Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking Meeting - January 22, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM by Chair Connie Rose. A quorum was present. Officers were elected for 2026. One public comment was heard. The Commission received a guest presentation from Miracles Outreach Community Development Center, discussed strategic planning, a media campaign, legislative updates, and upcoming events. Several decisions were made including re-election of leadership, approval of prior meeting minutes, and scheduling of a strategic planning session.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Recap Approval: The recap of the November 20, 2025 meeting was presented. A motion to approve was made by Member Corrada, seconded by Member Petrilak, and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joanna Barballo (first-time attendee, member of the public): Asked what resources are available for women who believe they are being trafficked but do not know who their trafficker is, noting that organizations like Selah Freedom require knowledge of the trafficker. Staff responded that the county does not publish a list of resources and recommended calling 911 or 211, and that individual nonprofits set their own policies. Ms. Barballo was offered follow-up after the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Election of Officers: Chair Rose was re-elected by unanimous consent. Vice Chair Dottie Groover Skipper was re-elected by unanimous consent. The position of Secretary was deferred to the next meeting as no nominations were received; duties include assisting with meeting recap and communications.
• Guest Presentation – Miracles Outreach Community Development Center: Sonia Jordan (Senior Operations Manager) and Michelle Walker (Senior Director) presented. They described their work since 2000, providing residential care for youth ages 12-24, advocacy, education, and outreach. They became involved in anti-trafficking work in 2007. Currently, 25-30% of their population are trafficking victims. Children are referred primarily through DCF. They operate a 72-acre property with vocational programs (e.g., farm-to-table culinary) and are exploring affordable housing. They do not accept youth with acute mental illness or severe substance abuse. The presentation included a handout on community impact.
• Chair's Report (Connie Rose): Thanked staff and members for recent awareness efforts in the county center lobby. Announced a bus tour of trafficking hotspots on January 23, 2026 (24 participants, two buses, returning by 11:15-11:30 AM for Q&A). Reported that the first semi-annual report to the BOCC was given on January 21, 2026 and well received. Noted accomplishments in 2025: funding for Children's Network, first RFQ for emergency housing, phone distribution, legal training, and the FKQ media campaign. The strategic planning meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2026 from 12:00-5:00 PM. The FKQ blanket purchase agreement is expected next week. Social media subcommittee to be expanded. Mural project still in progress.
• Staff Report (Lisa Montelione): Provided updates on the March 26 strategic planning meeting (expanded from regular meeting), social media subcommittee (needs more members), procurement for RFQ-26-00076 (emergency housing with support services, closing end of January), and the Children's Network funding agreement (approved by steering committee, to be placed on BOCC agenda for February 18, 2026 with February 1 effective date for stipend supports, training, and marketing). Also reported on the January 21-22 tabling event with partners (Crisis Center, Declare No More Foundation, Redefining Refuge, Selah Freedom, Children's Home Network). Upcoming events: Red Sand Project (January 28, hosted by One More Child), Human Trafficking Awareness Forum (January 31, with Board Member Lynn Gray), and Declare No More rose distribution (February 13). Statewide council agendas provided; 2025 summit videos available until March 26.
• New/Old Business: Chair Rose proposed partnering with One More Child for the Red Sand Project in 2027 and creating a human trafficking awareness week. Commissioner Cepeda raised the possibility of using tourist tax revenue to fund the commission. Vice Chair Groover Skipper provided a legislative update on House Bill 1467 and Senate Bill 1688, which would increase penalties for buyers of sex (first offense from second-degree misdemeanor to first-degree misdemeanor; repeat offenses escalate to felonies; includes mandatory community service, education, minimum incarceration, and vehicle impoundment). Staff will provide a more detailed legislative report at the next steering committee meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Chair and Vice Chair re-elected unanimously; secretary position deferred.
• Meeting recap approved.
• Strategic planning meeting scheduled for March 26, 2026, 12:00-5:00 PM (full board).
• FKQ media campaign moving forward; blanket purchase agreement expected next week; social media subcommittee to be expanded.
• Children's Network funding agreement approved for BOCC consideration on February 18, 2026, with February 1 start date.
• RFQ for emergency housing and support services open until end of January 2026.
• Legislative updates noted; staff to provide report at February steering committee.
• Motion to adjourn passed.