As reported cases of human trafficking in Florida rise, Congressional leaders this week will hear from experts on the impact of the crime on the Gulf Coast and elsewhere. Elizabeth Fisher, founder of Sarasota-based Selah Freedom, will be among panelists speaking to members of the Florida Congressional Delegation at a meeting in Washington, DC on Wednesday.

Fisher says the Gulf Coast remains a “hotbed” for sex trafficking and that the number of young women rescued or receiving services from the organization has been tripling annually. She hopes speaking about Selah’s work on the issue translates into best practices getting exported around the country. “We will speak to setting standards, not just for Florida, but the nation, in terms of replicating our services throughout the country,” Fisher says.

She noted Selah helped create the nation’s first prostitution court diversion program and has helped with the operation of residential facilities for sex trafficking survivors locally and around the country, with the organization now operating in Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri, with facilities in two other states likely to announce soon. Houston law enforcement leaders, meanwhile, have traveled to Sarasota to speak with experts in the local police force and at Selah about how to bring similar effective programs for fighting human trafficking back to Texas.

She also notes best practices from Boston groups have been transplanted and expanded in Florida. A survivor-led panel at the Boys & Girls Club here, Fisher says, recently resulted in one girl, initially skeptical of the teen education program, seeing the signs that her brother and his friends were operating a sex ring. “Gangs used to to drugs; now they run girls,” Fisher says. “We need girls to realize you don’t belong to a gang, you are being trafficked.”

Fisher will testify Wednesday alongside other Florida experts including: Dr. Suzanne Harrison, Florida State College of Medicine clinical programs director; Kimberly Grabert, Florida Department of Children and Families human trafficking prevention director; Jose Ramirez, Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agent; Bethany Tilot, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice statewide human trafficking director; and Michelle Guelbart, ECPAT-USA private sector engagement director.

US Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, will co-chair the Florida delegation meeting alongside US Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fort Lauderdale.  “Human trafficking is a vile and monstrous crime against women and children,” Buchanan says. “Unfortunately, Florida is a hub for human trafficking and that’s why our delegation needs to work together.”

Hastings likewise lists human trafficking as one of the top issues he wants Congress to tackle this year, and says tourist economies like that in Florida have become major destinations for trafficking victims. “Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and the United States is one of the top destinations in the world for trafficked victims,” he writes on his website. “Every year, tens of thousands of people are trafficked to the United States from over 50 countries worldwide. Half of these victims are children, and nearly 80 percent are women.”

A DCF report released in December shows the Suncoast region, which covers 11 counties including Sarasota and Manatee, reported the second-most human trafficking incidents out of Florida’s six regions. The same report showed the Suncoast had a higher percentage of children at-risk of becoming victims than any other region in the state.

Buchanan notes that the US House in May passed the Put Trafficking Victims First Act, which calls for the federal government to develop methodologies to prevent victimization and encourage prosecution of human traffickers. The bill awaits action in the Senate. 

Rompers, the perfect go-between outfit for hot summer days and cool summer nights, await the savvy fashionista at Scout & Molly’s Boutique in Downtown Sarasota. Made for versatility, rompers can be thrown on for a beach visit or a city stroll or they can be dressed up for a cocktail party or night out. This Lavender Brown piece features beautiful cream fabric with an intricate indigo lace pattern fit for casual get-togethers or ready to go formal. “They work for younger and older people,” Scout & Molly’s store owner Maryalice Keller said. “because they come in different lengths and styles.” Keller recommends pairing the romper with a chic cross body bag, statement jewelry and wedges to dress the piece up, or swap heels for sandals for a more casual look. 

Photo courtesy of Scout & Molly's Boutique.

Scout & Molly’s Boutique, 1413 1st St., Sarasota, 941-955-2170.

Mary Frances grew up being influenced by the vibrant spirit and excitement of the San Francisco Bay area. For over two decades she has taken her vision and passion for fashion design and forged them into an international venture using artistic influences from around the globe. She makes an incredible statement with this handcrafted purse influenced by Mexican folk art, Mi Corazon ($280) available exclusively at Foxy Lady. The brass purse, intricately streamed with bright and beautiful beading tells the colorful story of folk art. This jubilant accessory plays up a white t-shirt and jeans for a casual brunch at Boca after the Saturday Farmers Market. When you purchase a Mary Frances embellished handbag, you are supporting craftspeople of the cottage industry movement in third world countries. We cannot get enough of this purse, truly a heartfelt staple to any closet.

