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Wednesday, February 19, 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

City of Lake Wales Considers Raising Minimum Age for Firefighter and Police Pension Plan to 73

by James Coulter

 

Retirees from the Lake Wales police and fire departments will have to turn 73 years old to start receiving benefits if the City of Lake Wales approves a minimum age increase.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales City Commissioners reviewed two ordinances pertaining to the city’s municipal firefighter’s and police officer’s pension plan. Both ordinances would raise the minimum age requirement for retirement benefits from 72 to 73.

These increases are in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec 29, 2022. According to the city agenda memo, this act “provides for an increase in ages for required minimum distributions from qualified plans.”

As the memo states: “For many years, retirees were required to begin receiving benefits once they had retired and reached age 70 ½. The first Secure Act, passed in 2019, raised that age to 72. Section 107 of the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 has further extended the allowable tax deferral by again raising the age by which retired participants must begin to receive benefits.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie inquired whether there was a choice in the matter. Human Resources Director Sandra Davis replied that retirees would have a choice to withdraw until they reach the minimum age requirement. As for the city, he explained, it does not have a choice to increase the age requirement, as it is required through the Act.

 

54th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival Has A Lot To Offer This Weekend, Feb. 21-23

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Make plans to be a part of the Lake Wales Arts Festival this weekend, Friday, Feb. 21 – Sun., Feb. 23, 2025 on the shores of Lake Wailes, 33 N. Lakeshore Blvd.

Kick off the LWAF with Art-B-Que: BBQ, live music, and fun by the Lake. Art-B-Que is an exciting event that combines mouthwatering BBQ, refreshing drinks, and live music, all set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Wailes. It begins at 5:00 p.m., offering an unforgettable evening of food, entertainment, and community spirit.

Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, two beverage tickets, and live music to set the tone for the weekend. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. Bring the whole family—kids 12 and under eat free! Seating is limited, so be sure to grab your tickets in advance as dinner tickets will not be available at the door.
Happy Hour begins at 5:00 p.m, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m., and live music from 7-9 p.m. A cash bar will be available.


This event marks the kick-off to the 54th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, a cherished 54- year tradition celebrating creativity and the arts. With over 60 fine artists and artisans showcasing their original work, the festival is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community.

Visitors can explore the festival grounds, discover one-of-a-kind art pieces, and enjoy the LWAF Tasting Trail, featuring local brews and wines from Florida-area breweries and wineries.

Amelia Updike, a founding member of the Lake Wales Arts Festival, said, “The Lake Wales Arts Festival is a true celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring legacy of the arts in our city. As a longtime member of the Lake Wales Chorale and a cantor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, I have seen firsthand how the arts bring people together, inspire expression, and enrich lives. Supporting the arts has been a passion in my family for generations—beginning with my mother-in-law, Fran Updike, who was not only a talented painter but also a champion for local artists and a driving force behind the founding of the Lake Wales Arts Council. Her dedication to the arts shaped this community, and I am honored to continue that tradition by supporting this incredible festival. I encourage everyone to come experience the beauty, talent, and creativity that make the Lake Wales Arts Festival such a special event!”

The LWAF runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025:

10 AM
Festival Opens
Student Art Show Awards;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

10 AM – 4 PM
Hands-on Art Activities, Polk County Kids Tag Art, & Pottery Tryouts;  Location: Family Art Activity Tent

11 AM – 3 PM
Tasting Trail;  Location: Tasting Trail Tents

12 – 2 PM
Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

2 – 3 PM
Performance: Silver Belles;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

3 – 3:30 PM
Performance: Maribeth Mundell;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

4 PM
Exhibitor Booths Close for the Day

4 PM
Artist Awards & Happy Hour;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025:


10 AM
Festival Opens

10:30 – 11 AM
Performance: Maribeth Mundell;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

11 AM – 3 PM
Tasting Trail;  Location: Tasting Trail Tents

12 – 1 PM
Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

12 – 4 PM
Hands-on Art Activities, Instrument Petting Zoo, & Pottery Tryouts;  Location: Family Art Activity Tent

1 – 2 PM
Performance: Arkansas Trainwreck;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

2 – 3 PM
Performance: Dot Reiser;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

3 – 4 PM
Performance:  Sandy’s Music Girls;  Location: Community Hospitality Tent

4 PM
Festival Closes

Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director, Tommy Frank, says, “The tradition of the Lake Wales Arts Festival signifies this community’s longstanding commitment to creativity and the Arts.  From its humble beginnings in the Publix Southgate shopping center to its sixteen year stretch in downtown Lake Wales to its move to Lake Wailes Park, the festival has evolved to become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike.”

