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Wednesday, January 1, 2025

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

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

Emergency Responders On Scene Of Situation Lake Pierce Ranchettes

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Fire Rescue currently on scene of a domestic disturbance at a home near Silver Spur Loop in Lake Pierce Ranchettes area.

The initial call was shots fired, multiple rounds, but no shooting victims appear to be involved. The call came in shortly after 12:23pm.

The emergency responders initially waited to be cleared to enter the scene, but that occurred pretty quickly. One person, female, appears to be transported via ground transportation for a physical assault injury. More victims may be involved.

Shell casings have been located, but no shooting victims at this point.

This is a developing story. We will update as more information is released.

Reports of Lake Wales Explosion on NYE Turns Out To Be Fire at River Ranch

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An initial report of an explosion in Lake Wales early New Year’s Eve morning generated more questions than answers.

On 12/31/24 at 3:33 a.m., Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to an unknown situation reported near the intersection of Hwy 60 E/Hwy 630 E in Lake Wales, FL. It was initially reported as an explosion.

Katelyn Hoverkamp, Public Information Officer at Polk County Fire Rescue, offered the following account of events:

“On 12/31/24 at 3:43 a.m., PCFR crews arrived at the entrance of River Ranch and were advised that a fire located on an old abandoned camp property broke out but was extinguished by River Ranch Fire Suppression members prior to PCFR’s arrival.

“While on scene, PCFR crews confirmed the fire was extinguished and determined that there were no injuries reported and no patients transported. Due to the fire being extinguished prior to our arrival, the cause of the fire is unknown.”

City of Lake Wales Turns the Page on 2024; Mayor’s Year in Review

Market Plaza, downtown Lake Wales. photo by Maria Iannucci

Over the past year, the citizens of City of Lake Wales, and many others, have been reading about, discussing, and commenting on the numerous changes the City has seen this year.

Lake Wales Daily has requested Hilligoss provide a review of how his office has performed in 2024, an update on key projects, and the reasoning behind some of the strategies the City has employed.

The following is the Mayor’s reply to our request, and addresses the Lake Wales Community:

Turning the Page on 2024

    This week brings us to the end of another historic year for the City of Lake Wales. Over the last three years, the leadership of the City of Lake Wales has worked hard to make our city “a bit better and more beautiful” through strategic, long-term, planning and the effective implementation of those plans. Here are some of the results of those commitments in 2024.

Renaissance of Our Historic Downtown

   In 2019, City Government partnered with Lake Wales Main Street to design and adopt the Lake Wales Connected Plan. That plan was an optimistic and aggressive redevelopment vision for our city’s historic downtown and Northwest Neighborhood based upon its original design by the Olmsted brothers who envisioned Lake Wales as a “city in a garden”. 

    This plan immediately drew national attention and won national acclaim, but it is only an expensive three-ring binder unless there is a real commitment and courage to implement on the part of city leadership. Lake Wales Connected had 69 action steps and at the end of 2024 we have initiated and completed over 50 of those. 

    The centerpiece of the plan was the redesign of Park Ave. and Market Street Plaza. A $13.5 million dollar project that was initiated at the outset of this year. A highlight of was the weekend of December 13-14 when we hosted both “Make it Magical” and the annual Christmas Parade and our downtown was packed with visitors. For the first time, as we near the completion of this huge undertaking, the citizens of Lake Wales were able to get a glimpse of the beautiful and attractive space that has been created. 

   Simultaneous to this work in the heart of downtown has been the continued development of the Linear Garden which runs along Scenic Highway in front of our Public Library. During 2024 we have added a meandering walking path, an attractive fence separating the park from railroad tracks, invested in attractive plantings and trees, and received a generous donation to place sculptures throughout the park. The linear garden is an attractive retreat in the heart of our city and has already been used successfully for markets and concerts in our downtown.

View of Lake Wales Public Library from across Scenic Hwy., still under construction Photo by Maria Iannucci

    Also, early in 2024, the City Commission adopted a ‘Historic Overlay” district for our downtown which will make sure that development there preserves and enhances Lake Wales charm. 

