Vermost Insurance Agency - August 2026

Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!

Protection Team News FROM HURRICANE PREPARATIONS TO CHAMPIONSHIP DREAMS A Summer Check-In

VOL 18, ISSUE 8

Good News for Florida

Homeowners and a Great Month for Tampa Sports Page 1 Vermost's 2026 Football Forecast Page 2 A Busy Parents’ Guide to Back- to-School Organization The Hidden Health Crisis You Might Not Know You’re Part Of Page 3 Referral Winner Page 4 Wacky August Holidays Page 5 Puzzle Time! Page 5 Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Page 5 July Puzzle Winner and June Referrals! Page 6

It seems like summer just began, but school is already about to start. Where did the time go? Before we know it, we'll be entering peak hurricane season. Hopefully, each of you has your hurricane plan in place and your emergency supplies stocked and ready, just in case. If we can make it through another year with few or no major direct hits, I truly believe insurance rates could continue to trend downward. We are already seeing encouraging signs. In fact, at least one major insurance company has announced that it is returning more than $1 billion , yes, with a "B," in excess profits to Florida policyholders. Can you imagine the savings we could see if this positive trend continues? Fingers crossed! Last month, I'm sure you noticed I didn't mention sports at all, so this month I have some catching up to do. First, how about all of the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup being hosted in North America? From the incredible matches to the international

visitors who became social media sensations after discovering Buc-ee's, our enormous grocery stores, fast-food choices, and, of course, air conditioning. It has been a lot of fun to watch! I'm sure many of their friends and relatives back home, who were enduring another summer heat wave, wished they were here enjoying the cooler indoor temperatures. And let's not forget Team USA. They've been exciting to watch. As I'm writing this article, they've advanced to the Knockout Round of 32. Hopefully, by next month, we'll be celebrating their

Ainsley pauses for a photo in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral during a recent work trip to New York City.

earning the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender, and Nikita Kucherov for capturing his second Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL Most Valuable Player. Congratulations to the entire Tampa Bay Lightning organization on an outstanding season and these well-deserved honors! Until next month,

trip to the championship match. Now, it's time to say a few words about our beloved Tampa Bay Lightning. While they once again fell short of advancing past the first round of the playoffs, the team certainly made up for it during awards season. Congratulations to Coach Jon Cooper for winning the Jack Adams Award as the NHL Coach of the Year, Andrei Vasilevskiy for

–Darren

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VERMOST'S 2026 FOOTBALL FORECAST Hear From Our Team!

DARREN VERMOST 1. Favorite NFL Team: Bucs 2. Favorite College Team: Iowa & Army 3. Best Game Day Snack: Wings 4. Favorite Football Tradition: Watching ESPN Game Day & Pat McAfee’s selections. 5. Prediction: Who wins the Super Bowl this year?: Bucs MARY RIVERA ABRAMS 1. Favorite NFL Team: E-A-G-L-E-S Always! 2. Best Game Day Snack: Chicken wings or buffalo dip. 3. Prediction: Who wins the Super Bowl this year?: Philly for the win!

The photo is from a USF Bulls game, Annie was marching with the Herd of Thunder Band!

JOHN O’BRIEN 1. Favorite NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Favorite College Team: USF Bulls 3. Best Game Day Snack: Publix Subs

4. Favorite Football Tradition: Tailgating with Family and Friends 5. Prediction: Who Wins the Super Bowl this year?: Buffalo Bills

BRITTANY ROSSOW 1. Favorite NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2. Favorite College Team: USF Bulls & Michigan Wolverines 3. Best Game Day Snack: Buffalo dip with chips! 4. Favorite Football Tradition: Watching the game on TV with family and friends. 5. Prediction: Who will win the Super Bowl this year?: The Bucs, of course!

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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315 Phone: (727) 748-2886

When people hear the term metabolism, they often think about how fast their body burns calories. But metabolic health goes further. It’s about how efficiently your body uses food for energy, and how well it maintains balance across essential systems like blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. In simple terms, good metabolic health means your body runs smoothly and has a strong foundation for long-term energy, vitality, and resilience. WHY IT MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK Right now, only about 12% of Americans are considered metabolically healthy . That’s a surprisingly small number, especially considering how closely metabolic health is tied to conditions like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Fortunately, with the right habits, many people can improve and even reverse early signs of metabolic imbalance. THE NUMBERS BEHIND YOUR HEALTH Clinically, metabolic health is often measured using five key markers: 1. Waist circumference 2. Blood sugar levels 3. Blood pressure 4. Triglycerides 5. HDL (“good”) cholesterol If three or more of these fall outside a healthy range, it may signal metabolic syndrome , a condition that raises your risk for chronic disease. SUBTLE SIGNS YOUR BODY IS SENDING Metabolic health issues don’t always show up in obvious ways. Sometimes, the clues are easy to overlook: • Constant fatigue, even after rest • Frequent sugar cravings • Trouble losing weight • Brain fog or mood swings • Poor sleep or persistent inflammation These signals often reflect how well (or poorly) your body manages energy behind the scenes. SMALL CHANGES THAT MAKE A BIG IMPACT Improving metabolic health doesn’t require extreme measures. In fact, consistency matters more than intensity. Regular movement, like a 30-minute walk five days a week, can significantly improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Pair that with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and you’re already on the right path. Because in the end, good health is more than just a number on a scale. It’s about how well your body works for you every single day. Why Only 12% of Americans Are Truly Healthy … AND WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MADE SIMPLE

