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

Semi Catches Fire on Hwy. 60 Near Downtown Lake Wales, Causing Traffic Snag

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December 23, 2024

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Semi Catches Fire on Hwy. 60 Near Downtown Lake Wales, Causing Traffic Snag

Updated 12:51 pm: 60 E has the left lane now open, while the right lane remains blocked by the semi. Both westbound lanes of 60 are currently open. Traffic is still heavy in both directions.

At approximately 12:12 PM on Monday, December 23, 2024, Polk County Fire Rescue received a call regarding a vehicle fire near the intersection of 1st St. S. and Highway 60 E. in Lake Wales.

A semi pulling a trailer is blocking the right eastbound lane and was on fire. Lake Wales fire department is in the process of extinguishing that fire. At 12:36 PM, both sides of Highway 60 are shut down being blocked by the truck and the firetruck. No one was transported with injuries.

There is a significant backup of traffic in both directions approaching this intersection. Do not drive in this area until the roadways have been cleared.

Cooking on the Ridge: Southern Sausage Gravy

Cooking

Maria Iannucci

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December 23, 2024

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Cooking on the Ridge: Southern Sausage Gravy

by James Coulter

A Garfield Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas specials. I loved watching Garfield as a little kid, and this along with the Peanuts Christmas special were the two specials I looked forward to watching on CBS every year.

One scene involves the family cooking Christmas dinner. The mother is preparing sausage gravy when the grandmother decides to add some chili powder to kick it up a notch. The result is the father’s mouth getting set on fire when he eats it.

That scene inspired me to look up a recipe for homemade sausage gravy, specifically with chili powder. Sure enough, such a recipe existed, and I wanted to try it out. I love spicy food. And I love biscuits and gravy. So this recipe was right up my alley.

I prepared this recipe per its instructions. However, wanting to kick the spice level up an extra notch, I also added some diced chili peppers to the mix. The result was a really flavorful batch of gravy that went perfectly with homemade biscuits, along with some fried eggs and bacon.

This spicy sausage gravy is great for cold winter days, whether you want to start it with a warm hearty breakfast or warm up in the evening with a nice hot dinner. For breakfast or breakfast for dinner, nothing beats biscuits and gravy.

Southern Sausage Gravy (from On Ty’s Plate)

Ingredients

• 1 lb. breakfast sausage

• 3 c. milk

• 4 tbsp. flour

• 2 tbsp. butter

• 1/4 salt or to taste

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

• 1/4 tsp. pepper

• 1/4 tsp. chili powder

• 1/4 tsp. paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat using a spatula to break us the meat as it cooks. If the meat is very fatty, drain most of the excess fat retaining 1-2 tablespoons.

2. Make a hole in the center of the pan and place the butter there to melt. Follow with the flour and whisk into a paste or roux.

3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisky to dissolve the roux. Let the gravy thicken slightly before seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili spices. Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the gravy immediately over biscuits or bread.

Welcome, World Travelers! Learn More About Disney’s Upcoming Nighttime Parade

Featured

Maria Iannucci

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December 22, 2024

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Welcome, World Travelers! Learn More About Disney’s Upcoming Nighttime Parade

by James Coulter

Disney World guests can soon expect to see the Magic Kingdom light up the night with thousands of shimmering lights with its new nighttime parade, which is set to make its grand debut next summer.

During the D23 2024 expo in August, Disney announced many new rides and attractions coming to Disney Parks worldwide. One of those announcements was for a new nighttime parade set to premiere in the Magic Kingdom next summer.

Recently, during “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular,” which aired on ABC on Sun. Dec. 1, the full name and logo of the parade were revealed: “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.”

Disney Starlight will follow the tradition of previous nighttime parades like the Main Street Electrical Parade. It will star the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio. It will also include floats from Disney movies like Peter Pan, Moana, Frozen, and Encanto.

The Magic Kingdom has been without a proper nighttime parade since 2016 with the departure of the classic Main Street Electrical Parade. Since then, the park’s only form of nighttime entertainment.

