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

Staff Reporter
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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

Lake Wales Public Library’s August Event Calendar Has Something For Everyone

Maria Iannucci
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Lake Wales Public Library’s August Event Calendar Has Something For Everyone
Photo credit: City of Lake Wales

LWPL: Summer is over but that doesn’t mean we’re done having fun at the library! The Youth Services department had an especially eventful season, and we’d like to thank everyone who helped make Arts Color Our World such a successful Summer Program.

The month of August brings with it a whole slew of activities. While some of our classes are full, be sure to check Eventbrite to sign up for new ones in the coming months. Our new Book Club Shelf Indulgence is on Saturday, August 23rd – this month’s theme is Camping, S’Mores, and the Outside! 

Since its Back-to-School time, why not dive into some of the library’s online educational resources? Gale Courses offers self-paced 6 week long courses designed to immerse you in deep learning mode, with professors available to answer questions and provide feedback on assignments. Choose from dozens of courses in our online catalog.

We have another Blood Drive on Friday, August 22nd from 1 – 5 so please consider donating if you’re able. 

Take a peek at our calendar in person or online to see our full schedule. 

We still have renovations happening in the book stacks so please pardon our dust, but we would be happy to pull select titles for you or order from a local library if needed.

Please note: The library will beCLOSED Saturday, August 30th, and Monday, September 1st, for Labor Day.

In Loving Memory of Charles “Paul” Antonucci, 38

Maria Iannucci
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0
In Loving Memory of Charles “Paul” Antonucci, 38


Charles “Paul” Antonucci of Morriston passed away Friday, August 8, 2025 at his residence.

He was born February 18, 1987 in Georgia. Paul was a construction worker and helped his mom on the farm. He spent his spare time fishing. Paul loved his animals and being with his nephews.

Paul is survived by his parents, Shelby and Lee Schroeder of Morriston; brother, Kenneth Jackson, Jr. and wife Savannah of Ocala; maternal grandparents, Linda and Larry Antonucci; great-grandmother, Anna Grandy; and nephews, Hunter Jackson and Levi Jackson.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Mr. Billy Hagwood officiating. 

Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Hosts Parent’s Day Out August 23

Maria Iannucci
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Lake Wales Family Recreation Center Hosts Parent’s Day Out August 23

Parents, do you need to run some errands, have some house projects that need to get done, or just want a day to yourself?

Simply drop off your kids Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11am to 5pm at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center, located at 1001 Burns Ave. in Lake Wales. Kids will have access to various arts and crafts, games and outdoor activities. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The program is facilitated by designated City staff members.

$35 for the first child, $30 for each additional sibling. Kids ages kindergarten to 5th grade are welcome to attend. Registration is required by 3PM on the day prior to the event. For more information, call (863) 678-4192.

Registration Link

Jobs on the Ridge: Current Job Openings in Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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Jobs on the Ridge: Current Job Openings in Lake Wales

Hey Lake Wales job seekers! Ready to find your next gig? We’ve rounded up some awesome opportunities we’ve found available right now local to Lake Wales. Check out the pay, what you’ll do, and how to apply below. Hurry—these spots won’t stay open forever!

The UPS Store: Full-Time Center Associate

The Center Associate delivers world-class customer service to all retail customers by receiving and processing packages for courier shipment and operating copiers, fax machines, binding equipment, laminating machines, and point-of-sale devices. For more information, or to apply, click here.

Lake Wales Charter Schools: Middle School Language Arts Teacher

This full-time position, with a Monday – Friday schedule, has a pay scale starting at $47,500 annually. Bok South Middle School is seeking a dedicated Language Arts Teacher to join the team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for literature and language and be committed to fostering a love of reading and writing in students. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

Ajax Paving Industries: Project Superintendent-Polk County

This position requires a high school diploma or GED, and offers a pay scale of $3,500 per month. The field supervision of construction projects to include interfacing with the project owner or agent, scheduling crews and subcontractors, communicating to the Sales/Marketing Estimators any claims and determining “as built” quantities of work performed. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

Bok Tower Gardens: Environmental Steward

This full-time field position is responsible for controlling invasive plant infestations and related land management activities on Bok Tower Garden conservation lands. Work includes using a backpack sprayer while walking or operating UTV or tractor mounted spray system and documenting treatment status using GPS. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

City of Lake Wales: Growth Management Director

This full-time position garners a salary range of $74,921.60 – $134,160.00 a year. The successful candidate will perform a variety of administrative, clerical and supervisory in planning, organizing and managing the activities of the department, including the major functions of Planning, Zoning, Building Safety, Permit Administration, Plan Review, and Code Compliance. For more information, or to apply for this position, click here.

