and limited government, noting that his leadership philosophy closely aligned with that of America’s founders.
Coolidge’s legacy, officials said, represents a continuation of the values that shaped the nation—making him a fitting figure to honor as part of the America 250 celebration.
A Historic Setting
The unveiling took place against the iconic backdrop of Bok Tower, one of Florida’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1929, the tower stands 205 feet tall and sits atop one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, offering a blend of art, nature, and history.
Speakers at the event reflected on the tower’s original mission as a “sanctuary of beauty,” designed to inspire visitors through its gardens, architecture, and music.
Community Leaders in Attendance
The event drew a strong showing of local leadership, including:
Lake Wales Mayor Jack Hilligoss
Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velazquez
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
Local leader Bobby Williams and numerous community stakeholders
Their presence underscored the significance of the event not only for Lake Wales but for Polk County as a whole.
A Moment of Reflection
Attendees described the ceremony as both inspiring and meaningful, blending history, education, and community pride.
With the Bok Tower rising behind the stage and the legacy of President Coolidge at the forefront, the unveiling served as a reminder of the enduring values that continue to shape the nation.
As Florida prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, events like this aim to connect past leadership with future generations.
One Movie Later: Hoppers—An Unhinged Animated Feature Saved by Its Ending
by James Coulter
Disney and Pixar are undoubtedly in a creative slump. Recently, they’ve been releasing live-action remakes and animated sequels. Their movie roster for the next year proves that: Toy Story 5, Frozen 3, and live-action Moana. And the blockbuster success of Inside Out 2, Zootopia 2, and the live-action Lilo and Stitch serve to only motivate both studios to stay the course.
So, if there was ever a movie that needed to succeed in provingthat original animated features were still worth making, it would be Hoppers—especially since recent attempts at original movies have flopped hard at the box office: Elio, Elemental, and Strange World.
But can Hoppers succeed where other original animated filmshave failed? Does Hoppers prove to be a good enough movie to prove Disney/Pixar still has one little spark of inspiration to craft new stories? Or will it only inspire the studios to continue regurgitating sequels, spin-offs, and remakes for the foreseeable future?
Hoppers stars Mabel, a young girl with a heart for protecting the environment. Her love of nature was fostered by her grandmother, whose house she visited every day after school, where she spent quality time in the backyard glade. However, by the time she starts attending college, that glade becomes threatened by a highway proposed by an egocentric politician. (Is there any other?)
While trying to rally support to oppose the proposed infrastructure project, Mabel stumbles upon Hoppers, a secret science initiative to transfer human consciousness into animal robots to better observe nature. Mabel jumps at the opportunity to “hop” inside a beaver robot and use it to bring animals back to the glade to halt the highway construction. Will Mabel succeed? Or will paradise be paved to put up a parking lot—or rather, freeway?
I’m going to be honest: I was almost going to write this movie off. And I didn’t want to. I really didn’t. Not an original movie in a box-office landscape drowning in nostalgic corporate slop. If ever there was a time Disney/Pixar needed an original hit, it was now, and it needed to be this movie.
And yet I was so close to marking it as a two-star flick—and that’s a generous rating. Why? Several reasons.
First, it’s a movie with an environmental message. Nothing wrong with that. I love the environment. It should be conserved and protected. But I’m a 90s kid. I grew up with kids’ media shoving pro-environment messages down my throat: Ferngully, Once Upon a Forest, Captain Planet. So, pardon me if a modern version makes me gag a little from reflex.
Second, the messy worldbuilding. The film claims a “real‑world” setting, yet every creature—mammal, bird, fish, insect, even worms—is fully sentient, capable of forming societies, communicating across species, and expressing humanlike emotions. They can talk to each other but not to humans. Why? No reason.
This becomes especially messy once the movie introduces death. Every animal has a name, personality, and inner life, yet they casually eat one another. One of the Pond Rules even states, “When you gotta eat, you gotta eat.” Characters are swallowed mid‑conversation for laughs, and even a major death scene is played as a half‑joke, half‑serious beat, stripping the moment of any emotional weight.
Other talking‑animal films have faced similar questions—The Lion King, for instance, has its own food‑chain paradox—but at least they maintain internal logic and treat death as meaningful. Hoppers never does. Its world asks us to care about characters who don’t seem to care whether anyone lives or dies. Without consequences or emotional stakes, the film’s universe feels hollow, and the audience is left wondering why any of it should matter.
Hoppers leans heavily on meta humor to excuse its flimsy premise, constantly lampshading its own weaknesses. The film openly compares itself to Avatar, has characters question why a beaver wears a paper crown, and even jokes about how a body can function without its consciousness. These winks to the audience aren’t clever; they’re admissions that the story doesn’t make sense, delivered with a shrug instead of an attempt to fix anything.
Like many modern films, Hoppers is steeped in irony poisoning. It treats self‑awareness as a substitute for coherence, having characters point out obvious flaws and tropes as if acknowledging them somehow makes them less distracting. Instead, it highlights how little the movie seems to care about its own world. And again, if the characters don’t care, why should we?
