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

LWPD: Local Scams are on the Rise; How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

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April 17, 2025

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LWPD: Local Scams are on the Rise; How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The Lake Wales Police Department has received multiple inquiries recently, regarding several scams that are circulating in the Lake Wales area. Here are a few facts to consider with regard to identifying potential scams:

If you receive an unsolicited call from an unknown party, never give out any personal or financial information, including social security, bank account, or credit card numbers.
A legitimate organization will never ask for a gift card as payment.
No legitimate financial institution will ever ask you to withdraw cash and ask to meet you in a parking lot.
Legitimate organizations will never request that you withdraw cash and send it to them in an Uber, Lyft, or other ride share vehicle.
No law enforcement agency will ever call you to request a cash payment to cancel an arrest warrant.
If you receive a call that sounds suspicious, ask for their contact information and the name of their company before hanging up; this may be helpful to law enforcement later if it ends up being reported.

In Loving Memory of Linda Willis Justice, 81, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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April 17, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Linda Willis Justice, 81, of Lake Wales

Linda Justice of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

She was born June 28, 1943 in Tampa to the late Homer and Pauline Willis; she has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. Linda graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1961 and retired from Peterson & Myers Law Office as a receptionist after 26 years. She enjoyed being outdoors, riding ATV’s, hunting, and being around horses. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Linda was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Bolden. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Charles “CJ” Justice; son, Bill Bolden of Lake Wales; brother, Homer Willis and wife Linda of Saint Cloud; grandchildren, Jessica, Bobby, Jared, Ciara; and greatgrandchildren, Kiley, Kendal, Kenna, Jared, and Weston.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the celebration of life at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 21, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Cemetery. A reception will be held at the family residence after the interment.

Lake Wales High School Students Safe Amid Active Shooter Incident at Florida State University

Lake Wales

carl

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April 17, 2025

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Lake Wales High School Students Safe Amid Active Shooter Incident at Florida State University

By Carl — April 17, 2025

LAKE WALES, Fla. — Four students from Lake Wales High School and Coach Johnson, who were in Tallahassee today for a campus tour of Florida State University, are confirmed safe following an active shooter situation that unfolded on the FSU campus shortly after noon.

According to Jamie Ramos, the principal’s secretary at Lake Wales High School, Coach Johnson has personally communicated with the school, confirming that he and the students are unharmed and accounted for. Parents of the students were also contacted directly to reassure them of their children’s safety.

The Lake Wales group was visiting the university as part of a planned college tour — one that quickly took a terrifying turn as reports of gunfire near FSU’s Student Union triggered a campus-wide lockdown.

Authorities say at least four people have been hospitalized following the shooting, which was first reported around 12:01 p.m. Florida State University issued an emergency alert urging students and staff to seek immediate shelter, stay away from windows and doors, and await further instructions. Police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded quickly, and the situation remains active as of Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses told WCTV that a man with a handgun exited the Student Union building and fired 15 to 20 shots, causing chaos as students fled to nearby buildings — including a church across the street — to seek refuge.

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital confirmed it is treating four individuals in connection with the incident. As of this writing, the identities and conditions of those injured have not been released.

All FSU classes and events scheduled for Thursday have been canceled, and several Leon County schools were placed under lockout procedures as a precaution.

Though the situation in Tallahassee remains fluid, we are thankful Lake Wales students are safe.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.

Family Fun Planned at Lake Kissimmee State Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 19

Maria Iannucci

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April 17, 2025

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Family Fun Planned at Lake Kissimmee State Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 19

Photo credit: Lake Kissimmee State Park Facebook page

LAKE KISSIMMEE, FL — Families are invited to celebrate the season at Lake Kissimmee State Park’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, promising a day of fun, games, and sweet surprises.

Children ages 2 to 12 are welcome to participate in the event, which features more than 1,500 hidden eggs hidden. Participants should bring their own baskets and arrive early to enjoy a variety of carnival games.

The hunt will be divided into three age groups: 2–4 years, 5–8 years, and 9–12 years. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each group, adding a competitive twist to the family-friendly festivities.

Organizers encourage families to come out and enjoy the springtime tradition in the scenic setting of one of Florida’s beloved state parks.

Regular emission applies. For more information, visitors can contact Lake Kissimmee State Park, 14248 Camp Mack Rd., Lake Wales.

Lake Kissimmee State Park

In Loving Memory of Lee Allen Bryan, 83

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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April 16, 2025

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Lee Allen Bryan of Winter Haven, Florida was fully healed by God by joining with Him on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at his residence.

He was born November 8, 1941 in McComb, Ohio to the late Clyde and Maxine Bryan; he moved to Winter Haven from Bluffton, Ohio in July of 2004. Lee was a retired tire sales representative and was a member of Heartland Church in Winter Haven. He was a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lee was a wonderful tennis player. He enjoyed doing anything out doors, especially shooting skeet, hiking, boating, and going on cruises. During his younger years, he raced stock cars and drove an ambulance. Lee loved Jesus and was a dedicated family man.

