By Carl Fish

Frostproof, Florida – The small community of Frostproof is totally devastated this morning after the brutal murder of local teacher. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd the teacher, Elvia Espinoza 46, was currently teaching 2nd grade at Ben Hill Griffin. According to Sheriff Judd it was Espinoza’s 21 year old son that murdered her. The son Emmanuel Espinoza reportedly made up his mind he was going to kill his mom, who he loved, because she got on his nerves. He is a University of Florida Pre-Med student came to his mother’s home and as she answered the door started stabbing her until he eventually killed her.

The news broke shortly after 9:30pm and 10’s of thousands of read the Daily Ridge article in less than an hour. Not only did people read and share the article, they shared personal stories and feelings about Elvia Espinoza:

“Prayers for her family and students and colleagues. She is very loved by many. I don’t know how to tell my daughter that her teacher went to heaven. 😭😭😭😭😭” – Betty T.

“My girl is sleeping now, but I’m not sure how to even put it into words for her. And to have to tell her and then send her to school… 😞😞” – Brooklyn B.

“OMG. Elvia was one of the sweetest people she will be missed” – Carrie W.

“I have worked with Elvia many years at the school. She loved her family, her friends and students. We passed each other in the hallway Friday afternoon -she said have a good weekend and see you Monday” – Barbie W.

“I’m am heartbroken over this. I worked with Elvia for five years at FMSHS when she was a para and school secretary. Wonderful woman.” – Cat M.

“So heartbreaking to lose just a sweet kind-hearted person! Praying for her students and family, especially her other two children who are dealing with something so devastating….that no person should ever have to endure! You will be missed in our little town Elvia!” – Becki R.

“I mourn my friend tonight. She was a phenomenal mother, and grandmother. I had the honor of knowing her for many years and my heart is broken. Rest in peace my sweet friend. Till we meet again. 💔💔💔 – Terri W.-B.

“My daughter is broken😢she cried herself to sleep tonight…. Mrs. Espinosa was a wonderful teacher. she’s always gonna be in our hearts prayers for her and her family ….😢” – Cindy C.

“This is truly heartbreaking!! Mrs Espinoza was always so nice when my kids went to school and I have the fondest of memories of her. She worked in the office at the high school at that time and she will surely be missed. I feel so much for all the sweet babies in her second grade class that are now left to deal with the questions and emotions of this ugly senseless ordeal. I pray that a peace falls upon each of them and that this doesn’t follow any of them throughout the rest of their year. As for Mrs Espinoza’s family, no family should ever have to go through such a horrific event. My thoughts and prayers are with you.” – Amy C.

PCSO is investigating a homicide that happened in Frostproof this afternoon.

“Sheriff Grady Judd is giving details about a truly horrible situation that occurred in Frostproof this afternoon (Saturday, April 6, 2024) just after 2:00 p.m. 21-year-old Emmanuel Espinoza, who is a pre-med student at the University of Florida, drove to his mother’s house here in Polk County and stabbed her to death. He called 911, confessed, and is in custody. 

Elvia Espinoza was 46 years old and a second grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School in Frostproof. Her family, friends, students, and colleagues at the school and with Polk County Public Schools are in our prayers. 

The suspect will be booked into jail this evening and charged with first degree murder.”

by James Coulter

At approximately 8:15 PM, the Frostproof Volunteer Fire Department received a structure fire call at a home on 11th Street East. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 8:18 PM.

Fire fighters battled blaze for three and a half hours and were able to put out the fire. Approximately 16 members from the Frostproof city volunteer fire department and four from Polk Fire Rescue were on the scene. Nearly a dozen emergency vehicles were on scene

According to Ryan Respress, Frostproof Firefighter EMT, “We were able to save two houses, one on each side of the house that was on fire. “There was no one in the house at the time of the fire, so no injuries from homeowners or firefighters.” He said.

Both fire teams were on the scene for three and a half hours. Frostproof firefighters eventually cleared the scene at 11:41 PM.

The source of the fire currently remains unknown and is still under investigation, Respress said.