“The Arts Festival maintains a strong commitment to the artist exhibitors who are invited by creating a full weekend festival that entices visitors and patrons to do more than simply look at art.  In the tranquil setting of Lake Wailes Park, patrons can hear great music from local performers, enjoy hands-on art activities for children, sip samples from the Tasting Trail and lounge comfortably while pondering a purchase from an artist.  Oftentimes, giving folks a variety of reasons to stay helps to encourage would-be shoppers into art-loving purchasers, taking their new art piece to their home collection or adding it to the business office.  We’ve even had teachers collect pieces to display in their classrooms for their students to enjoy.”

“Art-B-Que is one of the many events that I love during the Arts Festival weekend.  It brings patrons and artists together who might not get to see each other but once a year.  The barbeque served is always great; this year coming from Blackburns BBQ in Eagle Lake.  The music is always lively; this year featuring performances from King Rab, Alina, Brittany Donaldson, Veelynnuh and music from DJ Fadez.”

Admission to the Festival is free. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Art-B-Cue, please call (863) 676-8426, visit www.lakewalesartscouncil.org, or email info@lw-arts.org.

See you by the lake!

Lake Wales Man Arrested for Attempted Murder 2nd Degree

Lake Wales Police department has released information with regard to an arrest in a case Lake Wales Daily has recently reported on:

LWPD- On February 11, 2025, officers responded to the area of Washington Avenue and Jewel Street in reference to a noise disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located the victim laying near the intersection with a deep laceration to the neck and a stab wound to the torso. Polk County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded and began life-saving measures to the victim.

During the investigation, detectives learned the victim engaged in a verbal argument with the suspect, 49-year-old Jamie Lydell Bibbs of Lake Wales Florida, over $4.00 used to purchase crack cocaine. The altercation became physical when Bibbs struck the victim in the face. As the victim was trying to defend himself, Bibbs pulled out a knife, cut the victim’s throat and stabbed them in the side. After intensive care from medical professionals, the victim’s life was saved and is expected to recover. Detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Bibbs for the charge of attempted murder in the 2nd degree.

Police along with special agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) were able to locate and arrest Bibbs today at a Lake Wales residence.

“Today’s arrest is another great example of the law enforcement partnerships we have in Florida, and our mission to keep our communities safe,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. “I am proud of the swift actions FDLE’s agents and Lake Wales Police Department’s investigators’ took in this investigation to get this violent criminal off of our streets.”

Lake Wales Completes Revitalization of Market Plaza and Park Ave., Roadway to Open

Photo: City of Lake Wales

Lake Wales – A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on March 7th in downtown historic Lake Wales to celebrate the re-opening of Market Plaza and Park Avenue. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with a Taste of Downtown. Guests get to sample complimentary appetizers, wine and beer from local downtown restaurants and bars. 

“We want this to be a celebration for everyone,” said Ronni Wood, executive director of Lake Wales Main Street.

The redesign features on-street parking, enlarged sidewalks, enhanced lighting, outdoor seating and dining areas. The landscape architecture comprises street trees, native plants, hanging-flower baskets and rain gardens. 

More roads are scheduled to be transformed in downtown.

Orange Avenue and Crystal Avenue will be rehabilitated with funding from a federal grant and intergovernmental agreement with Polk County. Both roads will be resurfaced and include increased sidewalk coverage, street lighting and street landscaping. 

First Street, Central Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and A Street will be redeveloped into complete streets with nearly $23 million in grant funding from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.

City Manager James Slaton said, “The RAISE grant greatly impacts the historic core of Lake Wales, accelerating the revitalization of the historic district and northwest neighborhood.” 

The revitalization of the city’s historic core is part of the award-winning “Lake Wales Connected Plan,” a long-range plan, initiated by Lake Wales Main Street and facilitated by City staff.

City of Lake Wales Considering Two Design Proposals for Fire Station #3

by James Coulter

 

One of two design proposals will be chosen for a fire station to be built near Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road.