In Loving Memory of John Baldwin Eleazer, 75, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of John Baldwin Eleazer, 75, of Lake Wales

Retired USAF Technical Sergeant John Baldwin Eleazer of Lake Wales went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on August 12, 1949, in Flint, Michigan, John was the son of John William and Billie Ruth Eleazer. He graduated from Flushing High School in 1967 and attended Austin Peay University in Tennessee before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in August 1969. Over his 20-year military career, he served honorably at McGuire AFB in New Jersey, Wurtsmith AFB in Michigan, and Charleston AFB in South Carolina, where he retired.

Following his military service, John continued to serve through civilian roles at Collin’s Vending and Ashley Bowling Lanes before dedicating another 25 years supporting the military and U.S. Marine Corps with TDS, Eagan McAllister Associates, SAIC, and Bowhead.

A man of deep faith and patriotism, John possessed a God-given musical talent and perfect pitch that brought joy to many. He considered participating in the Polk County Flight to Honor in April 2025 one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.

John had many hobbies and passions and was skilled and competitive in all of them. When his families were younger, they spent winters in bowling centers and the summers camping and boating on the lake. A talented left-handed bowler, he achieved several perfect 300 games. His most cherished pastime was fishing. His fondest memories are bass fishing on the many lakes in SC and FL with his best friends Bob and Jerry. 

In his retirement years, John returned to lake life on Lake Marion in Eutawville, SC, and Lake Wales. He was elected and ordained Chairman of Deacons at the First Baptist Church of Eutawville, SC, and was a frequent soloist as a member of the praise team there until moving to Florida in 2020. He attended the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales and was a beloved member of Ed Northrup and Crystal Hicks’ life connection group. 

John is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Robin Yoder Eleazer; his brother Alan (Vicki) Eleazer; daughters Michelle (Bobby) Eleazer Smith and Carrie (Steve) Eleazer Horstman; stepchildren Tracie Singh, Timothy (Lisa) Keuhlen, Nikole (Rob) Willis, and Kelly Antonevich; grandchildren Ssgt. Eric (Shanya) Smith, Travis (Morgan) Smith, Sydney Rodgers, Paige and Aubrey Horstman, Kelsey (Ayrro) Cabanilla, Nickolas (Ashley) Williams, Alex Godwin, and Trinton Willis; nephew Joshua (Brandy) Eleazer; great-grandson Kyden Cabanilla; numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews; and he was joyfully anticipating his second great-grandchild in 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Kathy Manning Fee; nephew David Eleazer; and close friend Jerry Wahlers.

A Lee ration of life was held on Lake Wales earlier today. A second service will be held in Eutawville, South Carolina at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tampa General Hospital Kidney Donation Center or Polk County Flight to Honor.

Things to Do in Lake Wales Saturday, August 9

Maria Iannucci
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Things to Do in Lake Wales Saturday, August 9

If you’re looking for something to do today, Saturday, August 9, 2025, you have a few possibilities to consider:

The Lake Wales Downtown Farmers Market will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Market St. Downtown. Lake Wales Main Street’s Facebook page states new vendors are expected.

The Back to School Bash at the Lake Wales History Museum is planned from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Grab your school spirit and get ready for a day of fun: Supplies will be available at the Back to School Bash for families in need and will also be donated to the Lake Wales Charter Schools for distribution. Get creative at the craft station. Enjoy face painting and colorful fun.

Bok Tower Gardens invites you to its Beginner Watercolors art class from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Create your own Screech Owl watercolor painting from sketch to finish. All the necessary materials for the class are provided and Polk County – based artist, Kelly Quinn, will share her tips and techniques to guide you step-by-step through the process. They also offer stencils for those who would rather focus on the watercolor aspect only. Participants will receive a 9″ x 12″ watercolor paper with stencils also. This will be held in the Alexander Discovery Center. Members: $55 / Non-members: $75 (Includes admission for the day). Registration required; visit their website to register.