    This planning for and investment in our city has prompted entrepreneurs and investors to visit and tour the city. The largest benefit to our city was realized in June when, as a direct result of the investment made and work done, we received a $22.9 million RAISE grant which will allow us to continue this work on 1st Street, Central Avenue, A Street, and Lincoln Ave. 

Pedestrians, Pedalers, and Parks

    A top priority of all this planning is to turn our city into a destination that is inviting to people  spending quality, leisurely, time here. To that end we have worked to make it friendly for pedestrians, bike riders, etc.

    This commitment begins right in the heart of the city where our Market Street Plaza now is a small park, with grassy play areas and swings, in the heart of our downtown.  It extends outward with the recently completed Park Ave. Connector Trail which gives walkers and bike riders an attractive, shaded, walk through historic neighborhoods to the shores of Lake Wailes. 

    In May of 2024, we partnered with Polk County Citrus Connection to become only the second city in the county to offer a “Squeeze” route. This is a free, golf-cart shuttle service, to help people conveniently get around our downtown area.

    We also completed our Parks and Recreation Master Plan for our city in 2024. This plan calls for us to make aggressive investments in our seven city parks and recreational complexes over the next several years. This plan not only serves as a guideline for our plans but gives our leaders the needed groundwork to apply for grants to help fund this $28 million investment. This has already resulted in us receiving a $50,000 grant for renovations to Frasier Field and a $200,000 investment in our soccer complex. Along with that, at year’s end, we received a $282,000 grant to begin planning and developing another connector trail along Tower Boulevard. Lake Wales is quickly becoming a city where you can go anywhere in a safe way along an attractive path.

Taking Control of Our Future 

    In 2020, City Leadership enacted a 180 Utility Service Area for Lake Wales. This action established the future footprint of our city and gave us a sort of first right of refusal for annexation and development requests around our city. It was a crucial action for a city amid a county where neighboring municipalities are all annexing and developing rapidly.

View of Park Ave. photo by Maria Iannucci

   We made a big investment in developing a land use plan for this area in 2023 called, “Lake Wales Envisioned” and in 2024, we took the first big steps toward enacting that plan when we adopted all new building codes for our city. These new building codes raise the standards we call for from developers to a level that is higher than any other Polk County Municipality and they highly incentivize any developer who will commit to these superior standards, especially standards of “Traditional Neighborhood Design”.

     We are already seeing developers amend site and architectural plans to conform to these higher standards and the results will be much, higher quality development in our future.

Our Lake Wales Recreational Center

    At the end of 2023, the YMCA ended a decades long partnership with Lake Wales and pulled out of oversight of the facility located on Burns Ave. This sudden, unexpected, decision left us with big questions and the real prospect we may lose control of a location that provided several, valuable services to our citizens.

    However, we responded by taking direct control of and making a big investment in the building. The city completely refurbished the building, updated all the exercise equipment, recruited and placed high-energy staff and in the Spring of 2024 the former YMCA was reopened as The Lake Wales Recreational Center. 

    This has become an exciting hub of community activity with well over 1000 citizens having already purchased annual memberships.

Raising Our Standard of Living

    For decades Lake Wales has lagged the County and State in median income. Along with this, the last decade has seen a huge decline in citrus which was always the backbone of local economy. We are working hard to address these situations and bring high quality, high paying, jobs into our area. In 2024 we invested in an Economic Development Plan with the Central Florida Development Council. This plan has already received statewide awards and recognition for its scope and quality.  

    The plan focused on targeting where we can create space for and how we can recruit and incentivize the sort of businesses which bring those opportunities to our city. We have already enacted codes that incentivize businesses which will commit to making large capital investments in Lake Wales and whose plan will create jobs that pay much higher than the current, median, income.  In 2024, Advanced Drainage Systems began site development on their new, 100-acre, plant in Lake Wales. When that plant is built out and fully operational it will create over 200, higher paying, jobs and bring big financial benefits to our city. We are receiving inquiries from other businesses like this as well.

    We also have partnered with Retail Strategies and, in 2024, saw several new restaurants come to Lake Wales including Freddy’s and Slim Chickens.  Construction has already begun on a Panera Bread and Dunkin Donuts. We also have a new Starbucks coming to Lake Wales.

