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

In Loving Memory of Deryl W. Futrill, 74

Obituaries

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November 10, 2024

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Deryl W. Futrill, 74

Deryl W. Futrill of Haines City passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Winter Haven Hospital.

He was born October 1, 1950, and has been a local resident since 1973. He was a retired forklift driver for Florida’s Natural and a member of the Grace Baptist Church. He was a founding member of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge, and he enjoyed fishing, but was known as “The Unlucky Fisherman”.

Deryl was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Futrill in 2007. Survivors include his sons, Brian “BJ” Futrill of Haines City and Travis Futrill of Lake Wales; and one grandson, Dylan Futrill.

Memorial service will be held at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Kerry Beatty officiating. Day and time of service to be scheduled.

Since You Asked; How to Apply for a Lake Wales Public Library Card

Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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November 9, 2024

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Since You Asked; How to Apply for a Lake Wales Public Library Card

Don’t have a library card? You’re missing out on some great benefits; here’s what you need to know about applying for a Lake Wales Public Library card:

Library membership is provided to individuals, without charge, who meet the following criteria:

Own or rent business or residential property within Polk County, Florida or;
Possess a valid public library card, (in good standing), from the Osceola County Library System or any of the eligible libraries in the Tampa Bay Library Consortium reciprocal borrowing cooperative, (www.tblc.org) or;
Possess a current student identification, or a current validated registration, from any Florida institution of higher learning or technical school

Restrictions:

A child age zero through 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to register for a new library card. The parent or legal guardian must provide photo
identification with their correct physical address, (or see below for alternative proof of address). The parent or legal guardian must sign as the responsible party for all fines and fees including the replacement cost of lost or damaged
library materials.
Any new applicant must possess photo identification with their correct physical address. If the correct physical address is not verifiable or listed on the photo
identification the following items will be accepted to verify residence:
Utility bill with the name and physical address listed;
Rent receipt or lot rental receipt with the name and physical address listed;
Current student identification;
Current payroll stub with the name and physical address listed;
Deposit slip or check with name and physical address listed;
Notarized statement from landlord, mortgage holder or employer verifying address;
Current auto registration, tax bill with name and physical address listed or
Voter’s Registration with name and physical address listed.
Each applicant must provide the library with two ways to contact them. This can be a reference name and telephone number, a home, business or cell phone number and/or
a valid email address. The reference cannot reside with the applicant or the adult signing for the applicant.

Non-Resident Library Cards
Library memberships are available to non-Polk County residents. Free cards are available to applicants who can prove residence from a county or municipality that current participates in a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Polk County Library
Cooperative. Counties currently reciprocating services with PCLC include Osceola County, Florida and member counties or agencies participating in the Tampa Bay Library Consortium’s Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement. A complete list of these libraries is
available at http://tblc.org. A reciprocal borrowing applicant must present a valid library card for one of our reciprocal partners AND a photo ID with a valid and correct address.

Applicants who do not qualify for a reciprocal borrowing card with the Polk County Library Cooperative will be assessed a family membership at $50 annually. A single card will be issued to the family. All restrictions and policies currently enforced for a
single membership will apply to the family card.
The Polk County Library Cooperative’s BMail, Books by Mail service is not available to anyone who resides outside of Polk County.

For more information about the Lake Wales Public Library, please visit https://www.cityoflakewales.com/DocumentCenter/View/576/Circulation-Policy-PDF

SPCA Florida Distributing 47,000 Lbs of Free Pet Food Nov. 10

Polk County

Maria Iannucci

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November 9, 2024

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SPCA Florida Distributing 47,000 Lbs of Free Pet Food Nov. 10

SPCA Florida has 47,000 lbs of free pet food to be distributed Sunday, November 10, from 9am – Noon on our campus at 5850 Brannen Rd, S. Lakeland, FL 33813.

Every Polk County Family will receive up to: 4 lg Bags of dog food, 1 lg bag of cat food, bone broth, box of litter, and a bag of dog treats, while supplies last.

The Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) and SPCA Florida proudly continue their partnership to save lives in Polk County.