Strong, confident, hardworking, and loving barely scratch the surface to the depth of character of Lee. Lee loved his wife, Donna, fervently and faithfully. Lovingly called Paw Paw, he enjoyed coffee ice cream shakes while watching a horse opera with Suzi and/or Evelynne snuggled in his lap, with one of his kitty’s on his chest, while working on a jigsaw puzzle. He built three homes for his family and was the man who knew how to fix and build anything! He set the example to his family to love Jesus and faithfully read His word. Lee was trustworthy, reliable, meticulously organized with spreadsheets and everything else filed and alphabetized, dependable and loved deeply by his family and friends. Lee was a 24 year cancer survivor and we thank God we were blessed with him and encouraged by his ability to overcome every challenge he faced. We were blessed to have him and thankful he is now rejoicing in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Lee was preceded in death by his daughter, Leanne Eileen Bryan; sons, Tony Bryan and Cristopher Bryan; sister, Annamae Bryan; and cats, George, Tink, and Baby. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna E. Bryan; daughter, Lindsay Ratliff with husband Timothy Ratliff of Lake Wales, Florida; grandchildren: Cohen, Lucille, Evelynne, Brahm, Suzette, Cale, and Rebekah; five great-grandchildren; and cats: Mia, Figaro, and Sissy.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the celebration of life at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales, Florida.

Additional Details on Friday’s Ribbon Cutting of Albert Kirkland Gymnasium by Walter Clayton Jr.

Maria Iannucci

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April 16, 2025

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Additional Details on Friday’s Ribbon Cutting of Albert Kirkland Gymnasium by Walter Clayton Jr.

CITY OF LAKE WALES – Famed University of Florida basketball player, Walter Clayton Jr. is scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Albert Kirkland Gymnasium in Lake Wales on Friday, April 18 at 5:15 p.m.

A small motorcade will begin at the corner of Kissimmee Avenue and 4th Street at 5:00 p.m. and travel to the gymnasium. Citizens are encouraged to line the streets and follow the motorcade.

“It is exciting to see a hometown hero return to the gym he played in for years,” Stephanie Lutton, director of parks and recreation said.

More than 13,000 square feet of surface area in the gymnasium was restored to be more durable. It accommodates various types of athletic sports, such as basketball, volleyball and pickleball.

“Many generations of our citizens have frequented the facility, since it was built in the 1930s,” Lutton added. “We want it to be known as a safe space for the youth to play sports and engage with one another.”

Following the motorcade, citizens and the media are invited inside the gymnasium to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:20 p.m. A brief press conference will be held for questions by the media.

Due to time constraints, Clayton Jr. will depart the event following the press conference. Autographs will not be permitted.

Following the ceremony, staff in the parks and recreation department invite citizens to stay at the gymnasium and continue the celebration. Music and outdoor activities will be on site.

Press release provided by the City of Lake Wales.

“Bullseye! Bok Academy-South Wins Big at Florida State NASP Archery Tournament — First-Ever State Title Secured”

Kip

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April 16, 2025

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On Saturday April 12, 2025 NASP (National Archery In the School Program) and FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife) hosted the 2025 NASP Florida State Archery Tournament at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center in Gainesville, FL. This tournament consisted of K-12 Public Private, and Home-Schooled Schools across Florida. There were over 700 archers from 4th through 12th grade from 35 different schools.

Background on NASP

What is NASP®

NASP® is an activity that doesn’t discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability.

It’s a different kind of team sport. It’s open to any student. Its biggest supporters are professional educators. Teams come together around one thing: Archery.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is an in-school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 4th – 12th. And through it, students are learning focus, self-control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life.

School’s Journey

Last year Edward W. Bok Academy- South from Lake Wales, FL finished in seventh place. In previous years we have bounced around 4th and 5th place.

This year Edward W. Bok Academy- South came to win and that is what they did! The team finished in 1st place for the first time in team history. This finally brings the trophy back home to Central Florida since 2018.

The Coaches and Parents are all very proud of the archers for the hard work and dedication they put in to make this happen. We look forward to competing in the National Championships in Louisville, KY in May.

Side Note:

Bok Academy also place 3rd Place in 2025 Florida State IBO 3D (Animal Targets) Tournament

Edward W. Bok Academy- South Website: https://www.bokacademy.org/ NASP Program: https://www.naspschools.org/

NASP Bullseye Tournament Results: https://nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=13259

NASP IBO Tournament Results: https://nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=13266

City of Lake Wales Approves Settlement Agreement Regaining Ownership of Dixie Walesbilt Hotel

Maria Iannucci

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April 16, 2025

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City of Lake Wales Approves Settlement Agreement Regaining Ownership of Dixie Walesbilt Hotel

by James Coulter

The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel will be returned to the City of Lake Wales now that city commissioners have approved a settlement agreement with the hotel’s current owner.

At their meeting on Tues. Apr. 15, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement that would allow the city to regain ownership of the historic building located in Downtown Lake Wales.

Now that the agreement has been approved, the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel will be returned to the City within 30 days via a Special Warranty Deed. In exchange, the City will pay $450,000 to the hotel’s current owner, Dixie-Walesbilt LLC.

