Hillsborough County’s Commission on Human Trafficking approved a set of twelve public‑art murals tied to its "Don't Buy It Tampa Bay" anti‑trafficking campaign, but after discussion the commission removed hashtag symbols from the artwork.

Staff and the steering committee presented renderings and a column‑placement map for FDOT‑owned columns under an interstate. The commission discussed wording, legibility and the required use of the Florida statewide human‑trafficking hotline number (855‑352‑7233) after staff explained state law requires the state hotline to be used on materials. Artist Leah Tinsley joined remotely to explain that lettering in renderings is reduced for scale but will be legible when enlarged and at stoplights.

Several law enforcement officers and commissioners raised concerns that printed hashtag symbols (for example, #DontBuyItTampaBay or #HumanTrafficking) on murals might be misinterpreted by the public as monitored reporting channels. After questions about who would monitor hashtags and whether social‑media users might rely on hashtags instead of calling the hotline, Captain Carlisle moved to rescind the earlier mural approval. The commission then voted to re‑approve the murals without the hashtag symbols, retaining the campaign language and the phone number.

Staff said the murals will still be subject to FDOT’s inspection process and approvals (maintenance engineering and district secretary), and that other agencies including the Governor’s office may need to sign off before installation.