At a workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed two proposals for design services for a proposed fire station.

The station will be built on five acres located near the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. Currently, that property is outside the city limits, but the city has plans to annex it.

As the city agenda memo stated: “This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries.”

Two proposals for design and architect services have been submitted by two developers: Colliers Project Leaders and Parlier + Crews Architects, P.A.

The Colliers proposal agreement is estimated to cost $71,910 (with fees invoiced at a lump sum rate of $7,990 per month for 9 months) and will provide “project management services for the design of this project.”

Meanwhile, the Parlier + Crews Architects proposal is estimated to cost $246,000 and will provide “full architectural and engineering services.”

Commissioner Carol Gillespie asked why the city would require a consultant to oversee the work of an architect, and why the city would simply not oversee the architect’s work directly.

Ken Guyette, Principal Associate with Colliers Project Leadersreplied that the consultant does more than simply oversee the architect, but also supervises several stages of development.

Scott Crews, an architect with Parlier Crews, explained how his work overseeing multiple government entities has allowed him to realize how many projects rely heavily on third-party peer review to ensure projects are implemented smoothly.

City commissioners will vote on the two proposals at their upcoming city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.

Polk County Residents: Register Now for Free Bunny Mail; Limited Availability

Polk County Parks and Recreation has teamed up with the Easter Bunny and friends to bring you Bunny Mail! Each Bunny Mail activity kit will include a letter from the Easter Bunny, up to 3 certificates with child’s name, an activity book, Easter themed crafts, stickers and confetti.

Registration is free but will be limited to 1,000 registrations. Parents may register ONE household but can add up to THREE children’s names. This program is intended for children up to the age of 12 years old.

Register online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m8f4vcj.

Glass and Window Company Offers $663K+ Proposal to Buy Four Lots at Longleaf Business Park

by James Coulter

 

A world-renowned glass and window company could soon be setting up shop in Lake Wales now that the City has approved a $663K+ proposal to buy four lots in Longleaf Business Park.

At their meeting on Tues. Feb. 11, board members of the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted unanimously to approve a bid proposal from Uni-K Fenestration, LLC for the amount of $663,050.

The proposal was for the company to purchase four of the five lots at Longleaf Business Park, located near the intersection of US Highway 27 and Hunt Brothers Road.

The bid was made in response to an advertisement by the Lake Wales CRA, according to the city agenda memo, “to purchase and develop five (5) vacant parcels of land, or any combination thereof, in the Longleaf Business Park.”

City Manager James Slaton explained that the proposal was for Uni-K to purchase and develop four of five lots at the business park within two phases. Phase one would be to set up a warehouse for distribution, while phase two would set up a manufacturer.

Two other bids had been submitted by two other prospective companies. Danpol Developments submitted a proposal to buy all five lots for $720,000, while Taylor Industries offered a bid to purchase all five lots for $196,257.85.

City Manager Slaton explained that Uni-K Fenestration was the best choice because the company was willing to set up shop right away, as the company has expressed its intent to “go vertical” in 18 months and start manufacturing in 36 months.

“We chose Uni-K because they are ready to set up shops and employ people,” he said. “I think it is in our best interest to do business with the business that wants to set up shop.”

Uni-K Fenestration, according to its website, claims to be a company “where innovation meets excellence in the aluminum and glass industry.” Recently, its booth was awarded “Best in Show” at GlassBuild America 2024.

Following a video presentation of the company, Commissioner Carol Gillespie said that Uni-K appears to be serving “high rollers in the market.” Deputy Manager Robin Gibson said that the company would prove to be a “real breakthrough” with a “good incentive.”

All five board members voted unanimously to approve the proposal through a roll call vote. Now that it has been approved, the CRA Executive Director has been authorized to execute the attached Letter of Intent, subsequent Sale and Purchase agreement, and any other required documentation.

New Lake Wales Main Street Contract to Focus on Accountability, Historic Preservation, and Downtown Growth and Development

Courtesy: City of Lake Wales

by James Coulter

 

Attracting new businesses and restaurants to the downtown area, preserving its historic atmosphere, and helping promote mixed-use within the district are some of the criteria Lake Wales Main Street (LWMS) is expected to meet under its new contract with the City.

