65 F
Lake Wales
Saturday, March 15, 2025

Home Blog

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

Staff Reporter
-
0

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

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

Maria Iannucci
-
0
Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

by James Coulter

 

I love curry. I love how the blend of sweet and spicy makes Indian food so flavorful. And I love being able to make my food extra spicy by adding hot peppers to the mix.

The only thing I love more than curry is my slow cooker. All you have to do is dump all your ingredients in the pot, turn it on, and let it cook through the day for a delicious meal come dinner time. So, of course, I love being able to prepare my curry dishes with my slow cooker.

And making the entire experience more convenient are curry sauces sold premade in jars. It certainly saves me time measuring and adding all of the different spices. All I have to do is dump the sauce in with my meat and veggies, and I have a scrumptious curry dinner by the end of the day.

I recently purchased my first curry simmer sauce and used it to make chicken tikka masala. The sauce was extra spicy, just the way I love it! The recipe is easy enough: just add the sauce to a pound of chicken and cook. 

However, like with all good recipes, it can always be improved with modifications. So, I also added diced onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chilies for added spice. The result was a spicy helping of curry served with white rice and naan bread.

With how easy this recipe is, I certainly expect to prepare it for future meals. Maybe next time I’ll add jalapeno or even poblano and habanero peppers. The spicier, the better.

 

 

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

 

Ingredients

 

1 lb. chicken thigh or breast

1 tbsp. minced garlic

1 15. oz. jar curry sauce (like Patak’s Taste of India)

1 diced onion

1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes (fire roasted for added heat)

1 7 oz. can green chilies or jalapenos (optional for added heat)

 

Directions

 

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized portions.

2. In a large frying pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

3. Add the chicken and cook until the meat turns white.

4. Add contents to slow cooker along with sauce, diced tomatoes, and peppers.

5. Cook on high for six hours, or low for eight hours, or until chicken has been cooked thoroughly.

6. Serve with rice and naan bread.

Lake Wales Airport to Receive New Security Gate and Extended Fencing for $61K

Maria Iannucci
-
0
Lake Wales Airport to Receive New Security Gate and Extended Fencing for $61K

by James Coulter

 

The Lake Wales Municipal Airport is expected to receive a new security gate and extended fencing if the Lake Wales City Commission approves a $61K contract agreement.

At their workshop session on Wed. Mar. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed the consent agenda for their upcoming meeting on Monday evening.

One of the items is a contract agreement with Lake Wales Way for the Airfield Security Fencing and Access. The contract amount is $61,000, which will be fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The contract will help cover the costs of a project to enhance the airport’s security fencing and access. This project will include replacing the airport’s manual security gate with an electronic gate, as well as extending the security fence from the fuel farm east to the end of runway 24.

In the city agenda item, Amanda Lomneck, City Airport Director, wrote that FDOT “has awarded a 100% grant in the amount of $80,000 to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for security upgrades. This amount will be used to cover the $61,000 contract with Lake Wales Way.”

Lake Wales Way had placed a bid for $106,382.38, which, at the request of the city, was scaled down to $61,000. Two other bids were submitted by JCR Construction and Semco Construction for $128,909.74 and $138,084.94 respectively.

The agenda item, along with the rest of the consent agenda, will be reviewed and voted on at the next city commission meeting, scheduled for Mon. Mar. 17, 2025 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Tonight’s SpaceX Rocket Launch One Step Closer to Bringing Stranded Astronauts Home

Maria Iannucci
-
0
Tonight’s SpaceX Rocket Launch One Step Closer to Bringing Stranded Astronauts Home

Anyone catch this contrail earlier this evening ?

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:03 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, and with it, hope to bring two overdue astronauts home to earth.

The spacecraft is carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station. Once they arrive, the craft is scheduled to bring home U.S. astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck on the ISS for nine months and counting.

The craft is due to arrive at the space station on Saturday night after a journey of approximately 28 hours.

Biodiversity Bingo Buggy Tour at Tiger Creek Preserve March 15

Maria Iannucci
-
0
Biodiversity Bingo Buggy Tour at Tiger Creek Preserve March 15

An exciting adventure at The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve! Get ready to hop on a buggy and explore the diverse wildlife and plants that call this preserve home.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 9am to 12 noon.

The Biodiversity Bingo game will add a fun twist to your nature exploration as you search for different species along the way. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts while having a blast in the great outdoors!

All buggy guests must be able to climb steep steps to board the buggy. There will be optional stops along the tour for guests to get out and explore.

The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve is located at 674 Pfundstein Rd., Babson Park.

Limited space is available for this free opportunity. Secure your spot in advance at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biodiversity-bingo-buggy-tour-tickets-1246606195689?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

In Loving Memory of Elaine Serrano-Walker, 59, of Frostproof

Maria Iannucci
-
0
In Loving Memory of Elaine Serrano-Walker, 59, of Frostproof

Elaine Serrano-Walker, 59, of Frostproof, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Elaine was born in the Bronx, NY on June 10, 1965 to the late Hector M. and Adelaide (Garraballo) Serrano. She was a home maker and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She loved nature, horseback riding, her congregation at the Kingdom Hall and spending time with her family, especially her daughter and granddaughter. She and her husband were donors for Lowry Park in Tampa.

