"Hello Hillsborough" podcast welcomes 2026 by inspiring residents with New Year's resolution ideas focused on exploring local attractions and adopting sustainable habits, emphasizing community connection and the county's amenities.

Clearwater hosted a unique 5K race where participants ran in duck-inspired costumes, with festivities around the World's Largest Rubber Duck. The city celebrated with family-friendly activities and promoted health and happiness.

Manatee County, Florida, held a successful inaugural Community Cleanup event, collecting over 107 tons of waste. Future cleanups are planned, with the next in April, and efforts to improve logistics are underway.

Charlotte County Fire Station 9 now accepts medical sharps for safe disposal, offering a convenient and responsible option for residents in collaboration with community partners.

The FMEA Professional Learning Conference is returning to the Tampa Convention Center, bringing over 20,000 attendees and an $8.6 million economic impact to the city, while a traffic advisory has been issued for peak times.

Charlotte County Government in Florida announces facility closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with regular trash pickup but closed government offices and some recreational services.

CBP is hosting a recruitment event in Tampa for various law enforcement positions, offering bonuses up to $60,000. Virtual options for interested candidates are also available.

Tampa's Stormwater team continues routine maintenance of the city's drainage systems, preparing for the rainy season, with their work highlighted on social media.

Tampa offers free weekly fitness classes to promote community well-being at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, including HIIT, Zumba, Pilates, and Yoga, with no registration required.

Clearwater hosts multiple city meetings at the library, with options to attend in person or stream online through various platforms. The next City Council Meeting is on January 15.

Hillsborough County celebrates Florida Arbor Day with a tree giveaway and educational workshop to grow both trees and the workforce that cares for them.

Clearwater Parks & Recreation introduces Better Body Bingo, a fitness program turning January resolutions into a wellness game with weekly activities to earn points for prizes.

The Hernando County Government Board of County Commissioners is set to discuss issues like disaster housing relief, a garden grant, and local initiatives, including a fire station remodel and a parks master plan, during a meeting on January 13, 2026.