Your New Era Starts Now

'Tis the season to set goals, create vision boards, and claim your intention for the new year. If you are craving a fresh start or simply a small change in your life, Hillsborough wants 2024 to be your best year yet. Seeking better health, love, a new hobby, or a career change? A Hillsborough County program may help move those goals into reality.

Hillsborough's Top-Five Tips for 2024

Get out and get active!

We all know that being active is good for your body and mind. But, did you know that Hillsborough offers programs that can make it more fun? From biking and birdwatching to pickleball and kayaking, Parks & Recreation and Conservation & Environmental Lands Management have over 700 miles of trails and waterways, 80,000 acres of preserved land, over 176 neighborhood parks, 16 conservation parks, 28 nature preserves, and a variety of indoor recreation centers for Hillsborough residents. A Wellness Access Pass is your ticket to participate in any indoor fitness center and open gym activity.

Speaking of trails, the Hillsborough County Hiking Spree is in full gear. Between Nov. 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, residents are encouraged to "Discover Your Own Path." Whether looking for a short hike at a nearby neighborhood park, or more of a challenge at a nature preserve, the Hiking Spree offers something for everyone. Pick the trails that are right for your fitness level. Visit the Hiking Spree main page for information on registration and prizes.

If getting out and getting active is one of your goals, visit HCFLGov.net/Parks and HCFLGov.net/Conservation to find something new!

Find a love connection

If you want more love in the new year, don't look any further than the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center (PRC). Hundreds of dogs and cats reside at the PRC waiting for their new leash on life.

The adoption process is simple. Visit the PRC pets during the shelter's open hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can visit the online kennel and learn a bit more before you go. Notes on every animal are kept up-to-date so, whether in person or online, adopters can learn everything on hand about the pet. Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make a match with a PRC pet!

Try something new!

Did you know that Hillsborough County has many opportunities to experience the arts? If you want to try something new in 2024, perhaps take a class or see a performance at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The center offers programming for residents of all ages. Or check out a photo installation such as the Burgert Brothers photos on display at the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Library or the "Veritas et Justitia'' sculpture outside the Edgecomb Courthouse.

The Hillsborough County Arts Council is the voice for the arts in Tampa and Hillsborough County and partners with artists and museums such as the Tampa Museum of Art and the Tampa Bay History Center to bring art to residents. Check out Hillsborough's ART813 series on YouTube to see Arts Council grant award recipients in action.

Get carded

At the library! More than just books, the library offers language courses, travel resources, career prep, and more! Check out Five New Year's Resolution Ideas with Help from the Library.

Catch the entrepreneurial spirit

If you have considered starting a new business or building your existing business, Hillsborough's Economic Development team can help! From complimentary classes and mentoring at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC)to targeted programs for minority/women-owned and small businesses, Hillsborough is a comprehensive resource for business owners.

And, housed at the ECC, The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County, serves entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the county and across all industries through confidential no-cost consulting and professional training.

Stay connected and in the know with everything Hillsborough has to offer by frequenting the County's website and social channels.

Are you ready for your best year yet? Hillsborough can be your partner!