Smart Organization Tips for Busy Parents

Why is it that the first day of school always sneaks up on you? One minute, summer feels endless, and the next, you are juggling supply lists, new routines, and busy schedules. For many parents, the shift can feel overwhelming. However, with a little planning and a few smart systems, back-to-school season can feel far more manageable. BEGIN WITH SIMPLE SYSTEMS. Organization begins before the first bell rings. Taking time to sort through clothes, supplies, and old materials can prevent clutter from piling up later. Experts recommend decluttering drawers and checking what you already have before shopping to avoid unnecessary purchases. Creating designated spaces in your home also makes a significant difference. A small “drop zone” near the door for backpacks, shoes, and papers helps keep everything in one place. Even a homework station or supply bin can reduce daily chaos and keep kids focused. BUILD ROUTINES THAT STICK. Consistency is the backbone of a smooth school year. Start easing into school routines a week or two early by adjusting bedtimes and morning habits. This helps children transition from relaxed summer schedules to structured school days without stress. Evening preparation also makes a major difference. Laying out clothes, packing backpacks, and prepping lunches the night before can transform hectic mornings into calm, predictable starts. These small habits add up quickly and create a sense of stability for the entire family. USE VISUAL ORGANIZATION TOOLS. Children thrive when they can see what is expected of them. Visual schedules, color-coded calendars, or categorized charts can guide kids through their day without constant reminders. These tools are especially helpful for younger children who benefit from clear, easy- to-follow cues. A central family calendar can also keep everyone on the same page. Between school events, extracurriculars, and family commitments, having one place to track everything reduces confusion and last- minute stress. KEEP IT REALISTIC. It’s easy to overcommit at the start of a new school year. Many parents feel pressure to sign their children up for multiple activities, but too many commitments can quickly lead to burnout. Choosing fewer activities and focusing on what truly matters helps maintain balance and keeps schedules manageable.

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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: Humane Society Of Pinellas

$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 Play Outside Day

• • • •

August 17 – National I Love My Feet Day

• August 2 – National Ice Cream Sandwich 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 Water Balloon Day • August 8 – National Happiness Happens Day • August 9 – National Passion Fruit Day • August 10 – National S’mores Day • August 11 – Global Kinetic Sand Day • August 12 – National Middle Child Day • August 13 – National Filet Mignon Day • August 14 – National Creamsicle Day • August 15 – National Relaxation Day • August 16 – National Tell a Joke Day

August 18 – National Fajita Day

August 19 – National Soft Ice Cream Day August 20 – National Bacon Lovers Day

• August 21 – National Fantasy Football Draft Day • August 22 – National Tooth Fairy Day • August 23 – National Sponge Cake Day • August 24 – National Waffle Day • August 25 – National Banana Split Day • August 26 – National Cherry Popsicle Day • August 27 – National Just Because Day • August 28 – National Power Rangers Day • August 29 – National Lemon Juice Day • August 30 – National Toasted Marshmallow Day • August 31 – National Eat Outside Day

MARGARITA GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS

WORD SEARCH

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw extra jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped • 1 tsp minced jalapeno • 2 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 2 tbsp tequila (optional) • Thin slices of lime for skewers

• Chopped cilantro • Wedges of lime to squeeze on shrimp

Directions 1. Soak wood skewers in water. 2. Place shrimp in wide shallow bowl and set aside. 3. In small bowl, combine all ingredients from olive oil through black pepper. Use a food processor or blender to process. 4. Pour marinade over shrimp and stir to coat. 5. Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, turning about halfway through. 6. Drizzle tequila over the shrimp, if desired, and fold to combine. 7. Thread shrimp onto skewers, with folded slice of lime in between. 8. Heat grill to medium-high. Set shrimp on oiled grates and grill 2–3 minutes per side. 9. Place shrimp on platter and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lime.

CATS FESTIVAL GOLF HARVEST

HUMMINGBIRD LEARNING NOTEBOOKS PERIDOT

POPPY RELAXATION SMORES WATERMELON

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

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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 June: • Linda B. Wilson • Justin Orr/Priority One LLC • Dawn Evans • Christina Austin • Cindy Boso • Sandra McLaughlin • Ron Meladandri • Angela Bates • Lucille & Bernard Caffrey • Mary Rivera Abrams • Joe Lanfranchi/Clear Cut Marble & Granite LLC • Elizabeth Williams/Heritage Financial & Fiduciary Services 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: Joni Mann June Referral Winner: Dawn Evans

› 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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