Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
Protection Team News Primetime Hurricane Season Is Here
VOL 17, ISSUE 8
Will Your Preparation Be Enough?
There’s No Reason to NOT Be Prepared Page 1
We’re officially in the heart of hurricane season, and it’s staring us down. August and September mark the peak, and Colorado State University has just updated its 2025 hurricane forecast. The outlook? More storms than initially predicted. While the increase isn’t drastic, it still raises the probability of a landfalling storm somewhere. That doesn’t guarantee Florida will be hit, but it means we must be prepared — just in case. HURRICANE SUPPLIES ARE NOW TAX-FREE, YEAR-ROUND There’s some good news: the Florida Legislature passed the state budget, and Governor DeSantis signed into law a permanent sales tax exemption on hurricane supplies. This is a game-changer for Floridians. Now you can budget throughout the year and gradually stock up. No last-minute scramble, no excuses. Take advantage of these savings and be ready before a storm shows up on the radar. And don’t forget flood insurance! If you don’t already have a policy in place, act now. There’s a 30-day waiting period on new flood policies. Don’t wait until the storm is named. Call our office today, and we’ll help you get the right coverage. INTERN SPOTLIGHT: TYSON SEVERS We had the pleasure of hosting our very first summer intern this year: Tyson Severs, a rising senior from Northeast High School’s Academy of Finance in St. Petersburg. Tyson brought incredible energy, fresh ideas, and a willingness to challenge us in the best ways. His four-week internship was a big success for him and our team. In fact, we were so impressed that we invited him to join us part-time during the school year — and he said yes! Tyson’s new role will also include helping us recruit one or two interns for next summer. We're
The Vermost Team’s School Memories Page 2
Referral Winner Page 4
Wacky August Holidays Page 5
Puzzle Time! Page 5
Darren meeting Chef Robert Irvine
excited to grow this program and continue investing in local young talent. TAMPA BAY RAYS: WHAT’S HAPPENING? On a less positive note … we need to talk about the Tampa Bay Rays' bullpen. Something just isn’t clicking. Over the past few weeks, they’ve struggled badly, blowing more games than I care to admit. Unless the bullpen can turn things around fast, their playoff berth might slip away, and we all know where the blame will fall. Let’s hope they figure it out soon. Until next month ... Stay safe and stay ready.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Page 5
June Referrals and July Puzzle Winner! Page 6
–Darren
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH THE VERMOST TEAM!
LESLEY BROWN 1. What was your favorite subject? Biology. 2. What was your least favorite subject? Math. 3. Did you ride the bus, get dropped off, or walk to school? All of the above, depending on the grade! 4. What was your go-to outfit
3. Did you ride the bus, get dropped off, or walk to school? Elementary was drop off, middle school was walking, and in high school, I rode the bus. 4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend during your
school years? In middle school, I wore a Reggie
or fashion trend during your school years? I’m an ’80s girl, so very Madonna inspired with the stacks of bracelets, gloves, fishnets with boots, and BIG HAIR. 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? None that I can share here! 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? I would pick 12th grade to tell myself that it's okay not to know what I want to major in college and to attend a local school instead of being so far away from home. DAWN EVANS 1. What was your favorite subject? Foreign language and my on-the- job training course. 2. What was your least favorite subject? History. 3. Did you ride the bus, get dropped off, or walk to 4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend during your school years? Shorts, tank tops, neon, and high-top sneakers. 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? My favorite memory was being a teacher’s aide during school hours. I enjoyed helping other students and understanding their needs to be successful in my future job. 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? Senior year. I only had a few classes and had more time for my teacher’s aide position. SARA BORGESON 1. What was your favorite subject? I really enjoyed my typing class in high school. My mom had bought me a typing tutor computer disc years before, so I was already good at typing and was done early all the time. 2. What was your least favorite subject? Gym class by far. school? I rode the bus most of the time and on occasion got a ride from a friend or parent.
