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Hillsborough County is sending a stern warning to human traffickers and those who wish to pay for sex. (Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office)
TAMPA, FL It was a busy night for officers from Hillsborough County Code Enforcement, Tampa Neighborhood Enforcement and the Tampa Police Department.
They were on a mission that began two years ago when the Hillsborough County Commission formed the Commission on Human Trafficking to fight the crime that s given Tampa the reputation as one of the top cities in the country for sex slavery.
On a single night, just days before hordes of visitors were due to come to Tampa for Super Bowl LV, code enforcement and law enforcement officers fanned out, inspecting 36 adult entertainment businesses to ensure they are complying with the county s human trafficking ordinance.
Signage at Tampa International Airport helps inform travelers of resources available to combat human trafficking.
Part of the effort to stop human trafficking involves training commercial truckers, hotel staff and Uber drivers to recognize victims.
The Super Bowl traditionally has been known to attract human traffickers, so as Tampa gears up for the big game on Sunday, local and state officials are taking steps to crack down on sexual exploitation.
Law enforcement agencies in Tampa and across the state are working with community organizations and Hillsborough County officials to help people recognize signs of human trafficking and how to report it.
Hillsborough County now has more resources available to fight human trafficking ahead of Super Bowl
Crisis centers are training 211, adding services to help survivors
New resources are now available to fight human trafficking
and last updated 2020-12-18 12:45:32-05
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. Hillsborough County leaders say the Tampa Bay area is better prepared than ever before to fight human trafficking ahead of Super Bowl LV. The big game will be played at Raymond James Stadium on February 7, 2021.
Community leaders, including County Commissioner Kimberly Overman, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, the Tampa Police Department, State Attorney Andrew Warren, and several non-profit agencies have been working together for the past year on the Commission on Human Trafficking. Its aim is to put resources in place to help those affected by human trafficking, provide resources and services, and help try and stop human trafficking from happening around Super Bowl LV.
Hillsborough begins human trafficking awareness blitz
Billboards, broadcast commercials and other advertisements will ramp up as Super Bowl approaches
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Billboards are part of the public awareness campaign from the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking. The campaign, devised by FKQ Advertising + Marketing, runs through June 2021 with an emphasis on activity leading up to the Feb. 7 Super Bowl. [ FKQ Marketing ]
Updated Feb. 16
TAMPA â A new message might seem out of place amid the excitement of consumer spending and a regional economic boost from the upcoming Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium â âDonât buy it, Tampa Bay.â
The words will be on billboards, social media and print advertisements. The message will be wrapped around vehicles used by Uber, Lyft and food delivery services and on buses from the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and the agencyâs bus shelters. Broadcast commercials with the same theme will