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Commission forms website subcommittee, discusses mural on Scott Street and social‑media constraints
Summary
The Commission on Human Trafficking voted to form a subcommittee to advise county staff on website content, reviewed progress on a public awareness mural project on Scott Street and discussed legal and logistical barriers to creating a commission‑run social media presence.
The Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking voted on Sept. 25 to create a subcommittee to recommend content for the commission's page on the county website. The motion passed by voice vote; staff will email commissioners to recruit volunteers and the subcommittee will make suggestions to the steering committee.
Commission staff reported progress on a public awareness project: Florida Department of Transportation had staked locations on Scott Street where concrete obelisks will be installed and had sent a draft maintenance agreement to county staff for review. Staff said if the maintenance agreement and FDOT approvals proceed, the muralist could begin painting in December or January, after hurricane season and when weather is drier.
Members also discussed outreach and marketing. Staff explained that county communications "does not support boards and councils activities" for independent social‑media accounts and said legal review would be needed to assess liability and procurement implications for any commission‑operated social media presence. Staff advised that some boards operate social media through separate nonprofit "friends of" organizations and suggested the commission explore that option with legal counsel.
Commissioners raised practical outreach steps they could take now: creating pocket cards with the "Don't Buy It Tampa Bay" branding, using Commissioner Myers' newsletter to distribute items about the mural unveiling and awareness month, and coordinating with organizations such as Casa in St. Petersburg on pet‑friendly placement options for survivors with animals. Staff also noted a recent change in the national human trafficking hotline: Polaris' hotline services have moved to an organization called Compass Connections in Texas; the number remains the same but the new operator may change service details.
The commission did not adopt a marketing plan at the meeting; members were directed to discuss campaign scope at the steering committee and to return proposals to the full commission.