She is preceded in death by her brother Hector Serrano.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 9 years, Todd Walker; daughter Jessi Karaqi and husband Alexander, of Morrisville, NC; a granddaughter, Alexandria; many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehova’s Witnesses, at a later date.

J.C. Reviews: Captain America: Brave New World Was Disappointing

Maria Iannucci
-
0
J.C. Reviews: Captain America: Brave New World Was Disappointing

by James Coulter

 

If you were to ask ChatGPT to write a script for a new Captain America movie, and you asked it to have the film star Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, as well as to incorporate Isaiah Bradley, the Celestial, the Red Hulk, and Sabra (without ever mentioning she’s Sabra because…reasons!), you would most likely have a script resembling that of Captain America: Brave New World.

The new movie is that big of a mess–and considering the film received endless reshoots, a shuffling around of release dates, and a scathing article in Vulture detailing its chaotic production (where one of the crew members literally stated, “I think everyone on the crew knew this is probably not going to be a good film”), expecting anything less would have been wishful thinking.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie) assuming his role as the new Captain America. As a government agent, he now works under the new president Thaddeus Ross, who has proven controversial considering his history.

However, following an assassination attempt by Isaiah Bradley (a former soldier who had been experimented on to create the original super serum for Captain America), Sam is forced to investigate and uncover the real culprit. Will he find out who’s really responsible? And will the Red Hulk factor into it? (Considering he was featured in the trailers, that answer’s obvious.)

I’m not even going to bother with a rhetorical question asking whether or not this movie will be hypothetically good. Because it isn’t! This may not be the worst Marvel movie ever (because Iron Man 2 and The Incredible Hulk win that dishonor with a tie), but it is hands down the worst Captain America movie.

I’m not kidding when I say this movie feels like it was written by AI. It looks like a Marvel movie. It even feels like a Marvel movie. But something about the story feels hollow, almost as ifit was written by a computer borrowing heavily from previous Marvel movies and shows. And watching it certainly leaves you feeling hollow.

And is it a spoiler to mention that the entire “mystery” involves the Red Hulk? Especially since Marvel already spoiled that “twist” in their trailers? Because the whole time, I was sitting in my seat waiting for the moment the Red Hulk finally appeared(because I knew he was going to be in the movie), and then when he did appear, the result felt underwhelming, leaving one to ask, “Wait, that’s it?”

Anthony Mackie does an excellent job reprising his role as Sam, who is now assuming his role acting as the new Captain America. And Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross…well, Harrison Ford is great in everything he appears in. Because he’s Harrison Ford.

However, the rest of the cast feels undercooked. This movie introduces Shira Haas as Sabra, an Israeli superhero who’s never mentioned in the film to be an Israeli superhero because…current events! The result is that her character doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.

Oh, and there’s also Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, who assumes the role of the new Falcon. He exists. Seriously, I had forgotten he was even a character in this movie, he was that forgettable. In fact, he’s so irrelevant to the overall plot that he’s written out halfway through following a serious injury in the film.

But perhaps the worst aspect of the film is how “apolitical” it feels, especially considering it’s a Captain America movie. Captain America, as a hero, embodies the heroic ideals of the American spirit. As such, his movies usually have something to say about America.

In contrast, this movie has nothing to say at all. The movie almost has something to say with the president being a literal monster, but considering that whole plot point feels almost incidental, rendering the metaphor toothless.

I recently stumbled across a thread by someone on BlueSky who put it best:

“[The movie] is such a rejection of who Cap should be as an inspirational character, someone who always took a stand, always tried to do what was right, no matter the thumps or how unpopular it may have been…

A Cap story HAS to stand for something, HAS to have meaning, or it, it’s intrinsic to the character as a greater symbol. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming the meaning, in this case, a weak, mealy-mouthed sequel.”

With that said, as underwhelming as this whole movie felt, I’m not too enthused about The Thunderbolts, and I’m crossing my fingers that Fantastic Four proves to be the better film.

Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight May Be Visible, Depending on Cloud Cover

Maria Iannucci
-
0
Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight May Be Visible, Depending on Cloud Cover
Photo credit: timeanddate.com

It’s finally here; tonight, March 13, 2025, a total lunar eclipse is expected , and we’re, ahem, over the moon about it.

According to timeanddate.com, the eclipse could be visible in Lakeland (with a similar time expectation in the Lake Wales area), from 11:57 p.m. ET Thursday, March 13, to 6 a.m. ET Friday, March 14, with max viewing at 2:58 a.m. ET Friday, March 14.

Obscuration could be 100% and average cloud cover could be 53%. The uncertainty of cloudy skies shouldn’t cull your desire to try and witness this phenomenon.

According to the National Weather a service, much of Florida is expected to have a reasonably clear view of tonight’s lunar eclipse.


The most recent total lunar eclipse, also known as a “blood moon”, occurred on November 8, 2022.

