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Monday, June 16, 2025

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

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

A Father Gone, But Not Forgotton

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I have always been a daddy’s girl.

My dad, whom I called Papi from the day of my first utterances, was 51 when I was born. As his only child, and born later in his life than he probably expected, I was almost predestined to be daddy’s littie princess. My earliest recollection of him is from when I was about two; I was sick and couldn’t sleep, and he carried me around on his shoulders in the darkness of the bedroom, singing me back to dreamland. I remember feeling relaxed. It’s comforting now to think back to memories like that now that he’s gone.

Papi was strict with me in a protective sense, It’s late, young lady; why aren’t you in bed? Who are you talking to on the phone? What kind of music is that on the radio? You’re NOT leaving the house wearing that. Growing up in a house full of extended family, I always had to account for everything. Despite the painful arguments of my teenage years, when countless fathers and daughters spend years arguing about short skirts and boys, I really never wanted to fight with my dad. We did anyway, as is the way of things, but it was mostly because we were so alike. Hard-headedness was a shared trait. A stubbornness to do what he thought was best. despite the opinion of others, often created an argument when our opinions differed. The fact that my parent’s ages spread them apart by two decades, and my father and I by three decades more, surely added to the unique dynamic.

Poor Mami was stuck with the two of us, and Papi and loved all the things she didn’t; tent camping in the rain, summer vacations in the remote wilderness of northern Quebec, and all things related to dirt. I was definitely not a girly girl, preferring to dig in the tight space between the garage and the fence for treasures, “saving” baby birds from the neighborhood cats, building deep igloos out of frosty snow in the bitter Northeast winters, and jumping into gigantic piles of fall leaves in front of our house in New York In some way, Papi was a part of all of it, or at least turned a blind eye to the mess it sometimes created.

I always felt the desire to help him with any task I could, such as when he would change the oil on our 1970s Jeep Grand Wagoneer. I’d stand in the grass beside him, and he’d “teach me” about cars, the way he would have if he’d been blessed with a son. I would hand him tools and rags, followed by bandages when hed inadvertently cut himself on a sharp piece of metal. I’d also hand him books with engine diagrams; sometimes there were extra parts at the end of some projects that would ultimately require a call for our local mechanic to give us a tow to the local garage for fixing what Papi broke. Anyway, he always meant well.

As I got older, we argued a little more, and by the time I left for college in Florida, our relationship was a little strained. Papi rarely told me he loved me, preferring to show how he felt through actions, not words. Being away from home for the first time made it difficult for him to do that, but he found ways. Every week i’d receive a care package, one that I could tell he packed from all the newspaper, bubble wrap and duct tape that surrounded each individual can of Chef Boyardee and package of macaroni and cheese. It took hours to open one of his boxes. The box was addressed in his beautiful script, which I am sorry to say that I did not inherit. I should mention that the box was nearly impossible to either pick up or open, because he would pack it to capacity with cans (I’m sure he didn’t want me to starve in college). He must have used about three rolls of duct tape to seal each care package, lest any rainwater, or daylight, seep in. I loved every box he sent.

Perhaps the best mail I received was a single card, received near the end of my freshman year. It was a Blue Mountain card, seeping with talk of love and pride for a daughter. But better still, hed written me a personal message, unlike any that I had received before or since, and I remember how I teared up when I read it. Not because it made me sad, but because I knew how hard it must have been for him to reveal that depth of emotion. We never spoke of it, and I saved that card and have it to this day.

As his health declined in later years, he grew weaker and more fragile, crankier and more set in his routine. But the sight of a doughnut and a cup of coffee, his secret downfall, always brought a smile to his face. As did a snuggle from the cat, who he cuddled with in bed until the day he fell and broke his hip.

My father spent his last Father’s Day in the hospital, recovering from hip surgery in 2006 at the age of 85. I was there, as I was on every previous Father’s Day with few exceptions. Papi had worked hard all his life; he had a tough childhood, lost his own father as an infant, was a veteran of WWiI, and worked hard to provide for the family, including a private-school education for his only daughter. I appreciate all that Papi and Mami did for me; often when you’re older you gain the perspective to understand the sacrifices they made.