During their meeting on Feb. 14, 2025, board members of the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) reviewed and discussed its two-year contract with LWMS, a local non-profit organization dedicated to developing the city’s downtown area.

In lieu of its contract, LWMS agrees to fulfill several services, including:

• Implementing the comprehensive Main Street Four-Point Approach for the benefit of the city.

• Educate and promote the awareness of the Downtown Mixed-use Design Standards.

• Coordinate with the Historic Preservation Board and partner with the City in creating a Historic Preservation Ordinance, and

• actively recruit new businesses, with particular emphasis on restaurants, for the downtown area.

LWMS will receive $150,000 for the period of this contract from the CRA through the Downtown CRA fund; and in return, it will “submit an invoice each quarter accompanied by a detailed report regarding projects undertaken.”

Previously, LWMS had been employed under the city; however, through its new two-year contract, LWMS will serve as an independent entity.

Lake Wales Main Street Director Ronni Wood is especially proud of this contract for providing a definitive list of deliverables that her organization will be required to meet to help keep it accountable to the city.

She also boasted how well her organization has aspired to go above and beyond meeting the standards to remain accredited with its national program. Part of that process involves filling out an annual evaluation form. The total score is 116, and the passing score is 86. LWMS received a total score of 98.

“I am a big strong believer in accountability,” she said. “If you expect nothing, you get nothing. So I am all for you all wanting deliverables and accountability, and we will rise to that occasion.”

Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson appreciated how LWMS strived for accountability. He recalls years ago how poorly the CRA was abused and exploited by the city for its funds that it inspired him to run for his current political position to ensure better accountability.

“This town was not following the CRA guidelines,” he said. “They were using it as a cookie jar and trying to do city projects with CRA money. The key letter in CRA is our redevelopment and there was zero redevelopment. It drove me nuts. I want us, as a CRA, to do what CRAs do and not what cities do.”

“I keep thinking, over and over again, that this is not our money,” he continued. “We are fiduciaries. We have a responsibility to represent the best interests of the people whose money it really is, and that is our citizens, and we should have standards that comply with that money and we have to be guardians of that money to protect it from being abused. I saw it happen over and over again, and I do not want it to happen again.”

City Commissioner Keith Thompson asked if LWMS has any money reserves. Woods replied that they have a money market, CD, and checking account with more than $100,000. To which, Thompson inquired why such an organization needed so much money in a reserve account, and asked the board to look into the matter.

Mayor Jack Hilligoss recommended that the contract include even more specific measurables by which to judge LWMS. He mentioned the recent controversy with BizLinc, and how its contract was under fire for allegedly not meeting its goals with the city.

Commissioner Thompson similarly recommended an incentive program by which the city would give more to LWMS if it manages to do more through its contract.

“The more you do, the more we fund you, and I think it will be the most productive thing,” he said.

Woods commended the board for their insight and promised them that LWMS would remain committed to going above and beyond their expectations.

“[Thank you for] your wisdom and seeing that we are all on the same page,” she said. “Whatever you want, [we will do it]…to be good stewards of CRA funds.”

Five Patients Transported after Lake Wales Traffic Crash

At approximately 6:03 PM on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Polk County Fire Rescue received a call regarding a traffic collision near 1904 Masterpiece Rd. in Lake Wales.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Brian Bruchey, says the accident was reported to involve four vehicles, although only two could be confirmed at the time of publication (a Chrysler Town & Country and a Kia EV6).

The roadway was shut down in both directions for a short time as the accident was being cleared. 

Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Amber Smith, says there were “five patients with one a possible trauma alert enroute to a local hospital.”

The call was closed at 8:06 p.m.

The Life and Times of Mary Louise Curtis Bok March 8

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Bok Tower Gardens presents “The Life and Times of Mary Louise Curtis Bok” on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 2 -3 p.m.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Barbara Benedett, the Senior Archivist at the Curtis Institute of Music will delve into the fascinating life of Mary Louise Curtis (1876-1970), wife of Edward Bok.

Mary was inspired to a life of philanthropy and a champion of education and culture. Through a friend, she found her calling in support of the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia which led to her realizing her dream of building a world-class music conservatory in the United States, the Curtis Institute of Music, now 100 years old.

Tickets are $10 for members and $30 for non-members. For more information to purchase tickets, please visit www.boktowergardens.org.