Photo of Mary Frances, courtesy of Mary Frances. Product photo: Wyatt Kostygan. 

Foxy Lady, 481 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236. 941-388-5239

Foxy Lady

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a member organization with nearly 60 locally owned and independent restaurants throughout the Sarasota and Manatee County The group focuses on an “Eat Like a Local” experience. The Sarasota-Manatee Originals announced the promotion of Sarah Firstenberger to Executive Director, the hiring of Maggie Wood as Event Manager and the re-election of Michael Harb as Board Treasurer. Executive Director Firstenberger has recently been promoted from Marketing Director to Executive Director. Firstenberger has been dedicated to increasing the Originals reach throughout the community. Event Manager Wood has come on board in the newly created position of Event Manager. Wood has been the Events Director of the Sarasota Film Festival for the past three years, and has previously managed Key Culinary Tours. Board Treasurer Harb, Owner of Fast N Fresh and Plated Modern Kitchen was unanimously re-elected as Board Treasurer following the annual Member Meeting in May. As Board Treasurer, Harb has been instrumental in the continuing success of the Originals.  

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals

Sarasota and Manatee counties are now part of the award-winning Suncoast Region, one of 15 US communities named a 2017 All-America City Award recipient by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and the National Civic League. Manatee and Sarasota counties are both part of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) which received a variety of accolades, including the All-America City Award, a Pacesetter Honor and three Communications Awards during Grade-Level Reading Week. The Campaign was recognized for exemplary work to unite the community and engage families in an effort to increase reading proficiency and combat the challenges that can undermine early literacy. Fifteen communities across the country were honored earlier this month with the 2017 All-America City Award (AAC) for their civic engagement to help more young children from low-income families achieve grade-level reading proficiency and early school success. 

Manatee County Government

Suncoast Technical College (STC) is graduating another class of trained apprentices for the modern world of manufacturing this Thursday with its Precision Matching and CNC Automation program. This is the 4th year of the Precision Machining and CNC Automation program, wherein STC teaches on current state-of-the-art Haas CNC machining equipment and also uses MasterCam Cad/Cam software for programming these high-tech machines. The machines produce several products that meet today’s needs, including titanium medical hip implants, NASA space program equipment, surgical tooling, plastic injection molds, jet fighters, automotive and Tervis Tumbler molds. The CNC equipment is also used to make other material products like Taylor Guitars and boat molds at Marine Concepts in Bradenton. With a goal to train 100 machinists in five years, STC stands at number 89. The college has also produced the most National Institute of Metal Working Skills (NIMS) certifications in the Florida at No. 285 and now has added MasterCam certification training. The average wage range is $26,500 - $38,000 a year. However, some students make over $20 an hour out of school. Since the first year, all students are working, have job offers or are continuing with engineering college 

Suncoast Technical College

Goodwill Manasota, 92.1 CTQ and Culver’s are teaming up for the “Suits for Vets” program. This effort will support and empower veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian workforce by providing them with professional business attire essential for helping them to put their best foot forward in today’s job market. Community members are asked to donate professional attire for men and women from June 27-July 4; clothing can be donated at any Goodwill location or the Culver’s restaurant at 2605 University Parkway in Sarasota. The Suits for Vets kick-off event will take place at the Goodwill store at 2715 51st Ave. E, Bradenton on Tuesday, June 27th. From 6-10 am, there will be a live remote with Maverick and Lulu from 92.1 CTQ. Anyone who donates a suit will receive a coupon for 50% off their Goodwill purchases (excludes bus passes and new goods); offer good at that location and during the live remote only. Culver’s will be there to distribute its delicious ice cream for those who love ice cream in the morning. Then, from 4-8 pm, Culver’s will kick off its own celebration at the University Parkway location—20% of the proceeds from that event will benefit Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program. Anyone donating suits at other locations or after these events will receive a coupon for 25% off at Goodwill and a free value basket coupon from Culver’s on University. 

Goodwill Manasota