Crash Lands Pickup Truck Off Masterpiece Rd. On Elevated Shoulder

Maria Iannucci
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Crash Lands Pickup Truck Off Masterpiece Rd. On Elevated Shoulder
Photo by Maria Iannucci

Update 7:55 am: Masterpiece Road is now open in both directions. The vehicle involved in the trash remains stuck until a tow truck can remove it.

At 7:24 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025, a traffic accident was reported near 1042 Masterpiece Rd. in Lake Wales, in the westbound lane, just east of S. Lake Starr Blvd.

It was initially reported as a rollover crash, it is in fact, a single vehicle crash, involving in Ford F150, leaving the roadway and becoming stuck off the side of the road on an elevated shoulder. There is no entrapment.

The westbound lane of masterpiece Road is closed and blocked by Polk County Fire Rescue as they work at the scene.well injuries are unknown, there is an ambulance at the crash site evaluating at least one patient.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies are directing traffic past the scene. Please avoid this area of Masterpiece Road if possible, or expect a short delay.

In Loving Memory of Joan Cunnea, 92

Maria Iannucci
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In Loving Memory of Joan Cunnea, 92

Joan Cunnea was born in Chicago, Illinois where she had a very active and joyous upbringing. In high school, Joan was on both varsity basketball and volleyball teams, in orchestra, played clarinet and flute and later picked up guitar and harmonica.

She was also the squadron leader of the Civil Air Patrol with rank of Staff Sergeant. When close to graduation, she was asked if she would like to join the Air Force as a lieutenant which she chose religious life instead for 23 years. She received her Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing in 1957 and Masters Degree in Nursing in 1965. She worked in hospitals in Chicago, Illinois, Iowa City, Iowa, and Aurora, Illinois.

Joan became involved in the Cesar Chavez movement and joined the boycott in Fresno, CA. She worked as a nurse at a migrant daycare center and had the opportunity to obtain a grant and designed a mobile health clinic, gathered volunteer doctors, nurses and staff and held clinics on various migrant farms. The director of the daycare asked Joan if she would be director. Joan said she would try it for one year and that ended up being 31 years.

Joan’s greatest gift was for Catholic faith. She loved to go on pilgrimages to Knock, Ireland, Greece, Rome, Assisi, the Holy Land and Medjugorje. Three of her most memorable experiences were a hot air balloon ride, snorkeling in Hawaii and a fly-in deep sea fishing trip in Alaska.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John J. Cunnea and Lilian M, Cunnea. Her surviving relatives are her sister, Barbara Cunnea Hodgkinson; sister-in-law, Barbara S. Cunnea; nephew, James D. Cunnea; nieces, Diana C. Cunnea and Susan R. Seager; grandnephews, Kolton T. Seager and Kaden C. Seager; nephew-in-law, Kirk D. Seager; and faithful family friend, Michael Ponte. Laura June Smith was a Sister of Saint Joseph for 17 years. She was a daughter, sister, friend and a spiritual advocate.

Joan’s favorite prayer was: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you and may my last word be Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Joan’s favorite poem was: “The Hound of Heaven” by Frances Thompson. Joan’s favorite hymn was: “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place”. Resting in the Spirit. Miracle of the Sun in Medj.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 11, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales with Father Luis Osorio officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City.

Cheers! Lake Wales Approves Social District to Permit Outdoor Drinking

Maria Iannucci
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Cheers! Lake Wales Approves Social District to Permit Outdoor Drinking

 

by James Coulter 

Raise a glass to Lake Wales. Because soon you’ll be able to buy a glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage and take it with you anywhere within the downtown area. And it’s all thanks to a new district approved by the city commission. 

At their regular meeting on Tues. Aug 5, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners approved an ordinance adopting a proposed Arts, Entertainment, and Community (ACE) district. The ordinance passed with a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Carol Gillespie and Daniel Williams voted against it. 

The proposed ACE district will permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the downtown area. Visitors to the downtown area will be able to purchase beverages from participating eateries and bars and consume them in special containers to carry with them within the designated social district. 

“Social Districts allow visitors to enjoy an adult beverage while strolling downtown sidewalks and exploring the local storefronts. This encourages them to linger and spend more time in the downtown area. Increased time downtown equals increased window shopping, which results in an increase in sales for local businesses,” wrote Autumn Cochella, Growth Management Consultant. 