I was so ready, yet so unwilling, to give this movie a bad review—but then the third act saved it.
Yes, Hoppers is one of those rare bad movies that is completely saved by the ending. Sadly, I can’t discuss that ending without spoiling. Let’s just say that the movie takes its absurd premise and completely turns it on its head. The result is an already unhinged movie getting knocked into twelfth gear. The movie starts out with a stupid premise, and then it gets so stupid that it’s stupidly hilarious.
Overall, Hoppers is not a good movie, but it is a stupid movie–so stupid it’s hilarious. It starts with an unhinged premise, and the rest of the movie becomes even more unhinged as it goes along. And you can’t help but both laugh at it and with it. Is it Pixar’s return to form? Probably not. Will kids like it? Most certainly. Does the third act save an otherwise mediocre animated flick? Yes. Unequivocally yes.
Barbara Jane Sebring, 83, of Lake Wales, Florida, entered into her eternal rest on April 9, 2026, following a brief illness.
She was born January 19, 1943, in Danbury, Connecticut, to the late Robert J. and Dorothy Hughes Reese. She married James R. Sebring in 1962, and spent 45 years building a life and family with him.
The Sebrings resided in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania, with their four children, where Barbara was an active member of the community. She served in the Gouldsboro Volunteer Women’s Auxiliary, the Gouldsboro Methodist Women, and coordinated the Memorial Day and Independence Day parades.
Barbara moved with her family of six to Lake Wales in 1973, where she continued to serve her community. She was at one time a member of the Lake Wales Women’s Club and logged thousands of hours volunteering for many organizations such as Lake Wales Little League, the Lake Wales Highlander Band Association, Lake Wales Care Center, and the Lake Wales Art Show. She also served the First Methodist Church of Lake Wales and First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales in various roles. She worked for over 30 years at First United Methodist Preschool as a teacher of 4-year-olds and assistant director. She worked for over 10 years at Hillcrest Elementary School, where she was named Paraprofessional of the Year for Lake Wales Charter Schools. Throughout her life, she gave books to hundreds of children to encourage a love of reading.
Barbara loved the beach, traveling, making homemade cards, curating unique experiences for children at church and in the community, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her four children: Robert Sebring of Russellville, Arkansas, Terri Sebring of Lake Wales, Todd Sebring of Lake Wales, and Alicia Linder of Lake Wales; daughters-in-law Dawn Sebring and Elizabeth Sebring; son-in-law Jerry Linder; grandchildren Jennifer Snyder and her husband Gavin, Ashley Hebert and her husband Cody, Timothy Mooney and his wife Jessica, Ethan Sebring, and Micah Sebring; great-grandchildren Michael Snyder and Madison Snyder and Evelyn Hebert and Jackson Hebert; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband James R. Sebring, sister Kathy Peters, and brother Jim Reese.
Barbara embraced others with love and acceptance; to her, there were no strangers, only friends she hadn’t met yet.
A memorial service will be held May 17, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales at 2 p.m. The family will receive guests at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lake Wales Care Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo early, Friday evening on May 1st in Market Plaza, downtown Lake Wales, 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Expect to participate in a cultural experience featuring a live mariachi band, entertainment, and complimentary activities. The event is free and open to the public.
Mexican dancing group, The Comparsa La Eterna Primavera, from Morelo Mexico, will dance to the rhythm of traditional Mexican music, drawing crowds to join into the fun. Catered Mexican inspired food options, alcohol beverages, and non-alcohol beverages will be available for purchase. Cinco de Mayo food menu:
Taco Trio $10 Loaded Taco Bowl (w Nacho Chips) $9 Elote Cup $5 Tres Leche Cake $5
The Cinco de Mayo Pre-party event is part of the City’s Spring Fridays Series – February, March, April, and May- presented by the City of Lake Wales, in partnership with iViva Polk Magazine, Lake Wales Arts Council, Lake Wales Main Street, Lake Wales History Museum, Lake Wales Little Theater, and The Thirsty Dragon. Special thanks to the event sponsors: SouthState Bank, Republic Services, Duke Energy, Catalyst Design Group, and Publix Super Markets Charities. For more information, visit: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/571/Attractions
Violeta Balmaceda Salud, 80, of Lake Wales, Florida passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend to so many.
Born on March 28, 1946, in Naga City, Philippines, to Zoilo and Guadalupe (Panelo) Balmaceda, Violeta held a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Business Administration from New York University. She founded Violeta B. Salud and Associates and served her community and clients as a financial advisor before retiring in 2025. Violeta also held an Adjunct Faculty position at Warner University, Lake Wales, FL.
