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
NEWS SANDPILE LOCATION: FIRST STREET & TILLMAN AVENUE
In preparation for the storm, the City is providing sand and complementary sandbags while supplies last. Citizens must bring a shovel to the designated sandpile location and be prepared to shovel sand into the sandbags. Citizens may stop by either fire station to receive up to ten empty sandbags.
Step #1: Stop by either Lake Wales Fire Departments to pick up empty sandbags.
Step #2: Head to the sandpile at First Street and Tillman Avenue.
Lake Wales Fire Departments: 600 Chalet Suzanne Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33859 253 W. Central Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853.
The Lake Wales Police arrested Samuel Leone Hamilton, of Carla Ct., Winter Haven on 9/20/24. According to reports Hamilton was allegedly swerving and almost caused two separate accidents that were witnessed by officers. He accelerated at high rate of speed prior to his arrest. He eventually stopped and was taken into custody. He refused a breathalyzer test. He was arrested and charged with Fleeing To Elude & DUI.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions)
“On September 20, 2024, at approximately 1700 hours, I responded to the area of Chevron gas station, Lake Wales, in reference to a traffic complaint.
I, Officer Natal (L433) was dispatched to the area Hwy 27 south and Chevron gas station near Hunt Brothers Road. I then made contact with a silver in color GMC Sierra bearing Florida registration tag Y329SF. I observed the vehicle in question swerving out of his lane and nearly crashing into another motorist. After observing the vehicle reckless driving, I conducted a traffic stop near Hwy 27 North and Central Avenue. The vehicle continued traveling North on the outside lane on Hwy 27 ignoring my lights and sirens on my agency issued marked patrol vehicle. then observed the vehicle nearly side swipe a tractor trailer, which was traveling in the middle lane. I observed the vehicle accelerate in an attempt to flee from me. At this time, I advised dispatched that I was in pursuit of the vehicle.
Samuel Hamilton
The vehicle reached speeds over 90 MPH passing Mountain lake Cut-Off on Hwy 27. I attempted to catch up to the vehicle and observed the vehicle slow down due to a Polk County Sheriff Deputy blocking his lane path. The vehicle came to a stop in the middle lane near the intersection of Hwy 27 and Washington Avenue. I ordered the driver out of the vehicle and to throw his vehicle keys on the road. I asked the driver to exit the vehicle and to walk backwards to the sound of my voice. The driver, later identified as Samuel Leone Hamilton, was taken into custody using my agency issued handcuffs and placed in my marked patrol car. I ran Hamilton’s using D.A.V.I.D. and discovered Hamilton licensed was suspended on 09/09/2024. I also discovered Hamilton has a previous conviction for DWSLR dated on 04/11/2024.
I observed indicators that led me to believe Hamilton was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. I was able to indicate the smell of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. In addition, I was able to observe Hamilton slur his words and be extremely repetitive with the things he was stating. Hamilton displayed several indicators of impairment.
PHASE 2 Personal Contact:
I made contact with Hamilton and observed his speech to be slurred/mumbled, his eyes to be blood shot/watery, and a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and person. I observed him to be unsteady on his feet and had a hard time exiting the vehicle. Hamilton had to hold onto the side of the vehicle for support to exit the vehicle.
Based on these indicators I asked Hamilton to submit to a serles of Field Sobriety Test (SFST’s) and Hamilton consented to those test.
Prior to conducting the test. I asked Hamilton a series of medical auestions.
I was able to determine based on Hamilton answers that he was not suffering from a medical issue or diabetic episode. I also questioned Hamilton of any pre-existing body pains prior to conducting SFST’s. Hamilton advised of knee pain he has endured when he was younger, but was still able to walk correct. Based on what Hamilton advised, SFST’s were conducted.
PHASE 3 Pre-Arrest Screening / Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SEST’S):
I conducted the following Field Sobriety test (SFST’s) with the following results:
Horizontal Gaze and Nystagmus – observed 6 of 6 clues 4 or more clues is an indicate of impairment
Walk and Turn – Observed 8 of 8 clues 2 or more clues is an indicates of impairment
One Leg Stand – Observed 4 of 4 clues, 2 or more clues is an indicator of impairment.
Based on my observations I determined Hamilton was operating a motor vehicle with in Polk County, Florida and based on my training and experience was determined to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol to the point where his normal faculties were impaired.
I advised Hamilton of the DUI charge, he advised they understood, and I took him into custody without incident.
Post Arrest Procedures / Breath Testing:
I transported Hamilton to the Polk County Processing Center. During the transporting process. Upon my arrival at the Processing Center for breath test at 2100 hours, I began a 20-minute observation period at 2130 hours.
At the conclusion of the 20-minute observation period, I requested Hamilton provide two breath samples to determine his breath alcohol level. Hamilton stated he was refused to provide a breath sample. After being read
Implied consent Hamilton said no and not consented to take the breath test because I know my license is suspended.
I advised Hamilton he would be charged with refusal as well of the DUI. Hamilton advised he understood.
