The Park Avenue Christian Academy (PACA) in Titusville is facing mounting legal and community scrutiny after parents discovered that a registered sex offender, Colby R. Ammons, had been working on school grounds for nearly a year.

The situation, first brought to light by a parent of PACA in the group Talk of Titusville, and now reported by WFTV Channel 9, has intensified calls for accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to Florida’s child safety laws.

The controversy began when the parent recognized Ammons, a former high school acquaintance and known sex offender, performing maintenance work at PACA while she was picking up her children. Ammons, 41, of Merritt Island, is listed in both the National Sex Offender Registry and the State of Florida registry.

Court documents confirm he was convicted in 2008 after attempting to meet a police officer posing as a 14-year-old for sexual activity in Polk County, and the judge ordered him to comply with all sex offender restrictions, including staying at least 1,000 feet from places where children congregate.

Parents’ alarm grew after one mother told Channel 9 she had personally seen Ammons in the car line and on the playground while children were present. “Everyone should be background checked. I understand that he was hired as a contractor, but contractors should also be checked,” she said.

She has since withdrawn her son from PACA and transferred him to another school. Many parents only learned of the situation after it was widely shared in a parent group chat and on social media.

PACA responded to WFTV by emphasizing that student safety is their “top priority” and stating that, as of March 31, all families were informed and Ammons was immediately barred from campus.

The school’s statement clarified that Ammons was hired as a contractor for outdoor fieldwork in June 2024 by the former headmaster, and that the Council and Elders were not made aware until March 22, 2025. They say they acted immediately upon learning of the situation, consulting legal counsel and ending Ammons’ contract.

However, the statement also claims, “The contractor had no restrictions from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as to where he could live, travel, or work. The claim that the Academy’s use of this contractor for field maintenance services violated Florida law is not true.”

Florida law, specifically the Jessica Lunsford Act and related statutes, imposes strict restrictions on registered sex offenders:

• Proximity Restrictions: Sex offenders may not live or work within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or places where children regularly gather.
• Employment Restrictions: Registered sex offenders are prohibited from working or volunteering on school property, regardless of whether they are employees or contractors. This applies to all public and private schools, especially those receiving state funds.
• Background Checks: All individuals working on school grounds, including contractors, must undergo background checks.
• Felony Penalties: Violations of these statutes can constitute a third-degree felony.

Ammons’ presence on PACA grounds, especially while children were present, appears to be a direct violation of these laws, regardless of the school’s assertion to the contrary.

The community response has been overwhelmingly critical. Parents and residents have expressed outrage that Ammons was allowed on school property at all. Many questioned how the administration could have failed to conduct or act on a background check, and some alleged that the school had been aware of Ammons’ status for years, contradicting the administration’s timeline.

One anonymous mother told Channel 9, “It was a very serious situation. I think it should still be handled very seriously.” On social media, parents have debated the balance between forgiveness and safety, but the consensus has been clear: “There’s absolutely no reason he should be working there let alone legally!” wrote one commenter. Others emphasized that laws exist for a reason and that protecting children must always come first.

Some parents have called for those responsible for hiring Ammons to be fired, while others are urging law enforcement and the state attorney’s office to investigate whether PACA’s actions constitute criminal negligence or a violation of state law. The school’s leadership, including the former headmaster who hired Ammons, is under particular scrutiny.

The incident has prompted many families to reconsider their relationship with PACA. Some have already withdrawn their children, while others are demanding a full investigation and public accountability. The case has also highlighted the need for all schools-public or private-to rigorously enforce background checks and comply with state laws designed to protect children.