Now that it has been approved, the ordinance will permit the creation of the proposed social district through amendments to the city code. These amendments will: 

⦁ Establish the district’s purpose and boundaries and create the policies for outside consumption in the district, registered establishments, and violations; 

⦁ Propose containers approved by the City and signage clearly delineating the boundaries;  

⦁ Require registered establishments to provide signage and guidance for customers regarding the district guidelines;  

⦁ Follow the same provisions as the Downtown Historic District regarding alcoholic sales and services and outdoor seating areas, and 

⦁ Treat all applications for bars in the same manner by requiring approval through a special exception process in the Downtown Historic District and the ACE District. 

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson has previously voiced his support for the social district. He believes the district will help generate further economic development and growth by enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Lake Wales. 

Conversely, Commissioner Gillespie voted against the proposed district. She has expressed concerns that the district could potentially increase public intoxication and unruly behavior. 

“Why is it being called the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment district when all it does is expand alcohol consumption and use in our city?” she asked. “It is not accurate. It is a euphemism. Let’s call it what it really is: a drinking district.” 

However, during previous discussions, Deputy Mayor Gibson had dismissed such concerns. As someone who has worked in the city for nearly 50 years, he has previously stated that not once has he witnessed any displays of public drunkenness at public events that served alcohol. 

Commissioner Keith Thompson, likewise, has averred that the purpose of the district is not to promote drinking, but rather to give visitors the freedom and opportunity to drink their beverages anywhere in the downtown area.

In Loving Memory of Carolyn Hughes Barnhardt, 79, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci
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0
In Loving Memory of Carolyn Hughes Barnhardt, 79, of Lake Wales


Carolyn Hughes Barnhardt

April 7, 1946-August 2, 2025

Carolyn Tully Hughes was born on April 7, 1946 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents Winifred Tully Hughes and Edwin J. Hughes. Soon after Carolyn’s birth, the Hughes family moved to Tallahassee, Florida and she would spend her childhood there. Carolyn would go on to become a State Champion diver with Olympic training opportunities, but at the high school level decided to leave diving behind and enjoy her time at Leon High School, where the 1964 graduate was a Cheerleader, Student Government Representative, and Exchange Club Sweetheart. Carolyn lived with close family friends during her Senior year while her family relocated to Lake Wales so that her father Ed could assume the role of President of First National Bank of Lake Wales, which would later become SunBank.

After graduating from high school, Carolyn joined her family in Lake Wales. She spent her first two collegiate years at Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama and then transferred to Florida State University. While at FSU, Carolyn was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1968.

Carolyn came back to Lake Wales after graduation and accepted a teaching job with Polk Avenue Elementary. During this time, she also married Howard Barnhardt of Lake Wales, and they were married for 20 years. Carolyn taught at Polk Avenue for a total of 35 years before and after taking time away from teaching to be a Stay at Home Mom with her two sons.

During her time as a teacher, Carolyn touched the lives of the people she worked with as an employee, coworker, and mentor but her most lasting impact was the one she made on the students she shared her classroom with. Her blend of knowledge and graceful discipline was an early positive influence on many lives, and it is common to run into former students in Lake Wales who remember their time with “Mrs. Barnhardt.”

Carolyn’s contributions to her community were not limited to her time as a teacher, as she served many years as a Team Mom at Lake Wales Little League and several years as Treasurer of the Concession Stand. She also enjoyed going back to Polk Avenue as a Volunteer during her retirement.

Carolyn enjoyed hosting parties with family and friends, spending time outdoors, and watching golf and college football games.  Carolyn grew up and remained an avid supporter of the Florida State Seminoles and became a fan of her son Chad’s USF Bulls, her daughter in law April’s Ole Miss Rebels, and Lake Wales High School Athletics.

Carolyn is predeceased by her parents Edwin J. Hughes and Winifred Tully Hughes and survivors include sons Brett Barnhardt (Christina) of Vero Beach and Chad Barnhardt (April) of Lake Wales, grandchildren Quintin Branch of Orlando, Kelsey Barnhardt of Winter Haven, and Pyper Barnhardt of Lake Wales, and brothers David Hughes of Lake Wales, and Jimmy Hughes (Jean) of Havana.

Carolyn’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 9th at 11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lake Wales Charter School Foundation at the following address:

Lake Wales Charter Foundation

Carolyn Barnhardt Memorial Fund-Polk Avenue Elementary

130 East Central Avenue

Lake Wales, Florida 33853

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