Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking Board Meeting – September 17, 2026

This was a regularly scheduled meeting of the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking, held on September 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered fiscal year-end updates, project reports, a forthcoming community town hall, law enforcement operations, and strategic planning for future funding and partnerships. Thirteen members were present in person, establishing a quorum.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the prior board meeting were moved, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kim Joanidas (virtual): Thanked the commission for its hard work and expressed gratitude.

Discussion Items

• Certificate of Appreciation: The chair and vice chair presented a certificate of appreciation to an outgoing commissioner (referred to as Commissioner Sapata/Cepeda) for years of service and leadership in anti-human trafficking efforts. The commissioner noted she had secured recurring annual funding of $267,000 for the commission through her term.
• Steering Committee Report (August 27, 2026):
  • Survivor Ventures emergency housing funding was rolled over to fiscal year 2027 due to timing constraints; the contract now runs through April 2027.
  • A government employee human trafficking training RFQ received two proposals; award is pending procurement review.
  • The “Don’t Buy It on Tampa Bay” campaign continues; a community event is scheduled for September 22, 2026.
  • The hotel/restaurant outreach had approximately 50 volunteers; 147 site visits were made (129 hotels/motels, 18 restaurants), with 85% of hotels accepting soap products and 93% accepting resource folders.
  • The 2030 strategic plan is under development, with a focus on implementation and consolidation of existing data.
• September 22 Town Hall Preview (Vice Chair Grover Skipper):
  • Doors open at 4:30 PM at the Children’s Board; event runs 5:00–7:00 PM.
  • Program includes human trafficking 101 training by a survivor leader, a panel discussion with two survivor leaders, Detective Aguar, and Special Prosecutor Rita Peters, and a PSA from Thaddeus Bullard (Titus O’Neil).
  • Over 90 registrants as of the meeting; target audience includes youth aged 15 and older and their parents.
  • Crisis support and a quiet room will be available.
• Statewide Shield Operation (Detective Aguar):
  • FDLE-led operation targeting missing juveniles; 163 juveniles recovered statewide, 46 in the Tampa area (Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco). One recovered minor was a confirmed human trafficking victim.
  • Commission funds (previously approved) were used to purchase supplies for the recovery hub; Detective Aguar thanked the commission for their quick response.
• Fiscal Year-End Staff Report (Lisa, Commission Administrator):
  • Fiscal year 2026 ends September 30; all projects are completed or funded.
  • Unexpended funds from Survivor Ventures ($111,250 total carried over, including $1,250 unencumbered) were carried to FY27 with management and budget approval.
  • The government training ITB is in procurement review; 14 proposals received; $20,000 allocated.
  • Children’s Network of Hillsborough County contract: through July, $57,899 of $100,005 spent; 10 community youth and 9 foster youth served; youth stipend line expected to be nearly fully spent.
• Contract Amendment Discussion:
  • Survivor Ventures has been providing 20–30 days of housing at their own expense beyond the contracted 5-day emergency limit. The board discussed whether to amend the contract to allow longer stays, but noted funding constraints and the need for transitional housing. No action was taken; the issue was referred to the steering committee.
• Funding for FY27 Marketing Campaign:
  • The current “Don’t Buy It” campaign supported by FKQ marketing cannot be sustained at the same level due to budget limitations. Partnerships and a “Friends of the Commission” private-sector fundraising mechanism are being explored; approval from the Board of County Commissioners would be required.
  • Members suggested hosting business roundtables and identifying champions to help secure corporate support.
• Pasco County Human Trafficking Commission Request:
  • Pasco’s commission asked to air human trafficking/sex-torsion video snippets at USF Tampa in January 2027. The board expressed support, with a request to reciprocally promote Hillsborough County’s commission at any Pasco events.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval of Minutes
• Support for Pasco County Video Campaign: The board agreed to the request, contingent on reciprocal promotion.
• FY27 Funding Rollover Approved: Management and budget carried forward $111,250 in commission funds (including $1,250 unencumbered) to fiscal year 2027.
• Next Steering Committee Meeting: Scheduled for October 20, 2026, to discuss strategic plan, contract amendment possibilities, and partnership development.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion and unanimous vote.