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

FWC: What to Know About Local Wildlife in Spring

Outdoors

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April 12, 2025

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FWC: What to Know About Local Wildlife in Spring

An important reminder from MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife about the spring patterns of our local native wildlife species:

Warmer weather = active animals. Spring is here and wildlife species across the state have taken note! What can you expect?

Baby animals: They’re everywhere this time of year – so cute! But if you find a baby animal on its own, don’t assume it needs help. Young animals are rarely orphaned & a parent may be nearby searching for food. 🐾

Injured wildlife: If you suspect the animal might be injured or orphaned, you can report it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Click the link to find one near you! https://bit.ly/licwildliferehab 🤕

Bears: These guys are getting more active, with moms teaching cubs how to find food. Help momma bears give cubs a proper education by not enticing them to your yard with inappropriate food sources, such as garbage, pet food, bird seed or similar items. 🐻

Gopher tortoises: Our only native torts are on the move, looking for food and love (aren’t we all?). It’s best to leave these guys alone but you can help them cross the road, as long as you don’t endanger yourself and only move them out of the road in the direction they were headed. 🐢

Snakes: Snakes love spring! Warm days bring out our native slithery friends, so if you see one, just give it plenty of space. They don’t mean to scare you… really. 😁 🐍

Bats: Maternity season for bats runs from April 16 to Aug. 14 – got bats in your belfry? Now is the time to check! 🦇

Nesting waterbirds: You can help protect these birds by keeping your distance while on the water. If birds appear agitated or abandon their nests, it means you’re too close. 🦅

Raptors: Hawks, owls and other birds of prey are nesting right now. They can be overly protective parents (you know the type!), sometimes dive-bombing perceived threats – which can mean you, your family, and pets. 🦉

Wildlife and roads: Humans aren’t the only ones using roadways! With increased wildlife activity, keep an eye out for animals crossing roads, including larger species such as Florida panthers, bears and deer.

Slowing down and obeying all posted speed limits, particularly in panther zones and areas with road signage identifying known wildlife crossings, helps keep you, other motorists and Florida’s wildlife safe. 🛣️

Red Flag Warning Issued for Polk County: What Residents Need to Know

carl

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April 12, 2025

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Red Flag Warning Issued for Polk County: What Residents Need to Know

Today, Polk County, including Lake Wales, is under a Red Flag Warning from noon until 8 PM, signaling critical fire weather conditions. This warning, issued by the National Weather Service, highlights the heightened risk of wildfires due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid any activities that could ignite a fire. (Link: National Weather Service)

What Is a Red Flag Warning?

A Red Flag Warning is issued when weather conditions are ideal for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. Factors such as strong winds, low moisture in the air, and dry vegetation create an environment where fires can start easily and spread quickly.

Safety Tips for Residents

Avoid Outdoor Burning: With the increased fire risk, refrain from any outdoor burning, including campfires and debris burning.

Dispose of Cigarettes Properly: Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal.

Be Cautious with Equipment: When using equipment that could create sparks, such as lawnmowers or chainsaws, be sure they didn’t ignite a tiny fire that grow into a large one.

By staying informed and cautious, residents can help prevent wildfires and keep their communities safe.

In Loving Memory of Donald Gene Harvard, 90, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci

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April 11, 2025

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Donald Gene Harvard, 90

Donald Gene Harvard of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.

He was born January 1, 1935 in Winter Haven to the late Burl and Lyda Harvard; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. In his early years, Donald worked with his father at Burl Harvard’s Builders. He was the owner of Harvard’s Groceries in the early 70’s and was a refrigeration technician for Florida’s Natural before retiring after 40 years.

Donald was preceded in death by his son, Greg Harvard; sister, Geralean Simpson; and sister-in-law, Linda Harvard. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara Harvard; son, Brent Harvard and wife Kristen of Lake Wales; sister, Genetha Kirkland and husband Paul of Cleveland, Tennessee, Judy McKibbin and husband David of Ocala; brother, Dr. Ronald Harvard of Cleveland, Tennessee; granddaughter, Nicole Teigeiro of Deerfield, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Walter Nelson officiating.