    Along with this, the Lake Wales CRA continues to incentivize the development of locally owned and operated businesses. 2024 will see the opening of a new bar-b-que, bar, and salon on 1ststreet-all of which we have given grants to help begin. We have also seen the continued growth and development of BizLinc in 2024.  Currently over 30 local business owners are coached and resourced out of that small-business incubator which we helped begin as a result of our Lake Wales Connected Plan. 

Investing In Safety and Infrastructure

     In 2022, the City Commission of Lake Wales enacted a Multi-Modal Fee. This action caused developers to make investments in local infrastructure needs that are unique to our area. This single action has brought more than $1 million into our local coffers which we can use on our roads, sidewalks, paths, etc. That, along with the investments we have made and growth in property values we’ve seen, have enabled us to make significant investments in the infrastructure of our city.

    We have finally been able to fully fund our street resurfacing projects. In 2024, twelve local streets were resurfaced and eleven more are scheduled for resurfacing in 2025. This program had been backlogged for years because of stagnant growth.

    In 2024 we worked with Duke Energy to inventory and update all our city lighting. We made multi-million-dollar investments to repair or replace sewer lines in our NW neighborhoods and along Buck Moore Road.  

   In August of this year, we began a multi-million-dollar project to place new sidewalks and street trees on Alabama Street, Booker Avenue, J.A. Wiltshire Ave., E Street, F, Street, Harding Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Pearl Street, and Washington Ave.

    The Lake Wales Airport continues to grow and develop. This year we received Federal Grants to extend runways, rehabilitate Taxi Lanes and T-hangars, install new fence, lighting, and security systems.  This along with an updated, modern, fuel farm has increased air traffic to the airport dramatically. Revenue brought to the city from the Airport has nearly tripled to over $40 million annually.

    This responsible management has also allowed us to continue making investments in the safety services of Lake Wales. In October we took ownership of a new, modern, fire engine. WE have been able to hire five more police officers as well as additional fire-fighters.

    When cities are hostile and reactionary toward growth rather than approaching it in a responsible, optimistic, and proactive way; these areas of safety services and infrastructure are the first to deteriorate as growth rolls right over top of them.  

     It is common to hear aspiring politicians speak of “responsible growth” in times like we are experiencing in Lake Wales.  Usually what they are trying to subliminally promise is to “stop growth”.  It is a cynical ploy because that cannot be done in any way that is ethical or legal.  What we can do as community leaders is work hard to make sure our citizens garner as many of the benefits and opportunities that come with growth while minimizing as many of the negatives as possible.

     We have worked hard to do that for Lake Wales and I believe we have done that well in 2024. 

-Mayor Jack Hilligoss, City of Lake Wales

In Loving Memory of Rev. David Koon, 75

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Rev. David Koon, 75

Rev. David Koon of Winter Haven passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at his residence.

He was born August 27, 1949 in Punta Gorda to the late Jack and Florine Koon; he moved to the area from LaBelle in 1989. David was a member of Heartland Church in Winter Haven and was a chaplain with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Veterans Club in Traditions. He completed a fellowship in church business administration. David was the founder of “Hand Up Ministries of Florida”. For over 55 years, he served in several ministry capacities including student ministry, worship leader, church business administrator, and pastor. He enjoyed going to the beach, traveling, and going saltwater fishing.

Rev. David was preceded in death by his brother, James Roy Koon. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Katrina “Charly” Koon; son, David “Scott” (Kathy) Koon of Franklin, Tennessee; daughter, Jaime (Jonathan) Winfree of Winter Haven; grandchildren, Brenden (Anna) Koon, Kaitlyn Koon, Elli (Bud) Daniel, Ethan (Sophia) Winfree, and Carson Koon; and great-grandchildren, Khaza Koon, Asa Henry Daniel, and Hattie Koon.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Golfview Baptist Church with Rev. Byron Hendry officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to the ALS Association (www.als.org). 