So what will the new parade look like? Most likely, it will follow in the tradition of previous nighttime parades like the Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic, with floats and characters shimmering in thousands of lights and spectacular colors.

As Disney Parks Blog proudly announced: “The parade’s vibrant lights will dance in the dark, transforming the night into a mesmerizing canvas of glowing colors.”

And what will the parade sound like? Disney had yet to reveal the parade’s theme or soundtrack. However, many eager fans have put forward the effort of creating their own fan-made music.

Recently, a fan by the name of Jake Warden released a fan-made soundtrack for the parade. Taking inspiration from previous parades, the music weaves songs from classic Disney movies into a single vibrant melody.

This particular fan-made composition includes samples from songs from movies including Frozen, Moana, Wish, and Aladdin, and even songs from lesser-known films like “Miracles Happen” from The Princess Diaries and “This is What Dreams Are Made Of” from the Lizzie McGuire Movie.

Residential Fire Off Lakeshore, Now Under Control

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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December 22, 2024

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Residential Fire Off Lakeshore, Now Under Control

At approximately 7:04 pm on Sunday, December 22, 2024, a residential fire was reported at 1105 Cephia St. in Lake Wales.

As of 7:53 PM, Lakeshore Boulevard is currently blocked in both directions by emergency personnel. Drivers are advised to avoid this area if it all possible.

Smoke is visible in the area of the reported fire. At least two engines from Lake Wales Fire Department are or were on scene.

Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer, Amber Smith, says there was a kitchen fire, and no injuries have been reported. While the fire is out at this time, law-enforcement and first responders are still on scene; please continue to avoid this area.

In Loving Memory of Howard Leon DuChene, 87, of Frostproof

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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December 22, 2024

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Howard Leon DuChene, 87

Howard Leon DuChene of Frostproof passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024 at his residence.

He was born October 29, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Howard and Josephine DuChene; he moved to Frostproof from New Jersey 25 years ago. Howard was the Senior Vice President of Operations for Jefferies & Company and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Our Lady Of Grace Catholic Church. Howard spent his free time playing bridge and was a member of a Seniors Bridge Club. He was a fan of the Chicago Bulls and enjoyed traveling.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Josephine DuChene; sister, Luella Fifer; and brother, Dennis DuChene. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lydia DuChene; son, Steven DuChene (Kristy) of Waterloo, Illinois; daughter, Denise Harper (Steven) of Simi Valley, California; sisters, Patricia Pajka (Richard) of Glenwood, Illinois and Nancy Przybyla (Ronald) of Tinley Park, Illinois; grandchildren, Bailey, Derek, Carly; and many nieces and nephews.

A family service will be held at a later time.

City of Lake Wales Amends City Code to Facilitate Nonconforming Structures and Lots

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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December 22, 2024

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City of Lake Wales Amends City Code to Facilitate Nonconforming Structures and Lots

by James Coulter

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

Fortunately, such “nonconforming” structures and lots will now be able to be better facilitated now that Lake Wales city commissioners have approved an ordinance amending the city code.

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending the city code to permit structures and lotswith “nonconforming uses.”

The amended city code, according to the city agenda memo, will “allow residential uses, lots, and structures to keep their nonconforming conditions within the Core Improvement Area and Community Redevelopment Areas.”

These amendments will also exempt these nonconforming structures and lots “from losing their legal nonconformity after the use has been discontinued or in case the structure is damaged more than 50 percent of its just market value.”

These amendments to the city code were proposed to help facilitate the redevelopment of “vacant and blighted residential properties” whose redevelopment efforts were potentially obstructed due to existing regulations.

The Planning and Zoning Board recommended these city code amendments on Oct. 22, 2024. The City Commission voted to approve the ordinance’s first reading on November 19, 2024.

Lake Wales PD Investigating Shooting on Winston Ave.

Maria Iannucci

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December 21, 2024

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Lake Wales PD Investigating Shooting on Winston Ave.