Together, we can touch their lives and give them a chance to provide years of unconditional love. Please support the seven LFD fire stations and SPCA Florida in our mission of care.

In Loving Memory of Joseph Franklin, 95, Indian Lake Estates

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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November 9, 2024

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Joseph Franklin, 95

Joseph Franklin passed away on November 1, 2024 at the age of 95 at a home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. He was born on September 27, 1929 in Buckingham Township, PA to Titus and Mary (Balling) Franklin. He married Marjorie Smith on March 28, 1954. They had two children: daughter, Debra J. Schieber (Mark Schieber}, and son, John E. Franklin (Valorie Franklin).

Joe went to school in Buckingham township and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of sergeant. He was in the Marine Corps from September 1947 until September 1951. During that time Joe served overseas in the Korean War, leaving the service with an honorable discharge.

Joe and Marjorie settled in Furlong, Pennsylvania to raise their family. Joe held various jobs until he found his passion in woodworking. He started his own business as an antique dealer, opening the Mayfair House in Lambertville, NJ. Joe was a very successful dealer, traveling all over the east coast in search of American and English antiques for his clientele. Joe enjoyed sales, and many of his customers became great friends over the years.

After he sold his business, Joe and his wife moved to Florida, where he enjoyed years of golfing and fishing. Prior to retiring to Florida, Joe also enjoyed spending time in Potter County, PA at his hunting cabin, and fishing at Lac du Fils in Quebec, Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Titus and Mary, and eight of his siblings (Dorothy, Ruth, Sara, Martha, Paul, Mark, John, Bud).

He is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter Debra, son John, four grandchildren (Heather, Amanda, Kelsie, Aubrey}, four great-grandchildren (Michael, Cayden, Leighton, Madison) and youngest brother Dennis.

Joe was one of a kind and always lived life to the fullest and by his own rules. Family and close friends knew they were loved even if it wasn’t said out loud all the time. He’s left his mark on so many and will not be forgotten.

No local service is scheduled at this time. Interment will be held in Doylestown, Pennsylvania at a later date.

Lake Wales Public Library Offers Certain College Level Online Courses Tuition Free Through Local Bullard Trust

Maria Iannucci

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November 9, 2024

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Lake Wales Public Library Offers Certain College Level Online Courses Tuition Free Through Local Bullard Trust

The Lake Wales Public Library offers the business and adult learner community the opportunity to take community college level continuing education courses through their link, https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/309/Library.

Through the Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library’s Dell Bullard Trust for Vocation Education a variety of business, recreational and educational courses are available, tuition free, to any Lake Wales Public Library card holder.

Dell Bullard was a pioneer businesswoman in Lake Wales, Florida. She, along with her husband, Doug Bullard, began a successful insurance agency that remains a vital part of the Lake Wales business community today.

Mrs. Bullard believed in the importance of learning throughout a lifetime; a concept Gale Courses continues to promote.

Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor led courses that you can take entirely online.   As a library card holder in good standing, you are entitled to these courses at no cost. Courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin every month.

How to Enroll:

1. Find courses by browsing through the categories on the left of your screen or by using the search bar above. Click “Enroll Now” next to the course of your choice.

2. Select your course start date and click “Continue.”

3. Create a free Gale Courses account, or sign in to an existing ed2go account.

New Students – Enter your email address in the New Student area and click “Create Account.” Complete the “Account and Student Information” page and then click “Continue.”
Returning Students – Enter your account email and password and then click “Sign In.”

You will use your Gale Courses account email and password to log in to the My Classroom area to view your lessons once your session begins.

4. Enter your library barcode in the box labeled Submit. Then click “Use Library Card” to complete your enrollment.

https://education.gale.com/l-lwpl/

Four Elements Moonlight Music and Floating Lantern Festival at Bok Tower Gardens Nov. 16

Events

Maria Iannucci

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November 8, 2024

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Four Elements Moonlight Music and Floating Lantern Festival at Bok Tower Gardens Nov. 16

Four Elements Moonlight Music and Floating Lantern Festival will be held at Bok Tower Gardens on Saturday, November 16 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

The evening will celebrate the Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind with a creative collision of music, dance, and moonlight.

