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Protection Team News WHERE THINGS STAND AFTER Q1: Insurance, Preparedness, and Planning Ahead
VOL 18, ISSUE 4
A Quick Q1 Check‑In Page 1
One quarter down, three more to go … wow, this year is flying by! At the end of every quarter, I like to take some time to review my goals and reflect on what I’ve accomplished and what I still need to address. Don’t get me wrong, I review my goals daily, weekly, and monthly, but the quarterly review is usually the most impactful in ensuring I stay on track and adjust as needed. First, the Florida Legislative Session is wrapping up. I hate to say it, but there hasn’t been much discussion or change in the insurance space this year. I’m not surprised, though, since we are starting to see rates come down. It simply hasn’t been as big a topic this legislative session. Speaking of rate changes, it was recently announced that at least five major insurance companies have been approved to implement significant rate reductions in auto insurance due to legislative changes made over the past few years. We’re finally beginning to see the benefits of those changes show up in our pocketbooks. Are all companies making adjustments? No, but many are, and that is very good news for all of us Floridians. If we can get through another year without a direct hit from a tropical
storm on the Florida coast, we could potentially see additional reductions in homeowners' insurance as well. That leads to an important question: Have you started putting your hurricane plan together? It is never too early to get prepared, especially since many hurricane preparedness supplies now qualify for permanent sales tax exemptions in Florida. With tax season here, if you receive a refund, consider setting aside a portion of that money to purchase supplies and prepare for the upcoming storm season. Now is the time to get ready, not when a storm is already bearing down on us. This season of change isn’t just about taxes and hurricane preparation. It’s also bringing a big change for the Vermost family. The day has finally arrived when Melanie and I have officially become empty nesters. Cue the tears! Ainsley recently made the adult decision to move out of the family home, get her own place in Tampa, and begin the next phase of her life. It’s definitely bittersweet, but we know she will continue to do great things. Thankfully, she’s only across the bay, so we’ll still get to see her often. Of course, we’ll always be here if she needs anything.
How the Vermost Team Celebrates Easter Page 2 The Science of Sunlight and Smiles Page 3
Referral Winner Page 4
Ainsley outside her new residence!
Wacky April Holidays Page 5
Finally, I’d like to take a moment to congratulate the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams for bringing home the gold in the Winter Olympics by defeating Canada in both championship games. What an exciting time to be both a Tampa Bay Lightning fan and a Team USA fan! It was tough cheering against Lightning coach Jon Cooper and Brandon Hagel on Team Canada, while supporting Jake Guentzel and the Tkachuk brothers (especially since Matthew Tkachuk plays for the not-so- beloved Panthers). Either way, it was a lot of fun to watch the run- ups to the final games! Until next month,
Puzzle Time! Page 5
Chicken Miso Spinach Soup Page 5
March Puzzle Winner and February Referrals! Page 6
–Darren
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
EASTER, VERMOST STYLE A Look at Our Team’s Traditions
What was your favorite thing to find in your Easter basket as a kid? New crayons. We always got coloring books for Easter, so new supplies were the best. Do you have any Easter traditions with your family? Just coloring eggs. We would buy the new designs that came out every year. If you got an Easter basket today, what would you hope was inside? Books or Magic: The Gathering cards. What color Easter egg would represent your personality? Probably black. I like things spooky all year. MARY RIVERA ABRAMS What’s your favorite Easter candy? Anything with coconut creme. What was your favorite thing to find in
CHRISTINE EARLE What’s your favorite Easter candy? Reese's Eggs or Peeps. What was your favorite thing to find in your Easter basket as a kid? Money, haha. Do you have any Easter traditions with your family? My brother, Tim, always put money in the egg hunt eggs for our kids, along with candies and toys.
Do you have any Easter traditions with your family? Coloring eggs and egg hunting! At least, as a kid.
Ronnie’s wish to find in his Easter basket!
your Easter basket as a kid? Back then, any kind of candy.
If you got an Easter basket today, what would you hope was inside? One of those fake eggs with money inside! What color Easter egg would represent your personality? Red. It shows the flame inside! COLLEEN SPARKMAN What’s your favorite Easter candy? Palmer Hollow Chocolate Bunnies.
Easter 2025 with my siblings in Massachusetts at my brother’s home.
If you got an Easter basket today, what would you hope was inside? The first year my husband and I dated, he made an Easter basket and put an opal ring in one egg (That was the best). What color Easter egg would represent your personality? Light Blue: my favorite color. RONNIE SPARKMAN What’s your favorite Easter candy? Reese’s Easter Bunny. I wouldn’t want it any other way. What was your favorite thing to find in your Easter basket as a kid? It wasn’t my favorite item to find as a kid, but I always ended up with clothes.
Young Mary with her family during Easter!
Do you have any Easter traditions with your family? As a child, we always had new Easter clothes, went to church, and then out for dinner as a family. If you got an Easter basket today, what would you hope was inside? Those coconut crème or peanut butter eggs that the ladies from the local church make and sell.
Colleen’s favorite Easter candy!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886
What color Easter egg would represent your personality? Pink. MICHAEL CONSTANTINE What’s your favorite Easter candy? Anything dark chocolate or Reese’s. What was your favorite thing to find in your Easter basket as a kid? Back then, probably Beanie Babies or another stuffed animal.