The Lake Wales Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred around or just after 4 PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024 on Winston Ave. in Lake Wales.

While it is early the investigation, Lake Wales Police Department Public Information Officer, Dale Hampton has confirmed that one person was shot in the leg. The injury is said to be non-life threatening.

Hampton says it is very early in the investigation and LWPD is working to determine a suspect.

A medical helicopter was witnessed landing in a nearby soccer field. A representative of Lake Wales Fire Department has confirmed that one person was transported.

The caliber of the weapon used is unknown at this time. This story will be updated if more information becomes available.

In Loving Memory of Aaron Peterson, 54, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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December 21, 2024

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In Loving Memory of Aaron Peterson, 54, of Lake Wales

Aaron Peterson of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Bartow Regional Hospital.

He was born December 23, 1969, in Lake Wales to the late Mike and Kathy Sullivan; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. Aaron was a dredge operator for E.R. Jahna Industries. He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron was a member of the American Legion Post 3 in Bartow and the Winter Haven Moose Lodge. He was a hard worker and in his younger days was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Aaron was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, and adoptive parents, Pete and Merle Peterson. He is survived by his companion, Sherry Brading; brother, Ronnie Peterson of Lake Wales; and half-sisters, Kelli, Christy, and Nikki.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM, Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Lake Wales Cemetery.

Cooking on the Ridge: Wassail

Cooking

Maria Iannucci

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December 20, 2024

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by James Coulter

The nights are getting longer. The weather is getting cooler. So, what better way to warm up on a cold winter night than with a hot drink? Question is, what hot drink do you prefer: hot cocoa or hot apple cider?

Personally, I’m more of a cider kind of person. Which is why, around this time of year, I love to prepare wassail.

What’s wassail? Essentially, it’s a hot spiced apple cider. The drink was so popular during the holidays they even wrote songs about it. Ever heard of, “Here we come a wassailing”?

And what, exactly, is wassailing? Essentially, it’s a medieval form of caroling where people would go door-to-door singing Christmas songs and sharing hot drinks.

Anyway, like I said, this time of year, I love to prepare wassail. Nothing warms you up after a long cold day than heating some apple cider on the stove with cinnamon sticks and apples with cloves.

Actually, I stand corrected. The only thing that warms you up more is drinking the wassail you prepared.

I’ve been using this recipe for the past few years. It combines apple cider with different fruit juices and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a warm brew that’s perfect on a cold winter night.

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Wassail (from Tastes Better from Scratch)

Ingredients

• 2 apples

• 8 cups apple cider

• 2 cups orange juice

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 15 whole whole cloves, or ½ tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar, optional

Directions

1. Poke the whole cloves into the apples on all sides.

2. Add all of the ingredients, including the apples, to a large pot over medium-low heat.

3. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.

4. Remove the apples and whole cloves. Ladle into mugs and enjoy!

U-HAUL Moving and Self-Storage Facility Considered for 4+ Acres of Land in Lake Wales

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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December 20, 2024

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U-HAUL Moving and Self-Storage Facility Considered for 4+ Acres of Land in Lake Wales

by James Coulter

A U-HAUL Moving and Self-Storage Facility could potentially be built upon 4+ acres of land now that the Lake Wales City Commission has given preliminary approval to annex the land and change its zoning and land use designation.

At their regular meeting on Tues. Dec. 17, 2024, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of three ordinances about 4+ acres of land.

The subject property, according to the city agenda memo, is located “east of US Highway 27 and adjacent to the Parc at Lake Wales multi-family development underway” in unincorporated Polk County.

The ordinances would annex the property into the city limits, change its future land use designation to LCI Limited Commercial, and amend its zoning to LCI Limited Commercial Industrial.

The new designation will help facilitate the proposed development by permitting “low traffic generating commercial and industrial uses fronting on major roadways that will not result in commercial strip development.”

Lake Wales city staff had reviewed the proposal, and determined that the proposed development “will maximize existing infrastructure investments by connecting to municipal water and sewer.”

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