Aerialists Paula Blackwelder and Berenice Perez will perform the incredible “Double Lyra” under the Tower oaks. Their aerial ballet will begin the evening, and then Dr. Fen-Fang Chen and her students from Florida Southern College will present a night of incredible classical music underneath the Sundial. Geert D’hollander will also be playing the Carillon.

Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets! Keep scrolling to learn more about the Festival.

This event is free for members and included with admission for non-members.

In Loving Memory of Jim Hurst, Jr., 68, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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November 8, 2024

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In Loving Memory of Jim Hurst, Jr., 68, of Lake Wales

Jim Hurst Jr. of Lake Wales, Florida entered eternal glory on 11/7/24.

Born on April 14,1956 to James Hurst Sr. and Louise Crane Hurst. Jim was a devoted husband to Belinda DuBose Hurst for 43 years until her passing in 2022. He was the very loving father of Jimmy Hurst III (Emily) of Frostproof, Marshall Hurst of Lake Wales and Lindsey Shick (Jeremy) of Lake Wales.

Jim took unspeakable joy in life with his 7 grandchildren. Grace Louise, Jamesy, Jude and Sophie Hurst as well as Everett, Ruby and Emmett Shick.

Jim is survived by his 3 children, his son and daughter in law, his brother Mike Hurst of Frostproof and his sister Cindy Wise of Frostproof. He also leaves behind numerous friends and extended family that he always treated as his own family.

A graduate of Frostproof High School in 1974, Jim lettered in 5 sports and was inducted into the Frostproof Athletic Hall of Fame. His bachelor’s degree came from the University of Florida in business administration.

Jim was a trusted and respected Insurance agent his entire life. Helping his clients in the agriculture industry with crop insurance as a focus. He leaves a legacy of kindness and compassion with his beloved co-workers

Selflessness and dedication marked his involvement in civic organizations. Jim was a little league coach for his kids and many others. He was an accomplished umpire and trainer of youth baseball umpires. He was involved in Rotary, Ducks Unlimited, volunteered for youth camps and impacted young people’s lives for good anyway that he could.

Generosity will be his legacy. He believed in and donated to the Lake Wales Care Center, Refuge on the Ridge, FCA and Victory Ridge Academy. He supported both the Lake Wales and Frostproof athletic booster clubs at once. He also gave to and helped many individuals financially throughout the years. Believing that he was a steward of God’s money.

An avid hunter and fisherman, love of family, friends, outdoor sports and athletics were supremely important to him. This however was all secondary to his faith in God. Jim was a faithful and dedicated member of the Church of Christ in Frostproof, Florida. He was a song leader among other duties within his church. He enjoyed his family of faithful Christians and being accountable to the local church. This example resonates with his children and bolsters their faith in Jesus.

James Hansel Hurst Jr. has been called many names while on this earth. Jimbo, Jimmy, Jim, Uncle, Daddy and Pops. Now, eternally restored in Heaven, he has been called “good and faithful servant”.

Kidney cancer has brought his time on earth to an end after 68 years. Faithfully, he recognized that he was fighting a battle that Jesus has already won on a cross at Calvary.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to FCA (www.my.fca.org).

Words of Wisdom From the PCSO Crime Prevention Unit

Polk County

Maria Iannucci

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November 8, 2024

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Words of Wisdom From the PCSO Crime Prevention Unit

PCSO – Social media is a great way to communicate with long-distance friends or family members. Teens can instantly send messages and make or receive video calls through most of the social media platforms. That said, while social media can be fun to use, parents need to be aware of the dangers their children may be exposed to. Additionally, technology continues to grow, everyone should be aware of the benefits and risks it can bring.

Here are some tips to keep your children safe while using any social media platform:

Safety tips for Teens

· Do not share personal info (eg: address, birthdate, etc.)

· Keep passwords and location private.

· Ask for permission before posting pictures or videos.

· Do not accept friend requests from a person you don’t know.