“He Asked For It; and He Got It:” PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd Provides Preliminary Details on Officer-Related Shooting

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Maria Iannucci

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April 11, 2025

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“He Asked For It; and He Got It:” PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd Provides Preliminary Details on Officer-Related Shooting

Sheriff Grady Judd from Polk County Sheriff’s Office at a press conference Regarding an officer-related, shooting on Masterpiece Road in Lake Wales on April 11, 2025

At a press conference held this afternoon, Friday, April 11, 2025, near Masterpiece Road in Lake Wales, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has offered some preliminary details regarding an officer-related shooting in a residential area, resulting in a man’s death.

Judd says that the shooting occurred around 1 PM this afternoon. He stresses that the information provided at this time “is subject to modification as the investigation goes on. This is preliminary information, but as is my policy, we release to the community, and tell them what we’re doing as quickly as we can. Sometimes the information we release has to be modified…so if I say something now, that’s not the final analysis; that’s the first analysis.”

PSCO received a call at around 12:52 this afternoon about a suspicious person that had wandered into a man’s garage.

“He asked for a gun and said he wanted to be shot and killed,” Judd says. The 78-year-old owner of the home told him to get out of his garage. The suspect it said to have left after some time without injuring the witness, and headed to a neighboring home, stating to a woman at this second property that he wanted to be killed. The suspect ultimately left this property as well, and at least one of the witnesses called 911 to report what had occurred.

At this point, “Our witness has called the Sheriff’s Office, dialed 911, and said ‘we got a guy here that some drugs or something.’” Judd goes on to say that at that time, they were aware that the suspect has committed at least two armed burglaries because he was in possession of a knife.

The first deputy arrives a short time later, and the suspect is described to begin acting in a threatening manner to the deputy.

When the deputy arrives, Judd says, the “suspect starts walking toward her and pulls an knife from his pocket and threatens her and is telling her to kill him; she is trying to de-escalate him. She is backing away and trying to put the patrol car between her and him and telling him to put the knife down.”

The deputy is said to have called for backup while attempting to deescalate the situation.

“Back up arrives just a few seconds later, our backup deputy gets out, and once again tells the guy to put the knife down,” Judd says.

When the back up deputy arrived, the suspect is said to have turned his attention to him, advancing a threat upon him, while being told to stop advancing.

“Our deputy shot multiple times and our suspect fell in the middle of Masterpiece Road,” Judd says. “EMS and Fire obviously were immediately notified to respond. We started life-saving measures, but his life could not be saved.

“There’s an investigation underway by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Task Force, and that information will be ultimately sent to our state attorney Brian Haas, but I can tell you this – this man is dangerous. He presented himself as dangerous And he asked to be shot. He demanded to be shot and then he forced us to shoot him, so we obliged. He asked for it, and he got it.

“Our deputies were in a position of grave danger and risk, and they protected themselves,” says Judd.

The deputy that arrived as back up, was identified as the deputy who shot the suspect. Only one deputy is said to have fired upon the suspect, according to Judd.

The preliminary investigation also uncovered that the suspect had allegedly committed a third home invasion the night before, but that incident was not initially reported to law-enforcement.

The suspect, whose name will not be released until next of kin, notification has been made, is said to be a heavyset, white male, approximately 43 years old, from the Gainesville area. He is said to have been in the area for approximately two weeks. The suspect is said to have a criminal history indicating multiple arrests involving methamphetamines.

“This is the early stages of the investigation,’ Judd says. “We have to sort all that out…for whatever reason last night he began a spree of breaking into three homes while the people were there and at least two of them told us that he demanded to be killed.”

It is unknown at this time how many shots were fired. Forensics will confirm that information at a later time.

