Grace and Tyler tackle some burning questions with Steve and Alison, two experts from the Conservation & Environmental Lands Management (CELM) department.

If terms like burn boss, vegetation response, fire bug, or fuel (meaning dead twigs, trees, and leaves) have you scratching your head, then this episode is for you.  

Steve walks us through the ins and outs of performing a prescribed fire and explains why these burns are essential, not just for the land, but for community safety. You might be surprised to learn that good fires prevent bad fires by reducing wildfire risk and promoting healthy ecosystems. 

Discover how Hillsborough County resources can help you achieve your 2026 goals!

From hitting the hiking trails or playing pickleball at the local courts, to diving into books at the library and making eco-friendly choices, there are so many ways to get involved and make this year rewarding.  Grace and Tyler share their New Year’s resolutions, and revisit some of their favorite Hello Hillsborough moments for a few helpful 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.

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.

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 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

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.   

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.”  

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.

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.