Volunteers Needed for Community Cleanup Day April 5

Maria Iannucci
-
0
Volunteers Needed for Community Cleanup Day April 5

Be part of the Great American Cleanup and help clean up the City of Lake Wales.

Each volunteer will receive a complimentary ticket to Bok Tower Gardens and t-shirt while supplies last.

The event takes place on Saturday, April 5 from 8am to 12pm. Volunteers will meet with City staff at 450 Scenic Highway. Supplies, such as protective gloves, bags and other items will be provided to volunteers.


Tell a friend and sign up at: https://forms.gle/ywGG7suLJbXgBAiz5

Spectrum  Launches Gigabit Broadband, Mobile,TV and Voice Services in Polk County

Maria Iannucci
-
0
Spectrum  Launches Gigabit Broadband, Mobile,TV and Voice Services in Polk County

“Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to nearly 4,900 homes and small businesses in Polk County, Florida. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildoutextends Spectrum services to parts of Lake Wales, Fort Meade, Polk City and surrounding unincorporated areas of Polk County.

Spectrum’s multi-year Rural Construction Initiative is driven by an approximately $7 billion private investment from Spectrum and will ultimately connect approximately 1.75 million new homes and small businesses across the country.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Florida and across America,” said John Dosher, Area Vice President, Field Operations, Charter Communications. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services to additional rural Polk County communities. We are providing local residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”

In addition, Spectrum has partnered with the state of Florida through the Florida Office of Broadband to continue expanding broadband access through the Broadband Opportunity Program to thousands more additional unserved homes and small businesses in Polk County and across the Sunshine State. 

“Expanding rural broadband has been a longtime priority for me and ensuring that residents and business across Polk County have reliable, fast, and affordable internet is critical,” said State Rep. Josie Tomkow. “With Spectrum’s support, we are making significant progress in closing access gaps for the communities that need it the most.”

Broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps, plus money-saving Mobile options and 85,000 On Demand choices

Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuringstarting speeds of 500 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 400 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.

“Spectrum is helping us to deliver internet accessibility to more families in Polk County— from agriculture to manufacturing, our county’s rural communities will play a huge part in Florida’s growth this century,” said Becky Troutman, Commissioner, Polk County. “We are grateful to Spectrum for recognizing this and for being such a strong partner.”

 

Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report.”.

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®.Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $30 a month, as well as By the Gig options.

Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** —viewers can stream content across a growing number of platforms, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, XUMO TVs and PCs.

Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.

*Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.

**Based on 1Q 2024 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.

***iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of July 1, 2024. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of July 1, 2024.

 

About Spectrum 

Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to nearly 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice. 

More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.”

*information provided by Spectrum

FWC: License-Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend Coming Soon

Maria Iannucci
-
0
FWC: License-Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend Coming Soon

Splash into license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

Mark your calendars for an opportunity to go freshwater fishing during the upcoming Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

This spring’s license-free fishing weekend is on April 5 and 6, 2025, and invites residents and visitors to explore the many recreational freshwater fishing opportunities Florida has to offer. Whether you like to fish from the shore or your boat, there are so many options available across the state.

Visit the FWC’s fishing basics webpage for tips and information on how to start fishing or refresh your knowledge.

All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Anglers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of this special weekend that allows them to reel in their favorite freshwater species without the need for a fishing license. There are two family fishing events during this weekend:

  • Tenoroc Fish Management Area
    3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, FL 33805
    April 5, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Pre-registration required and ends on Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. Call the FWC at 863-648-3200to register for the event. There will be a casting contest, exhibitors and other outdoor activities for youth participants. A free lunch will be provided by Publix Supermarkets and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Bait and a limited number of loaner rods and reels will also be provided free of charge to youth aged 15 and younger. A parent or guardian must accompany youth participants.
  • Florida Bass Conservation Center
    3583 County Road 788, Webster, FL 33597
    April 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Attendees should bring fishing gear and bait. A free lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided by Vital Fleet Services.

Visit MyFWC.com and learn where to go freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, or how to find a boat ramp or pier near you.

Check out FWC’s bass fishing recognition program TrophyCatch and submit your 8-pound and greater largemouth bass to win prizes.

Did you have a blast on the water? Plan ahead for the next freshwater license-free fishing weekend on June 8 and 9!

123...106Page 1 of 106

About us

LakeWalesDaily.com is a locally owned and operated independent media company focused on educating citizens by providing Fast – Factual – Free nonpartisan news.

Support us!

By advertising with our publication, you directly support DailyRidge.com’s daily operations and the teammates that provide you news. If you have local news or information please email [email protected]. If you would like to support our efforts through advertising please feel free to reach us at [email protected] or call 863-734-8060

The latest

Cooking on the Ridge: Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

Cooking 0
by James Coulter   I love curry. I love how the...

Lake Wales Airport to Receive New Security Gate and Extended Fencing for $61K

City of Lake Wales 0
by James Coulter   The Lake Wales Municipal Airport is expected...

Tonight’s SpaceX Rocket Launch One Step Closer to Bringing Stranded Astronauts Home

Lake Wales 0
Anyone catch this contrail earlier this evening ? SpaceX's...

Subscribe

© 2024 DailyRidge.com. All Rights Reserved.