Miller Indiana Pacers jersey all the time. I didn’t even like sports, but I would play NBA
Jam on PlayStation with my brother, and that was my team and player of choice. In high school, I carried around my “Army of Darkness” lunch box like a purse. 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? Nothing that pops out. 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? I would go back to 4th grade for the Boston field trip day. I missed out on that by moving out of state before the trip.
CHRISTINE EARLE 1. What was your
favorite subject? Major Subject: Social Studies, Minor: Cooking.
2. What was your least favorite subject? English. 3. Did you ride the bus, get
dropped off, or walk to school? In elementary
school, I walked to school; in high school, I rode the bus. 4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend during your school years? Between ’70s and ’80s fashion? Where do I begin?! 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? My husband is a twin with a twin sister. I met his twin sister first in 7th grade, and we became friends! I asked what her twin brother looked like, and when she pointed him out, I did not like his looks at all. But in 12th grade, he grew tall and was handsome, and we started dating and have been together ever since! 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? 6th Grade. That year, I met my best friend, and we had the Blizzard of ’78, so no school for a week! MARY RIVERA 1. What was your favorite subject? Reading. 2. What was your least favorite subject? Science. 3. Did you ride the bus, get dropped off, or walk to school?
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
5. Do you have a funny story or memory? I went to St. Pete Catholic High School in the ’80s. There was a dress code, no hair past the collar, and it was a never-ending battle for a rocker trying to hide long hair. 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? Kindergarten for the mandatory nap time! But honestly, 7th grade. I’d go back and decide to stick with school band; leaving school band is one of my few regrets. Plus, I’d like to see if those bullies would mess with me now! COLLEEN SPARKMAN 1. What was your favorite
The good ole’ shoe leather express (you probably do not know what that means!)
4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend
during your school years? Catholic school — so school uniforms. 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? Why did we pay tuition to attend school but were always selling stuff and fundraising, e.g., magazine drives, candy bars, gift wrap, “hoagie drives,” candles … 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? I loved high school — our high school was the old Luden (founder of Luden’s candy/cough drops) mansion. Rumors were also that the mansion was haunted … but was it? Go Central Catholic Cardinals! BRITTANY ROSSOW 1. What was your favorite subject? English. 2. What was your least favorite subject? Science. 3. Did you ride the bus, get dropped off, or walk to school? Luckily, I got dropped off most of the time until I got a car during junior year of high school. 4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend during your school years? Skinny jeans, a nice blouse, and closed-toed shoes! 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? I cherish my memories of being a theater kid and getting to perform in numerous shows with my friends! 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? Senior year was a blast! I completed most of my required classes to graduate and was able to take a bunch of performance art classes. A fun year indeed! JOHN O’BRIEN 1. What was your favorite subject? Creative writing. 2. What was your least favorite subject? Algebra. 3. Did you ride the bus, get dropped off, or walk to school? I was a back-of-the- bus bad boy. 4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend during your school years? Catholic school uniform! MARY
subject? Math. There’s always a right answer. 2. What was your least favorite subject? Language Arts. Too much interpretation. 3. Did you ride the bus, get
dropped off, or walk to school? I always rode the bus. 4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend during your school years? Jeans and a hoodie all year. 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? It’s not a funny memory, but the best memory I have is from my senior year. My little sister was a freshman, so it was fun getting to go to school with her for the first time. We were three years apart, so we had some elementary school time we don’t remember together, but high school was much more memorable. 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? I would go back to junior year of high school. I was old enough to go out and do things, but young enough that I didn’t have too many adult responsibilities. RONNIE SPARKMAN 1. What was your favorite subject? History. 2. What was your least favorite subject? Math. 3. Did you ride the bus, get
dropped off, or walk to school? I walked in elementary and middle
school and took a bus to high school until I started driving. 4. What was your go-to outfit or fashion trend during your
school years? Metalcore/Emo (band shirts and all black outfits). 5. Do you have a funny story or memory? I met my high school sweetheart, and we have been together for 13 years. 6. If you could go back to school for one day, what grade would you pick and why? Senior year was the most freeing time of my life, and it was before I became a responsible adult.
