Show Notes
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.
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Grace and Tyler embrace spooky season with a fun mix of book recommendations from the library and essential Halloween safety tips for families. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister joins the show to share safety tips, like costume guidelines and candy protocol, to help put parents’ minds at ease on Halloween night. He also explains the planning and preparation that happens within the Sheriff’s Office to ensure a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience for all. Their goal is to help every family have a safe and great evening! Chely Cantrell, director of Library Services, brings a lineup of October-themed books perfect for getting into the fall spirit. She also highlights the wide variety of activities and services available at the 27 library branches around the county. From free digital services to cooking and home-economics classes, there’s always something festive and fun to explore. Fall-themed story times and seasonal programs are also underway. To sign up for a library card or learn more about festive events and activities near you, visit HCPLC.org.
Grace and Tyler sit down with Audrey Ziegler, director of Social Services, and Monica Pegeuro, a case manager with the Rebuilding for Tomorrow program. They share how the program works and how it will make a big difference for local community members. Rebuilding for Tomorrow is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. Hillsborough County uses these funds to support long-term recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. That includes repairing homes, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting projects that protect communities from future storms. Funding is prioritized for the most impacted areas and low- and moderate-income households. Ziegler and Pegeuro encourage anyone who thinks they might qualify to take the first step and reach out. They call it a life-changing program, and getting started is simpler than you think. Learn more about Rebuilding for Tomorrow
Grace and Tyler sit down with Animal Control Supervisor Sgt. Kaylee Lannigan and Animal Control Officer Karen Coyne for an in-depth conversation about all things Animal Control. They're also joined by Tyler's 8-year-old beagle, Doc, an Animal Control rescue and success story from the Pet Resource Center. Animal Control Officers do so much more than the movies portray. They're not just out collecting strays; they're everyday heroes for animals in need. These officers step in to help injured pets, tackle all kinds of rescue situations, guide residents through County pet rules, and support investigations with patience and compassion, working hard to keep pets with their families whenever possible. Taking an animal into custody is always the very last resort.
Tampa Bay 28's Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips and Katja Miller from Hillsborough County's Office of Emergency Management join Grace and Tyler for an in-depth conversation about what to expect this hurricane season, how Hillsborough County prepares year-round, and what residents can do now to stay ready. Denis shares his expertise on hurricane behavior, how weather patterns can impact our area, and the fun backstory behind his trademark suspenders. Whether you're a lifelong Floridian or preparing for your first hurricane season, this episode is packed with expert insights and tips to help keep you and your family safe.
When the school year wraps up, the summer heat moves in. Grace and Tyler sit down with Joe from Hillsborough County Code Enforcement and learn all about how to keep our pools and families safe this summer. Joe shares the essential safety checklist every resident should know—from ensuring pool gates self-latch to spotting maintenance issues and potential electrical hazards. With lots of us headed to the water this summer, it's important to remember how to stay safe while staying cool.