Papi lived another three months after the surgery, and was able to leave hospice once when he started to improve. The second decline was one that forced upon him a battle that he was too weak to fight. I spent many of those last days at his bedside after work, talking to him and hoping that he could hear me tell him how much | loved him. One Monday morning, the call came for me to “hurry and come quickly,” but I regretfully arrived moments too late. After 85 years, he was at rest, and I took comfort in all he did to contribute to my life. His funeral was as he wanted it; PFC Guillermo A. Santiago, so proud in life for serving in the United States Army in WWiI, was buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

My father still affects me today, even in his absence. The bottle of cologne that we gave him on that last Father’s Day sits in my bathroom, unused, but reminds me how much you love to use the stuff. On cool mornings, I wear his trusted plaid flannel shirts, that he’d always tell me would help me not to catch a cold. Children can learn from their fathers, even when they have passed on, if they keep paying attention. A father’s love for his daughter, can transcend even death, and carries the idea of family forward in his physical absence. As much as we clashed, we also loved. Papi wasn’t perfect by any means, but he was, and always will be, my dad, my father and my teacher. Father’s Day remains a day to celebrate that, and nothing can never take that away.

Tense Standoff in Lake Wales Ends in Arrest After Shots Fired at Birthday Celebration

LAKE WALES – What began as a celebration turned into a tense law enforcement situation on Saturday night, June 14, when Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of gunfire at a residence on Tiger Lake Road near Lake Wales.

Deputies were called to the scene around 8:00 p.m. after a man reportedly became upset and began firing rounds into the ground during the gathering.

The suspect was identified as 42-year-old Jacinto Castillo of Lake Wales. When deputies arrived, they saw Castillo standing on the front porch and ordered him to approach them. Instead, he fled into the home.

Deputies then worked to remove a woman and several children from the house, guiding them to safety while continuing to attempt de-escalation with Castillo. After a period of noncompliance, Castillo ultimately surrendered without further incident.

Authorities recovered a handgun and an AR-15 rifle from the residence.

Castillo was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. He faces multiple charges including:

Improper Exhibition of a Firearm Culpable Negligence Exposing Others to Harm Resisting Without Violence (two counts)

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not reported any injuries stemming from the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

In Loving Memory of Andy Lee Morningstar, 71, of Lake Wales

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Andy Lee Morningstar, 71

Andy Morningstar of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital. 

Andy was born on October 24, 1953, in Muskegon, Michigan to Harold Morningstar and Evelyn Johnson. Andy was a retired body repair mechanic and was of the Baptist faith.

Andy is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Evelyn Morningstar; son, Anson Lee, Jr.; and sister, Christina. He is survived by his daughter, Julie McKay of Muskegon, Michigan; sons, Michael Smith of Tampa, and Alan Morningstar of Tampa; brothers, Russell Morningstar and wife Nancy Whitehall, Michigan, and Frank Morningstar of Whitehall, Michigan; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Services will be held at a later date in White Hall, Michigan. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

June 14 is Flag Day: What Does That Mean?

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Poster commemorating the 140th Flag Day on June 14, 1917. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

According to Wikipedia, “Flag Day is a holiday celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.[1] The Flag Resolution stated ‘That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.’ [2][3]

“Flag Day was first proposed in 1861 to rally support for the Union side of the American Civil War. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilsonissued a presidential proclamation that designated June 14 as Flag Day.[4] On August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was officially established by an Act of Congress.[5] On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale.[1] New York Consolidated Laws designate the second Sunday in June as Flag Day, a state holiday.[6]

“Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. Federal law leaves it to the discretion of the president to officially proclaim the observance. Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, Chapter 1, Section 110[7] is the official statute on Flag Day. The United States Army also celebrates its birthday on this date.[8][9]

In Loving Memory of William Francis Norton, 90, of Lake Wales

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William Francis Norton, 90

William Francis Norton of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at AdventHealth Lake Wales under the care of Vitas Hospice.

He was born November 19, 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late John and Nora Norton; he moved to Lake Wales from Pembroke, Massachusetts in 2006. William served with the United States Air Force from 1952 until 1958 and served with the Air Force Reserves. He volunteered with the Sheriff’s Department and was a member of the Neighborhood watch at Carlsberg Estates. William was of the Catholic faith. He was an outdoorsman who especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bird watching. In his free time William would take photographs, listen to music, and cook.

William was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Norton. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Renee Norton; nieces; and nephews.

No services are being held at this time. 

Second Lake Wales Aldi Planning Opening Date in Late June

Photo credit: Aldi US

According to their website, Aldi’s new location at the former site of Winn-Dixie is just about ready for business.

Get a Sneak Peek of the new Aldi store beginning on June 25. You will be able to shop the store and find all your favorite products.

The grand opening is right around the corner. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is planned for June 26th at 8:45 a.m. The ceremony will take place about 30 minutes before the store opens. Customers will be allowed to enter the store immediately following the ceremony.