If you’re feeling more mentally clear and optimistic this month than you have at previous times so far this year, the sun above you may have a lot to do with it. Scientists have long acknowledged the connection between natural light and positive mental health. However, studies have only recently uncovered the exact extent of this partnership’s impact on our overall well-being. Landmark research published in 2023 examined the effects of low light on 787 operating-room nurses in Shandong, China, who typically worked lengthy shifts in high-stress environments without regular access to natural light. The results showed an association between lower sunlight exposure and poorer self-reported mental health. Here are five other interesting facts and findings about sunlight exposure and our health: • Research shows that light therapy may provide benefits to individuals experiencing nonseasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). • A study of hospitalized patients with mental health disorders found that those who had stayed in a room with better sunlight generally experienced shorter hospital stays. • A study in Taiwan suggested that moderate levels of ultraviolet sun rays may have contributed to lower symptoms of depression. • Additional research suggests that rates of self-reported suicidal thoughts were lower in areas where residents experienced higher and longer sunlight exposure. • Sunlight positively affects our circadian rhythms, helping reduce fatigue during time changes. The final takeaway? If you’re feeling down, spend time in the sun. Depending on your particular medical circumstances, you may be surprised by how readily nature provides us with ways to heal our minds. Radiance and Resilience THE SUN’S MOTIVATING EFFECT ON MOOD
Michael with his brother on Easter 1991!
Do you have any Easter traditions with your family? My parents would send me from NJ to visit my grandmother down here in St. Pete Beach for spring break. Now that I live here, I get to call them all during our glorious weather while they are still in search of spring. If you got an Easter basket today, what would you hope was inside? Winning lottery tickets and bottles of wine. What color Easter egg would represent your personality? I like things that are calm and soothing, so pale green. BECKY JORDAN What’s your favorite Easter candy? favorite thing to find in your Easter basket as a kid? Reese’s peanut butter eggs. Do you have any Easter traditions with your family? Eating Reese’s peanut butter eggs. If you got an Easter basket today, what would you hope was inside? Reese’s peanut butter eggs. What color Easter egg would represent your personality? Brown, like Reese’s peanut butter eggs. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs … need I say more? Reese’s peanut butter eggs (They have the highest peanut butter to chocolate ratio of all the Reese’s shapes!) What was your
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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991
vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
BE A LIFESAVER We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2025. When you refer someone to us, you receive rewards for each referral and are entered into 2025 REFERRAL WINNER! 2026 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 2025 referral program was Richard Claybrooke. He received a $500 Amazon gift card plus a $250 donation to the charity of his choice. If you want a shot at the 2026 prize, keep sending referrals our way. Your referrals make us happy, and we hope our referral program makes you happy, too!
Richard Claybrooke was our 2025 referral winner of a $500 Amazon gift card plus a $250 donation to a charity of his choice.
Be Entered in MONTHLY Drawings for • A $50 GIFT CARD • PLUS ... ANNUAL Drawing for a
• EACH Referral • $5 Starbucks Gift Certificate • 3 FL Lottery Scratch-Off Tickets • A chance to win prizes! • $5 donation to our spotlight charity: Pinellas Hope
$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 April Holidays
• • • • • • • • • • •
April 1 – National One Cent Day April 2 – National Burrito Day
• April 16 – National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day • April 17 – National Cheeseball Day • April 18 – National Animal Crackers Day • April 19 – National Hanging Out Day • April 20 – National Cheddar Fries Day • April 21 – National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day • April 22 – National Jelly Bean Day • April 23 – National Cherry Cheesecake Day • April 24 – National Bucket List Day • April 25 – National Hug a Plumber Day • April 26 – National Pretzel Day • April 27 – National Devil Dog Day • April 28 – National Superhero Day • April 29 – National Zipper Day • April 30 – National Bubble Tea Day
April 3 – National Find a Rainbow Day April 4 – National Walk Around Things Day April 5 – National Flash Drive Day April 6 – National Carbonara Day April 7 – National Girl Me Too Day April 8 – National Empanada Day April 9 – National Unicorn Day April 10 – National Farm Animals Day April 11 – National Cheese Fondue Day
• April 12 – National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day • April 13 – National Make Lunch Count Day • April 14 – National Reach as High as You Can Day • April 15 – National Rubber Eraser Day
CHICKEN MISO SPINACH SOUP
WORD SEARCH
A light but satisfying soup with tender chicken, wilted spinach, and umami-rich miso.
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 5 small carrots, thinly sliced • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1/4 tsp salt
• 9 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth • 4 cups cooked shredded chicken • 12 oz fresh baby spinach • 3 tbsp white miso • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
Directions 1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the oil. 2. Add carrots and onion and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute. 4. Add broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. 5. Stir in chicken; cook 2 minutes. 6. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Remove pot from heat. 7. In a small bowl, stir 1/4 cup hot broth into miso until dissolved, then return mixture to pot. 8. Divide soup into bowls and top with scallions. Inspired by EatingWell.com
BUDS CONSERVATION DIAMOND EASTER
LILY PLANTING REFUND REGROWTH
SHOWER SWEETS TAXES VOLUNTEER
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
vermost.com newsletter@vermost.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1200 Belcher Road South, Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771 vermost.com (727) 748-2886
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 February: • Philip Scarlato • Lee Vogt • Joan Walker • Michael Hanuschewicz • Dana & Michael Kelley • Justin Orr/Priority One 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
March Puzzle Winner: This Could Have Been You! February Referral Winner: Michael Hanuschewicz
› Umbrella › Workers’
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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