I issued Hamilton one Florida DUI citation (AIE9ICE) for Florida state statue charge and Fleeing to elude with lights and sirens active High Speeds (AKA4HQE). Furthermore, I released him to Book-In staff to complete the booking process.
Hamilton refused to provide a breath sample during the same incident.
Based on the facts in this investigation, Samuel Leone Hamilton was criminally charged with one count of DUI and One count of fleeing to elude with lights and sirens activated High Speeds.”
Lanny “Scott” Huckaby of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
He was born January 9, 1957 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to the late Wayne and Sue Huckaby; he moved to Lake Wales from Virginia 40 years ago. Scott loved his job as a truck driver. He also spend several years as a Polk County Firefighter in the early 90s. Scott enjoyed fishing and cooking BBQ. He previously ran the smoker for the community kitchen at the Lake Wales Care Center along with other friends. He loved his grandchildren dearly and loved playing Santa Claus for them around Christmas.
Scott is survived by his wife of 41 years, Anita Huckaby; daughter, Alisha Ruble (Josh) of Babson Park; son, David Huckaby (Samantha) Lake Wales; sister, Sheila Tabor (Gary) of Pampa, Texas; and grandchildren, Jeremiah, Ava, Oliver, and Watson.
In a shocking move the owners of the Crazy Fish Bar & Grill posted on social media Monday night, Sept 30, that the restaurant will be closing Oct 19th.
Comments were wide ranging from sadness, confidence in the future and frustration as the restaurant was appreciated by many.
Prior to Jim & Jeannie Christensen buying the restaurant around 2002 it was a biker bar affectionately known as the Bears Den! The two of them ran the restaurant and built it into a community staple until they sold in 2019. Then new owners Matthew Brock & Dwayne McQuillen. They also invested in Harry’s Old Place as well as two newer unique restaurants in Brakes Burger Garage and Locoritto.
This is a developing story and we will update it shortly.
Post on Facebook by the Owners of Crazy Fish
“Attention Crazy Fish fans. I write this post to officially announce the closing of our restaurant. Our last day of operation will be October 19 2024.
Our plan is to regroup, make some needed repairs and come back with the next evolution of this location, Crazy Fish Key West Kitchen. We intend to open in the spring of 2025.
Come join us over the next 3 weeks and help end on a high note and celebrate the hard working staff that made it all possible over the years.”
Jim & Jeannie Christensen being interviewed by non other than Emeril Lagassi for the show Emeril’s Florida
WOMAN CRITICALLY INJURED DURING WINTER HAVEN HIT & RUN CRASH; DRIVER ARRESTED
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PRESS RELEASE
A woman was critically injured early Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, after she was struck by a car on a Winter Haven roadway. The driver of the car fled the scene in his vehicle, but he was located and arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office later that same day.
The crash occurred at about 2:50 am, at 3547 Recker Highway, in front of DA Place Hookah Lounge.
Just prior to the crash, deputies were heading to the location after several calls were received regarding a large number of people in the roadway in front of the business.
When deputies arrived, the large crowd was uncooperative and provided little information regarding the hit & run.
The deputies found the injured pedestrian; she was identified as 37-year old Cierra Tempestt Wright of Auburndale.
Ms. Wright was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries to include: a fractured skull, brain bleed, fractured jaw, fractured pelvis, and broken arm. She was listed in critical, but stable condition.
PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives attempted to find witnesses, but despite the large crowd, nobody claimed to have seen the crash.
Evidence at the scene revealed that Ms. Wright was struck in the middle of the westbound lane of Recker Highway.
“Through the investigative efforts of our Traffic Homicide detectives, who are the very best at what they do, a blue 2020 Ford Fusion was found in Lake Wales that had damages consistent to those that would occur by striking a pedestrian. The driver was then located, and an arrest was made. We’re praying for a full and speedy recovery for Ms. Wright.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Detectives discovered that the Ford Fusion had a damaged right front headlight and damaged windshield that had hair embedded in it.
41-year old Terry Gardner of Lake Wales admitted to detectives that he was driving the Ford in the area of the crash, but he claimed that he thought the damage on his vehicle was from a brick that was thrown at his car.
Terry Gardner was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury (F2).
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Fernando Garcia, 23, of Avon Park, just over the county line from Frostproof, and charged him with 1 count of Lewd or Lascivious Battery and 2 counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. The arrest came after an investigation that lasted nearly two months. The suspect is accused of performing these lewd acts over the period of 6-7 years at various time.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty)
WARNING SOME INFORMATION MAY BE TRIGGERING TO CERTAIN READERS
“On 08/09/2024, The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a past occurred sexual battery between REDACTED (victim, H/F, 16yoa) and Fernando Garcia (suspect, H/M, 23yoa).