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Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com
newsletter@vermost.com
BE A LIFESAVER We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2024. When you refer someone to us, you receive rewards for each referral and are entered into 2024 REFERRAL WINNER! 2025 REFERRAL PROGRAM
monthly and annual drawings for additional, even bigger prizes. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we want to reward you for helping us grow our Vermost Insurance family. The annual grand prize winner of our 2024 referral program was Jene Cook. He received a 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to the charity of his choice. If you want a shot at the 2025 prize, keep sending referrals our way. Your referrals make us happy, and we hope our referral program makes you happy, too!
Jene Cook was our 2024 referral winner of the 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to a charity of his choice. • EACH Referral • $5 Starbucks Gift Certificate • 3 FL Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets • A chance to win prizes! • $5 donation to our spotlight charity: Special Operations Memorial Foundation
Be Entered in MONTHLY Drawings for • A $50 GIFT CARD • PLUS...ANNUAL Drawing for a
$500 Amazon Gift Card plus a $250 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice
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1200 Belcher Rd. S. Suite 1 ● Largo, FL 33771-3315 ● Phone: (727) 748-2886 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886 1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1
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Wacky August Holidays
• August 1— National Raspberry Cream Pie Day • August 2 — National Coloring Book Day • August 3 — National Watermelon Day • August 4 — National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day • August 5 — National Work Like a Dog Day • August 6 — National Root Beer Float Day • August 7 — National Sea Serpent Day • August 8 — Global Sleep Under the Stars Night • August 9 — National Book Lovers Day • August 10 — National S’mores Day • August 11 — Global Kinetic Sand Day • August 12 — National Vinyl Record Day • August 14 — National Creamsicle Day • August 15 — National Lemon Meringue Pie Day • August 16 — National Tell a Joke Day
•
August 17 — Black Cat Appreciation Day
• August 18 — National Mail Order Catalog Day • August 19 — National Soft Ice Cream Day • August 20 — National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day • August 22 — National Tooth Fairy Day • August 23 — Find Your Inner Nerd Day • August 24 — National Waffle Day • August 25 — National Kiss and Make Up Day • August 26 — National Cherry Popsicle Day • August 27 — National Just Because Day • August 28 — National Power Rangers Day • August 29 — National Chop Suey Day • August 30 — National Toasted Marshmallow Day • August 31 — National Trail Mix Day
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM BARS
WORD SEARCH
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
Ingredients
• 1 pt strawberry ice cream • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves • 1 pt vanilla ice cream
• 1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies • 1 0.8-oz package freeze-dried strawberries
Directions 1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
BEER FAMILY LEO LUNCHBOX
MUSTARD PERIDOT POPPY SISTERS
TWINS VACATION WATERMELON ZUCCHINI
You can fax, email, or mail your completed puzzle for a chance to win our monthly prize!
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Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991 www.vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1200 Belcher Road South, Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771 www.vermost.com (727) 748-2886
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
You Make Us Happy
We Insure More Than Just Cars and Homes Here’s a list of some of our lines of protection:
People who referred clients to us in June: • Roseanne Georgia • Kenneth Lee/ All Phase Cabinetry & Consulting Inc • Justin Orr/ Priority One LLC
• Sam Feldstein • Abby Gambrel • Michael Palisano • Shawn Otto • Robert Reichold • Andrew Hoek/ AKH1560 LLC
› Antique vehicles › Annuities › Auto › Boat/RV › Bonds › Builder’s risk › Commercial auto › Commercial property › Condo › Disability
› Flood › General liability › Home › ID theft › Life › Mobile home › Motorcycle/Jet Ski › Notary public
July Puzzle Winner: This should have been you!
› Umbrella › Workers’
June Referral Winner: Shawn Otto
compensation
... and more!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
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