Polk County Public Schools has been notified of a criminal incident involving a business that has been known to sell snow cones at school events within our district.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Jaye Saxe was arrested on Sept. 13 as part of a child sex sting operation. He was taken into custody after attempting to meet with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl in Hillsborough County. Saxe is identified as Kona Ice owner in Lakeland.
A statement by Kona Ice Corporation said, “We are deeply concerned by the charges that were brought against this individual. Upon learning of the matter, we immediately terminated his franchise agreement. As a result, he is no longer affiliated with or operating as Kona Ice. We have addressed this situation swiftly, treating it with the seriousness it deserves. Kona Ice equipment or business activities were in no way involved in these allegations.”
PCPS has not received any reports of abuse involving Saxe and our students. Our school organizations (such as PTOs and booster clubs) have partnered with several different Kona Ice franchisees. In the wake of this incident, we are evaluating all relationships with the company to ensure there is no danger to our students.
If you have any information to report, we ask you to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