On 08/13/2024, VICTIM completed a forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). During the forensic interview, VICTIM advised the suspect, Fernando, had been sexually abusing her since she was 8 or 9 years old. VICTIM stated the most recent incident that she remembered was when she was 14 years old. After she showered, her parents left to go to the store and she was left at the residence with her brother, sister, and Fernando. Fernando was the only adult at home at this time. VICTIM advised she was in the living room with Fernando and he asked for VICTIM for a kiss and she complied. Fernando then asked for VICTIM to kiss him on the lips for longer but she said no. Fernando then forced her to kiss him on the lips by grabbing her head and pulling her head towards him. Fernando then started to put his fingers inside her vagina. VICTIM explained during this incident, she was wearing gym shorts and a shirt. VICTIM stated Fernando put his hand down her shorts. VICTIM advised she did not try to stop him. VICTIM advised Fernando had two of his fingers inside her vagina for three to four minutes. VICTIM stated he grabbed her hand and placed her hand over his pants on his genital area. VICTIM pulled her hand back after she felt Fernando’s penis was erect. VICTIM’s parents came home and she went to the bathroom. VICTIM advised this incident occurred at REDACTED, Frostproof in Polk County.
During the forensic interview, VICTIM disclosed an additional incident at REDACTED, Frostproof. VICTIM advised there was a hurricane coming through and one of the nights, she was sleeping on a couch and her family were all asleep. VICTIM was woken up to Fernando touching her vagina on the outside of her clothes. VICTIM’s REDACTED woke up and her bedroom door opened. Fernando heard the door open so he left and went outside.
During the investigation, I discovered in 2023 when VICTIM was 15 years of age, REDACTED (Mother of VICTIM) went through VICTIM’s phone when she discovered text messages between her and her friend advising one of her REDACTED had touched her inappropriately. REDACTED confronted VICTIM where she advised Fernando was the one who touched her inappropriately.
REDACTED confronted Fernando where he admitted to touching VICTIM. VICTIM has not had any contact with Fernando since REDACTED discovered what occurred when VICTIM was 15 years of age.
On 09/23/2024, REDACTED conducted a recorded call to Fernando Garcia. REDACTED asked Fernando if he was sorry for touching VICTIM inappropriately and Fernando apologized. Fernando advised he was sorry for touching VICTIM and was unsure why he touched VICTIM. Fernando never denied any of the allegations made.
On 09/24/2024, VICTIM REDACTED Fernando. VICTIM asked why Fernando put his fingers inside her and Fernando advised he did not have an answer for her. Fernando apologized multiple times to VICTIM for touching her.
Based on the investigation, it was determined that Fernando Garcia violated the following Florida State Statutes:
800.04(4)(A) – Lewd or Lascivious Battery 12 years of age but younger than 16 years of age – due to Fernando penetrating VICTIM’s vagina with his finger. At the time, VICTIM was 14 years of age and Fernando was 21 years of age.
800.04(5) – Lewd or Lascivious Molestation – For Fernando, in a lewd or lascivious manner, intentionally forced or enticed VICTIM to touch his genitals over the clothing.
800.04(5) – Lewd or Lascivious Molestation – For Fernando, in a lewd or lascivious manner, intentionally touching VICTIM’s vaginal area over the clothing.”
This afternoon, Lake Wales High School announced it has decided to postpone the homecoming parade originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, It has been rescheduled to October 3, 2024.
As reported on the high school’s social media page, they will continue to monitor the weather as final decisions about Friday’s night game and Saturday’s dance will be made.
The Lake Wales High School (LWHS) homecoming parade is set to make its way along First Street to Sessoms Avenue on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Mr. Anuj Saran, Principal of the Lake Wales High School, submitted the special event permit application. The parade is set to run from 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
Map of the parade route
LWHS requested the following city roads and streets be closed during the parade:
First Street from SR 60 to Central Avenue.
Central Avenue from First Street to Lake Shore Boulevard.
Lake Shore Boulevard from Central Avenue to North Wales Drive at Legion Field.
Orange Avenue and N 5th Street to Sessoms Avenue.
Parade line up begins at 3:30 PM in the parking lot of Polk Avenue Elementary School and on south First Street with the parade starting at 4:00 PM,
Mary A. Heiler of Lake Wales passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 at her residence.
She was born November 25, 1952 in Lake Wales to the late Robert and Indiana Avirett; she has been a lifelong resident of the area. Mary was a commercial and residential realtor. She enjoyed debating politics and spending time with her family.
Mary was preceded of death by her parents, Robert and Indiana Avirett; and brothers, Buddy Avirett, Paul Avirett, Tom Avirett, and Frank Avirett. She is survived by her daughter, Dayna McKinney and husband Jonathan of Lake Wales; son, Brian McCoy and wife Ashley of Winter Haven; sisters, Janie Land of Lake Wales and Sara Ruth Pearce of Lake Wales; brothers, Ronnie Avirett of Sarasota, James Avirett of Pace, and Pat Avirett of Sevierville, Tennessee; and three grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.
At approximately 10:05 AM, a call was reported with regard to a vehicle fire at 338 Scenic Highway S. in Lake Wales.
The vehicle was in a parking lot at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported, although the vehicle was fully involved. The fire was extinguished by the Lake Wales Fire Department.