· Do not reply to unknown messages.

· Tell a trusted adult if you see something strange.

· Block or report any suspicious person.

· Follow parent’s rules about your time on social media.

Safety tips for Parents

· Teach your child about the dangers of social media.

· Monitor their social media. Know their passwords.

· Use parental controls.

· Be alert of cyberbullying.

· Set social media boundaries for them.

· Keep devices out of their bedrooms.

· Learn which social media your child wants to use.

· Report if any information has been compromised.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office offers free programs such as Internet Safety and Cyberbullying. If you would like more information or to schedule a presentation, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at 863-298-6677 or email [email protected]

In Memory of Billy Ray Reed, 74, of Frostproof

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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November 7, 2024

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Billy Ray Reed, 74

Billy Ray Reed of Frostproof passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024 at his residence.

He was born June 16, 1950 in Spring City, Tennessee to the late Dale and Pauline Reed; he moved to Frostproof from Tennessee 50 years ago. Billy was a retired framer for Robin Builders and a veteran of the United States Army. He was an occasional gambler and liked to sing karaoke. He enjoyed going to flea markets, fishing, and was an avid CB radio enthusiast.

Billy is survived by his wife of 24 years, Cindy Lou Reed; daughter, Donna (Silk) Groeneveld of Missouri; son, Robert Pavelski of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Kayla, Britteny, Taylor, and Dalton; great-grandchild, Damian.

No local services are scheduled.

Lake Wales Arts Council Presents “Fiddles & Fine Art: Instrument & Art Auction” to Benefit Youth Arts Education

Events

Maria Iannucci

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November 7, 2024

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Lake Wales Arts Council Presents “Fiddles & Fine Art: Instrument & Art Auction” to Benefit Youth Arts Education

The Lake Wales Arts Council (LWAC) has announced its upcoming Fiddles & Fine Art: Instrument & Art Auction on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Taking place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the historic Lake Wales Arts Center, this unique event will feature live and silent auctions of original artwork, rare musical instruments, and unique community-donated pieces, with all proceeds supporting youth arts education programs in Lake Wales.

Special Matching Sponsorship Opportunity
In addition to the auction, this year’s event features a special matching sponsorship generously offered by Karla Campbell, a passionate supporter of LWAC’s mission and the transformative impact of music and arts education on young people in Lake Wales. Karla has pledged to match all donations up to $10,000, effectively doubling every dollar raised in support of these programs. This matching gift opportunity means that each contribution will have twice the impact, allowing LWAC and Sandy’s MusicGirls to reach even more children and youth through quality arts education experiences.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM, Auction from 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Tickets: $20 per person (includes hors d’oeuvres)
Dress Code: Cowboy Formal
The Fiddles & Fine Art Auction promises an evening filled with live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a festive atmosphere celebrating art, culture, and community. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on exceptional artworks inspired by Polk County’s natural beauty, rare musical instruments, and other unique items, knowing their support will make a direct impact on youth arts programs.
“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for an event that not only celebrates art and music but also supports the next generation of creatives,” said Tommy Frank, Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council. “With Karla Campbell’s matching sponsorship, this year’s auction is an even greater opportunity to make a difference. Every dollar raised will go twice as far in supporting our mission to empower young people through the arts.”

Limited Tickets Available
Only 150 tickets are available for in-person attendance, so early reservations are encouraged. Community members can also support LWAC’s youth programs from afar by participating in the online auction, which will feature many of the same incredible pieces as the in-person event.

For tickets, online bidding information, or further event details, please visit https://onecau.se/_6bn5d1
or contact the LWAC office at (863) 676-8426 or [email protected].

Join LWAC for an unforgettable evening of art, music, and community, where every bid brings us one step closer to a brighter future for Lake Wales youth.

ABOUT LAKE WALES ARTS COUNCIL:
The Lake Wales Arts Council is committed to fostering the arts in Central Florida through education, performance, and community engagement. Since its founding, LWAC has provided diverse programming that serves artists of all ages, while striving to ensure that art remains an integral part of the community’s cultural landscape.

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