“Our forensic team is working on that and we will be able to release that,” says Judd. “I can tell you, it’s multiple times, and he was shot enough to stop the threat, which is exactly what our deputy should’ve done.”

In Loving Memory of Paul Picard, 88, of Indian Lake Estates

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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April 10, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Paul Picard, 88, of Indian Lake Estates

Paul Pickard, 88

Paul Pickard of Indian Lake Estates passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2025 at his residence.

He was born February 13, 1937 in Waynedale, Indiana to the late Clem and Esther Pickard; he moved to Indian Lake Estates from Fort Wayne in 1985. Paul was a retired factory worker for International Harvest Corporation and served with the United Stated Army during the Vietnam war. He attended First Baptist Church of Indian Lake Estates and Shady Hammock Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, working in the yard, and watching the stock market. He loved to watch sports, especially basketball where he would always root for the Duke Blue Devils.

Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou Rupert; and brother, Richard Pickard. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen F. Pickard; son, Timothy Pickard of Davenport; daughter, Tamela Lawson and husband Donald of Versailles, Kentucky; and grandchildren, Ryan, Emily, and Matthew.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday April 12, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Indian Lake Estates. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be send to Vitas Hospice (115 South Missouri Avenue, Suite 350, Lakeland, Florida 33815).

In Loving Memory of Patricia “Patsy” Martin, 70, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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April 10, 2025

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Patricia “Patsy” Martin, 70

Patricia “Patsy” Martin of Lake Wales passed away Monday, April 7, 2025 at Charming Lakes Rehabilitation Center in Lakeland.

She was born November 28, 1954 in Lake Wales to the late Gayln and Marietta Martin; she has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. Patsy was an educator for the Polk County School System for 41 years before retiring. She graduated from the University of Florida and was a big fan of the Florida Gators. She was a Disney fanatic and was known as a jokester. Patsy was an extremely independent person who enjoyed travel, especially to North Carolina in the summers. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Gayln and Marietta Martin; sister, Charlotte Weis; and brother, Steve Martin. She is survived by her brother, Bobby Martin and wife Cyndi of Lake Wales; nieces, Pat Nepute and husband Tom of Lake Wales, Susie Johnson and husband Shawn of Live Oak, Dee Bryant and husband Chris of Tampa, Lacy Martin of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; nephew, Skyler Martin of Lake Wales; great-nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Katie, Drew, Julie, Rebekah, Bella, and Hudson.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Rev. Callie C. Weber officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Cemetery.

The Lake Wales Police Department Is Conducting An Investigation Into A School Resource Officer at Bok Academy North in Lake Wales.

Lake Wales

carl

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April 10, 2025

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The Lake Wales Police Department Is Conducting An Investigation Into A School Resource Officer at Bok Academy North in Lake Wales.

Lieutenant Dale Hampton at LWPD has confirmed that a school resource officer at Bok Academy North has been removed from their duties at the school pending an internal investigation. Due to protections in the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights, the cause of the investigation has not been confirmed and the identity of the officer has not been released (Police Officers Bill of Rights).

According to Hampton, Bok Academy North in Lake Wales has been given a replacement resource officer for the course of this investigation. Bok Academy North is a Lake Wales Charter School.

The implementation of School Resource Officers (SROs) in Lake Wales, Florida, began in 2004 through a collaboration between the Lake Wales Police Department and the Lake Wales Charter School system. This partnership aimed to enhance the safety of students and staff at Lake Wales High School by assigning dedicated police officers to the campus.

The primary purpose of introducing SROs is to ensure a secure learning environment. Officers assigned to schools are responsible for maintaining safety, mentoring students, and addressing issues such as drug prevention, gang activity, truancy, and bullying. Their presence allows for immediate response to incidents and fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and the student body.

Copy of the Lake Wales Police Department & City of Lake Wales RSO Agreement: Agreement

In Loving Memory of Maureen Helen Thurston, 85, of Nalcrest

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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April 10, 2025

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In Loving Memory of Maureen Helen Thurston, 85, of Nalcrest

Maureen Helen Thurston, beloved wife, mom, nana, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the age of 85.