Located at 115 N 1st Street, the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel was built in 1926. The 10-story skyscraper served as a resort until its closing in 1995. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

The City had initially entered into a redevelopment agreement with Ray Brown, president of Dixie Walesbilt LLC, on Feb. 10, 2010. However, on Aug. 2, 2024, the City filed suit against Brown for alleged violations of the agreement. Brown, in turn, filed a countersuit against the city on Sep 13, 2024.

Per the agreement, the city will withdraw its suit against Brown, and Brown, in turn, will withdraw his countersuit against the city.

Commissioner Carol Gillespie commended the negotiators for being able to pull together the settlement agreement.

“At least it will not be torn down,” she said. “I hope that is not one of the alternatives because it is one of the landmarks and attractions for downtown.”

Commissioner Keith Thompson was pleased their negotiations not only resulted in an agreement but also a signed agreement.

“Why are we buying back a hotel that should be ours?” he said. “Well, it is not ours. It belongs to another entity. And this will be the most efficient way to do it.”

Commissioner Thompson expressed his optimism of the city regaining ownership of the historic hotel. He claimed the city was in “a better position” than they were when they turned it over to Brown and Dixie Walesbilt LLC.

“We have every reason to be hopeful,” he said. “We are in a better season than we were in 2010. There was no equity for these improvements, and that put us in a desperate place. But we are in a different place. So I am very encouraged about the future of the hotel.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson likewise commended the legal counsel that allowed them, within the span of a two-hour executive session (or “shade meeting”)mhosted last week, to achieve this settlement, which he considered to be the best decision for Lake Wales.

“We developed the approach that was the right approach that turned out to be successful,” he said. “It was done the right way for the right reason and ended up being the right result.”

Mayor Jack Hilligoss expressed his gratitude that the hotel will be rightfully returned to Lake Wales, as it will help the City “reactivate” the downtown revitalization efforts.

“We should move forward with this because it is the right decision,” he said.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the settlement agreement, and the city commission voted unanimously through a roll call vote.

Local Basketball Star to be Honored with Parade and Ribbon Cutting on April 18

City of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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April 15, 2025

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Local Basketball Star to be Honored with Parade and Ribbon Cutting on April 18

by James Coulter

A basketball player who was raised in Lake Wales will be honored by his hometown with both a parade and a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday.

Lake Wales will welcome back star basketball player Walter Clayton Jr., the point guard for the Florida Gators, with a parade and ribbon cutting ceremony to be hosted on Fri. Apr. 18 from 4 PM – 9 PM.

Walter Clayton Jr. is an American college basketball player for the Florida Gators of the Southeastern Conference. He was born in Sebring, raised in Lake Wales, and graduated from Bartow High School.

As Wikipedia states: “[Clayton] played an instrumental role in getting the Gators to the SEC Tournament Championship for the first time in 10 years and the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 3 years…[he] went on to lead the Gators to the national championship, making a crucial defensive stop causing Houston’s Emanuel Sharp to pump-fake on a potential game-winning three-pointer and lose his dribble.”

For his achievements, Clayton has been named the Most Outstanding Player (MOP), and, as of this year, he was named a consensus first-team All-American.

His hometown welcome event will begin with a parade that will travel from Sunrise Park Apartments to the Kirkland Gym, which will then host a ribbon cutting for its new gymnasium floor.

The City of Lake Wales Recreation had submitted a request to host the event and to close the following roads for the parade route: Old Scenic Hwy., Dr. JA Wiltshire, 4th Street, Seminole and 3rd Street.

The Lake Wales City Commission approved the request, along with the rest of the consent agenda, with a unanimous vote.

Lake Wales Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide Following Alleged DUI Crash

Lake Wales

carl

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April 15, 2025

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Lake Wales Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide Following Alleged DUI Crash

A driver involved in a fatal crash in Winter Haven back in January has been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after test results showed the man was driving under the influence of alcohol.

The crash occurred on State Road 60 at Logistics Parkway at 4:25 am, Saturday, January 25, 2025.

35-year old Orli Dagoberto Argueta Sanchez of Honduras was killed in the head-on crash when his 2004 Nissan Sentra was hit by a 2022 Hyundai Sonata that was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes.

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, detectives from the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit arrested Sergio Nino Ramirez, 27, of Lake Wales, and charged him with DUI Causing Death (F2) and Vehicular Homicide (F2). Ramirez is a US citizen.

“An innocent man was killed in that horrendous crash nearly three months ago, but Sergio Ramirez’s life goes on. My detectives are the best at what they do, and they have built a very strong case that should result in Ramirez getting the justice he deserves.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The detectives had to obtain warrants to get Ramirez’s blood that was taken at the hospital following the crash. The blood was then delivered to the toxicology lab at the University of Florida and tested.

Lab results showed that Ramirez had a blood alcohol content of 0.12 g/100mL at the time that he was admitted at the hospital, after the crash. The legal limit is 0.08 g/100mL.

The detectives also examined the Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) from Ramirez’s car. It showed that there was no braking or other driver input just prior to the collision.

Following his arrest, Ramirez was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and booked-in. He currently has no bond, and will have First Appearance Wednesday.

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