After living in New York City, NY, Hartford, CT, and Lakeland, FL, Violeta and her family relocated to Lake Wales, Florida in 1974, where she became a dedicated education and community advocate. Violeta served on and chaired numerous boards, including Prevent Blindness America, Florida State Board of Community Colleges, Holy Spirit Parish Finance Council, Webber International University, Vanguard School, United Way of Polk County, Lake Wales Care Center, Imperial Symphony Guild of Lake Wales, and the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce. She also served several years on the boards of American Bank and Trust of Polk County, Bank of Central Florida, the City of Lake Wales Employee Pension Board, and the YMCA of Lake Wales.
For her dedication to the community, Violeta received the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 1998, the Rotary Club of Lake Wales Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1992, the Polk County School Board National Volunteer Recognition Award in 1990, and the Lake Wales YMCA Distinguished Leadership Award in 1989.
Violeta was a faithful member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales. She loved to travel the world and embraced her role as Lola to her six grandchildren. She found great joy celebrating birthdays and graduations; attending music, dance, and theater performances; and watching their soccer games, swim meets, and gymnastics meets.
Violeta is survived by her husband of 55 years, Eusebio; daughter, Aileen (Matthew); sons Christopher (Solimar) and Jonathan (Rachel); grandchildren Olivia (Isaiah), Julia, Audrey, Jocelyn, Alexander, and Lucy; cousins, nieces, and nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son, Irwin.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 644 9th Street, Lake Wales, Florida. The family will receive visitors from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass in the Chapel at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a memorial donation in Violeta’s name to Bok Tower Gardens online at www.boktowergardens.com/donate, by phone at 863-734-1213, or by mail:
Family. Fame. Fortune. Andy Blair had it all. But he just as quickly lost it all thanks to alcoholism. Not only has he since recovered, but he has also helped countless others achieve their own recovery.
Andy Blair is the Executive Director of Refuge on the Ridge, a faith-based regeneration program that has helped men overcome addiction and heal their lives and families.
Andy Blair, Refuge on the Ridge and Kip Kirchberg with Dailyridge
Blair first realized he had a problem with addiction following an alcohol-related incident in Destin, Texas, during a family vacation. While redirecting traffic in the rain, he noticed how similarly he acted to his father, who was also a struggling alcoholic.
As a young boy, he remembered vividly vacationing with his family at Treasure Island in Tampa, where his father often became drunk and was arrested. At dinner, if his father had a beer, it was a “good” night, but if he had a martini, it was a “bad” night.
Following that incident in Texas, Blair’s life quickly went downhill in the span of three weeks. He was suspended from his job, his mother was “done”, his wife and children were “done”, as well as his best friend. “That was a big wake-up call,” he said. “I thought so big of myself at that time that I was running a small 20-million-dollar business unit of this company, and I thought I was untouchable…I literally had nowhere else to turn.”
Blair went to rehab in Tampa, not too far away from the hotel he and his family once frequented. Not only that, he learned that one of the young men he was staying with was the grandson of the person who gave his father his job.
Once recovered, Blair later moved to Lake Wales with his family and became the Family Life Pastor at HighPoint Church. As someone who once battled addiction, he felt a calling to help others seek their own recovery, a calling that led him to start Refuge on the Ridge. While he initially had his doubts, he trusted God to help him pull off his plan the same way he trusted Him to aid him through his recovery.
“I actually sat down to write a business plan, and a few minutes into writing it, I thought, this is the absolute dumbest idea for a business,” he said. “Two of my favorite words in the Bible are ‘But God.’ And I tell people that I felt God almost split the Red Sea…and that’s what happened: deals got done with the property here, people stepped up, High Point paid my salary for quite a
while, they were very generous with that, and all that I do is stay out of God’s way. We started on this property one room at a time.”
Recently, Blair and his recovery program were covered in a minisode of the Chattin on the Ridge podcast. Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Acast:
Full Interview here: https://youtu.be/LMH1mF_9NpE?si=qAYKkm_N91xO4SEI
A man with multiple outstanding warrants was taken into custody Monday evening following a brief chase near Granado’s Produce in Lake Wales.
According to information provided to Lake Wales Daily by Lieutenant Emmanuel Figueroa of the Lake Wales Police Department, the incident began when the warrant suspect fled officers. The individual was apprehended, and authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The suspect has been identified as David A. Avard. According to Polk County Clerk of Courts records Avard is facing charges including burglary of an occupied structure and two counts of resisting an officer without violence. The charges stem yesterday’s incident.
2025 Mugshot David Avard
Additional records indicate Avard has prior arrests, including a 2026 case involving felony petit theft due to prior convictions, thus one of the warrants. In a separate 2025 case, records show he was accused of taking property from a homeless man in the Dundee area. He pled no contest and was found guilty. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Avard’s Polk County Circuit Court first appearance hearing was scheduled for March 31, 2026 at 1pm, with an arraignment set for May 5, 2026, at the Bartow Courthouse.
Initial reports of a large police presence near the business prompted concern from residents in the area. Authorities later clarified the situation was related to the apprehension of the fleeing suspect.
Daily Ridge will continue to follow the case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