Maureen was a self-proclaimed snowbird who shared the past 24 winters in Nalcrest, Florida with her husband, Paul, and enjoyed the warmer months at their beautiful home in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Born on September 19, 1939 in Boston to the late Herman and Helen Schreffler, Maureen was known for her warmth and kindness to others. She found joy in sculpting her outdoor living spaces, trimming grass, pulling weeds, planting flowers, spreading mulch, and forever straitening cobble stones. She was a dedicated mom to her two sons and caregiver to a host of neighborhood children. She served the Plymouth community as a teller for the Mayflower Bank, was an active member of American Legion Post 40, Past Commander of the DAV Auxiliary Chapter 72, and enjoyed outings with her cherished Red Hat Society. She was a member of Saint Peters Catholic Church and taught faith formation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Maureen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Paul William Thurston; sons, Paul William Thurston, Jr. and wife Tracy of Greenwich, New York, Michael Thurston and wife Anne of Bel Air, Maryland; sisters, Kathleen Turgeon and husband Richard of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, Arleen Parker and husband Danny of Fort Myers, Lorraine Callahan and husband Dan of Norton, Massachusetts; eight grandchildren, Paul III, Andrew, Alex, Sam, Megan, Rebecca, Emma, and Joseph; and one great-grandchild, Fiver.

A celebration of life will be held at the Nalcrest Community Center on Saturday April 11, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. A second celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts and inurnment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

LWHS Students Sign Football Letters of Intent With Colleges Around the Country

Maria Iannucci

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April 9, 2025

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LWHS Students Sign Football Letters of Intent With Colleges Around the Country

This morning, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, four seniors from Lake Wales High School made big commitments to both their sports and educational futures.

LWHS football players Amanuel Tarver, Jayden Johnson, Russell Watts, and Jeremiah Telot, each signed a letter of intent for their colleges of choice in a ceremony at the high school gym.

Amanuel Tarver at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Tarver, #7, cornerback for LWHS, has signed with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Oklahoma.

Jayden Johnson at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Johnson, #3, who plays free safety, slotback, and running back positions, is the son of LWHS head varsity football coach Tavaris Johnson. Jayden has signed with Warner University in Lake Wales.

Russell Watts at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Watts, #57, team captain who plays center and defensive end, has signed with Samford University in Alabama.

Jeremiah Telot at the LWHS signing event. Credit: Maria Iannucci

Telot, #28, who plays defensive end, has also signed with Warner University in Lake Wales.

Parents, friends, and family were in attendance to mark the occasion.

In Loving Memory of Lois Curtis, 100, of Lake Wales

Obituaries

Maria Iannucci

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April 8, 2025

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Lois Curtis, 100

Lois Curtis of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Winter Haven Hospital.

She was born September 5, 1924 in Rhode Island to the late Fred and Emma Nadon; she moved to Lake Wales from Connecticut in 1962. Lois was the first registered nurse for the Vanguard School and worked there until her retirement. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales. Lois loved animals and always had a pet. She had a wonderful personality and was a very upbeat person. Her family loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed.

Lois was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Hendrickson; second husband, Daniel Curtis; eight siblings; stepdaughters, Paula Morley and Patti Starr; and grandchild, Jennifer Hiers. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Story and husband Vic of Lake Wales, Jeanie Takacs Johnson and husband Carl of Winter Haven; step-daughters, Peggy Fleckenstein and husband Scott, Barbie Chandley and husband Curtis, Beth Collins and husband David; grandchildren, Michelle Geric, Jeff Story, Matt Story, Justin Takacs, Kyle Story; and numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 11, 2025 at Lake Wales Cemetery with Rev. Mackay Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor can be sent to the Humane Society (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/memoria/) or the Lake Wales Care Center (140 E Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853 or https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/).

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