In Loving Memory of Jim Read, 78, of Lake Wales

Jim Read, 78

Jim Read of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born December 28, 1945 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to the late Robert and Alyce Read; he moved to Polk County in 1971 and went to work for Disney as a Chef for 15 years. From there he became an instructor of cuisine at Ridge Vocational School in Haines City. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Haines City, the Knights of Columbus in Haines City, and the Boy Scouts of America. He was a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Boston Red Socks, and the Tampa Bay Rays. He loved to spend his time with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan Read; daughter, Jayme (Ray) Harbaugh of Haines City; son, Jason (Irene) Read of Palm Bay; sister, Jackie Morabito of Ocala; brothers, Robert Read of Ocala and Michael Read of Seminole; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Haines City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to the American Wheelchair Mission (2600 E Seltice Way, #A172, Post Falls, ID 83854-7991)

In Loving Memory of Joseph Raymond Di Pasquale, 85

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Joseph Raymond Di Pasquale, 85

Joseph Raymond Di Pasquale of Winter Haven passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale.

He was born September 11, 1939 in Niagara Falls, New York to the late Joseph and Mary Di Pasquale. Joseph was a retired risk manager for Totel SA and was a member of Saint Matthews Catholic Church.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Di Pasquale; and sister, Sarah “Susie” Rice. He is survived by his son, Anthony (Jennifer) Di Pasquale of New York; sister, Patricia Carroll of New York; brother, Samuel (Kerry) Di Pasquale of New York; and grandchildren, A.J. (Taylor) Di Pasquale and Mia Di Pasquale.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. 

Highpoint Church to Host NYE Fireworks 12/31

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Looking for fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Lake Wales?

HighPoint Church, located at 4025 N. Scenic Hwy. in Lake Wales, welcomes all on New Year’s Eve with fireworks beginning at 7pm. HighPoint Youth will be selling concessions.

Bring your friends, family, and lawn chairs! The firework show will be on the church grounds.

BINGOcize at the Lake Wales Public Library 1/13

There’s a free BINGOcize senior’s exercise program on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 9 – 10 am at the Lake Wales Public Library, Schoenoff Meeting Room.

BINGOcize® is a program that combines the game of bingo with exercise! Come play bingo and meet new people while being active and learning techniques to reduce falls. BINGOcize® is fun for everyone!

Additional dates are being planned on most Mondays and Thursdays through March. Visit www.eventbrite.com, or you can sign up at the front desk of the library.

In Loving Memory of Florian “Ski” Andrew Bykowski, 96, of Frostproof

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Florian Andrew Bykowski, 96

Florian “Ski” Andrew Bykowski of Frostproof passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at his residence.

He was born August 23, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Andrew and Catherine Bykowski; he moved to Frostproof from Merced, California 32 years ago. Florian was a helicopter pilot who flew transport to oil rigs. He was a firefighter for the Forestry Department, worked in the citrus industry and was an executive pilot before retiring. Florian loved woodworking, reading, and watching movies.  For pleasure he flew many different types of aircraft including fixed-wing, gliders and float planes.

Florian was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Lee Bykowski; and brothers, Ronald Bykowski and Herbert Bykowski. He is survived by his daughter, Tina Scarborough (Ben) of Frostproof and Tracy Smith (Kruger) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ryan Scarborough, Kirsten Scarborough-Turner, Cade Scarborough, Madison Smith, and Jace Smith; great-grandchildren, Riley Anne and Perry Claire.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Silver Hill Cemetery with Chaplain Linda Lynch officiating. 

How the Arts Shaped Lake Wales: Lake Wales Arts Council Celebrates Over 50 Years

Over 50 years after it was established, the Lake Wales Arts Council is celebrating its anniversary with the community. 

From Tuesday, January 7, 2025 to Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Lake Wales Arts Council, located at 1099 Highway 60 East, Lake Wales, is hosting a special exhibit in the Michael Crews Gallery.

According to LWAC’s website, “This exhibition is a momentous tribute to the transformative power of arts in the region. Showcasing the Council’s rich history, it encapsulates over five decades of artistic evolution and its profound reflexive impact on the community. This immersive journey through time features a diverse array of visual art displays, capturing the essence of cultural growth and creativity.

“Visitors will witness the inspiring narratives of local artists and the council’s pioneering initiatives, fostering a deeper connection to Lake Wales’ artistic heritage. The exhibition commemorates artistic milestones and celebrates the enduring legacy of the Arts Council.”

Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday, 10 am-3 pm. The Exhibit is free. For more information, call 863-676-8426, or visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org.