Don’t forget your quarter!

Update Regarding Lake Wales Fatal Stabbing – Preliminarily Appears To Be Self Defense

Press Release Lake Wales Police

Lake Wales, FL — The Lake Wales Police Department is continuing its investigation into the stabbing incident that occurred on June 12, 2025, at the 100 block of West Sessoms Avenue. The case remains active and ongoing; however, preliminary findings have provided additional insight into the circumstances surrounding the event. 

Detectives have determined that the individuals involved had been in a long-term relationship for approximately ten years. Around 4:45 p.m., a domestic confrontation began during which the suspect allegedly struck the victim in the face. 

The victim retreated into her residence to call 911 but discovered her phone was dead and she placed her phone on charge at this time. The victim believed the suspect was no longer in the area and she needed to retrieve personal belongings from her vehicle. Due to the previous actions of the suspect, she armed herself with a kitchen knife, in fear for her life, and walked to her vehicle. According to investigators, the suspect approached her and struck her over the head with a machete at which point she used the knife to defend herself, fatally injuring him and subsequently dropping the weapon. 

The suspect then armed himself with the same knife and stabbed her in the back, leaving the weapon lodged in her, before collapsing. The suspect was found unresponsive in the courtyard of the apartment complex and later pronounced deceased. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she is being treated for her injuries and is currently in stable condition. 

Lake Wales Detectives have been in communication with the State Attorney’s Office throughout this investigation. Based on the evidence obtained so far, no criminal charges are anticipated at this time. The incident appears to be a case of self-defense. Due to Marsy’s law, the names of the persons involved cannot be released.  

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Lake Wales Police Department. This remains an active investigation. If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact Lake Wales Police at 863-678-4223. If you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers, you can call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) or from your cell phone, dial **TIPS. You can also visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit a Tip”, or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet to submit a tip.

Previously Article Here: Lake Wales Police Department Investigating This Afternoon’s Fatal Stabbing

Local Church Serves Up “God Dogs” on Fridays To Anyone In Need

Blessing people in the community is what they do. And on Fridays, they have a special way to do this.

Today, June 13, just like many other Fridays throughout the year, members of the Up at the Cross Church, located at 318 S. Scenic Hwy. in Lake Wales, are offering “God Dogs”; anyone who comes up to their tent is welcome to a hotdog, bag of chips, a drink, and a homemade brownie at no cost.

The church just wants to provide sustenance and care to anyone who needs it.

John Chappel, who runs the Christians 4 Christ store beside the church, shows me the homemade brownies, while he sits chatting with fellow church members awaiting to serve.

“We are here for the community”, says Chappel.

The God Dog station is set up every Friday starting at 11 o’clock directly across the street from the depot museum in the church parking lot. They will remain until they run out.

In Loving Memory of Archie Edward Jones, 78

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Archie Edward Jones of Frostproof passed away Monday, June 9, 2025 at AdventHealth Sebring.

He was born July 1, 1946 in Chadbourn, North Carolina to the late George and Letsie Jones; he moved to Frostproof over 55 years ago. Archie was a ranch hand for Latt Maxy. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and working on his hot rods.

Archie was preceded in death by his son, Dwayne Jones. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Sizemore and husband Shane of Sebring; son, Darrell Jones of Frostproof; sisters, Laney Marie Chavis of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Doris Dudley and husband Charles of Fayetteville, North Carolina; brother, Rodney Strickland of Fayetteville, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof with Rev. Rodney Strickland officiating.

LWPD Investigating this Afternoon’s Fatal Stabbing

*** Update Here: Update Regarding Lake Wales Fatal Stabbing – Preliminarily Appears To Be Self Defense

The following press release from Lake Wales Police Department was obtained by Lake Wales Daily after an incident today has reportedly resulted in a fatality:

Lake Wales, FL — The Lake Wales Police Department is currently investigating a fatal stabbing incident that occurred earlier today at 108 West Sessoms Avenue. 

At approximately 4:46 P.M., officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the location. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals with apparent stab wounds. One person involved was pronounced deceased. The second person was airlifted to an area hospital for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown. 

This information is preliminary, and detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this time, there is no threat to the public. 

Further updates will be provided as the investigation develops. 

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Lake Wales Police Department. This remains an active investigation. If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact Lake Wales Police at 863-678-4223. If you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers, you can call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) or from your cell phone, dial **TIPS. You can also visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit a Tip”, or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet to submit a tip.