Hello Hillsborough

Chief Rob’s Holiday Safety Tips

Grace and Tyler chat with Chief Rob from Hillsborough Fire Rescue about the dos and don’ts of holiday fire safety, like how to properly fry a turkey without dangerous flare‑ups, and why the kitchen — what he calls the “epicenter of the holidays” — requires extra care and caution during this busy season.

Breaking Down Budgets with Tom

Grace and Tyler sit down with Tom, Hillsborough’s budget expert, to explore how the County builds and manages its annual budget, and how you can apply those same principles to your own personal budget. From setting aside emergency reserves to prioritizing long-term investments over quick fixes, this episode shares how the County allocates budget dollars and practical tips you can apply to your own household budget.

In the Flow of Traffic with Rafael and Will

Hilary and Tyler sit down with the team you’ve probably never seen but rely on every single day: Traffic Management.  Rafael and Will stop by to share how their team manages the daily traffic patterns for commuters across Hillsborough County roads. From routine morning commutes to unexpected incidents, their job is to help get you through traffic safely and efficiently.  They also share what we can do to help traffic flow better (hint: don’t try to fight signal timing!) and what’s next for traffic signal detection technology.

A Quick Hello: Stay Safe, Stay Informed!

A quick Hello from Tyler about staying informed this storm season by signing up for HCFL Alert.
Always be the first to know what's happening in your community with HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official notification system. HCFL Alert is designed to keep you informed about local emergencies, everyday events, and county news that's important to you.
When you sign up, you can choose which updates you'd like to receive and how you'd like to receive them. Whether voice, text, or email, our alerts will reach you in real-time - straight from us to you.
Sign up today at hcfl.gov/alert

Behind the Curtain at New Tampa Performing Arts Center with Megan

The New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC), one of the newest additions to Hillsborough County, is quickly becoming a go-to destination for entertainment.   Hilary and Tyler sit down with Megan from NTPAC to learn how the center is fostering community through the performing arts.  Find out how to get involved – from classes to concerts – and what to expect at NTPAC's Annual Arts Festival, a free event for all ages that uplifts the performing arts community and kicks off the center’s upcoming season.   

Growing a “Florida-Friendly” Yard with Lynn

Did you know you can create a stunning yard without breaking the bank? It can be eco-friendly and thrive in Florida’s climate, too.  Hilary and Tyler talk to Lynn from Hillsborough County’s Extension Service office to break down the nine principles of “Florida-Friendly Landscaping.”  

Pickleball 101 with Coach Pat

Hilary and Tyler get a firsthand look at the pickleball scene in Hillsborough County, the sport's origin, and Parks & Recreation’s plans to keep up with the pickleball craze. Plus, Coach Pat breaks down basic rules and terminology, and shares how to get started with free pickleball lessons.

The Buzz on Managing Mosquitos with Gabriella

Hilary and Tyler get the buzz on how to mitigate the mosquitoes that could be breeding in your own backyard, why some people are more prone to mosquito bites, and how the County’s Mosquito Management team monitors and prevents the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.   

Simple Ways to Save Water with Anthony

Hilary and Tyler sit down with Anthony, a senior environmental scientist from the Water Resources department, to learn about sustainable water conservation practices.   Tune in to hear how you can start "Florida-friendly" landscaping and the little daily habits that can save the environment and your wallet.

How to Start a Small Business with Lynn

Hilary and Tyler sit down with Lynn from the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center  to discover how its resources – from collaboration and mentorship to workforce programs for Veterans – can help turn your idea into a thriving business. Plus, Tyler puts his own business pitch to the test! Will it land? Tune in to find out.