The votes have been counted and the results are in! Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group is a 2023 Best of Florida® Regional winner in Guide to Florida’s annual readers’ poll.

Guide to Florida readers and editors have weighed in on the best of everything in Florida, honoring thousands of businesses and organizations in more than 25 broad business and community sectors.

The process starts with a nomination on the Guide to Florida website. Voting remains open throughout the year, with tens of thousands of votes ultimately received. The process culminates with the publishing of the Best of Florida Keepsake Annual along with a statewide publicity campaign.

It feels like we blinked and boom - summer is here. It comes and goes as quickly as that, so I try to make every day count (especially living in the north!). I recently made a list of things I'd like to do before fall arrives. I only have three to four months to work with, and doing this gives me something to look forward to each month. If you're feeling stumped on what to add to your list, I’ve got you covered!

Here's some fun ideas to add to your summer bucket list to make it the most memorable year yet.
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1. Have a picnic.
   It only takes an hour or two and it's a fun, relaxing activity with a family or friend. If you can't find someone who is available, bring your furry friend along!
   
   
   
2. Spend the day at the beach.
   Nothing beats the feeling of the sun on your face and the sound of waves in the distance. If you aren't close to a beach, go to a friend's pool or your city's pool for some water fun.
   
   
   
3. Go to an amusement park.
   Take the kids and head to your local water park or amusement park to make some fun memories. You'll definitely take some fun pictures and have a lot of laughs!
   
   
   
4. Throw a BBQ at your house.
   Have you always "talked" about getting together with your friends for dinner, but it never happened? Well, now's your chance! Grill up all of those savory foods you've been thinking about all summer and host a great evening at your place.
   
   
   
5. Go camping for a weekend.
   If you're craving the outdoors, this one is for you. Pick a weekend to unplug from your life, and soak in the scenery and wildlife.
   
   
   
6. Stargaze.
   Summer is the perfect time to go stargazing. Drive far away from the city lights to look at the many constellations and planets in the sky! Experts say the best places to stargaze are national or state parks.
   
   
   
7. Attend a bonfire.
   There's no better way to end the night than with a warm fire and some roasted marshmallows!
   
   
   
8. Watch a movie at a drive-in theater.
   It's rare to find a drive-in theater nowadays. If there's one located near you, go watch your favorite flick for a memorable experience.
   
   
   
9. Go to the zoo.
   If you want to do a fun, affordable activity with your kids, this one is for you. They will love seeing their favorite animals up close, and depending on the zoo, they may offer some interactive exhibits for the kids.
   
   
   
10. Go on a mini vacation.
    If you need some new scenery, planning a weekend getaway will be the perfect cure. Look up the nearest vacation town near you, book the hotel, start driving and don't look back! You'll thank me later.
    ​
    
    

Before you know it, the cold will be back (in some parts of the country), school will be in session…and you'll be thinking about the smell of that bonfire or how the sand felt between your toes.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/10-summer-bucket-list-ideas.asp

Don't forget those loyal family members — your pets. They need preparation just as humans do.

Find shelter for your pets
Unless you rely on the assistance of a guide or leader dog, Red Cross and other public shelters cannot accept pets. It's up to you to make other arrangements for your pet. Contact your veterinarian, Humane Society or Animal Control office for more information. There may be space available at 'pet shelters' on high ground in your community. Make sure your pets have up-to-date shots. Pet shelters require proof of vaccinations.

Your pet survival kit
Before a hurricane strikes, be sure to put together a Pet Survival Kit:

• Proper ID collar and rabies tag
• Carrier or cage
• Leash
• At least a two-week food supply
• Water and food bowls
• Any necessary medications
• Specific care instructions
• Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste

​Keep an eye on your pet after a hurricane
After the danger has passed, be careful in allowing your pet outdoors. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, and that could be confusing to your pet. Be careful that your pet doesn't become lost. Downed power lines present real danger to your pet, as do snakes, insects or animals driven to higher ground by floods.

Most turtles begin to move as the weather warms. This may be for mating, nesting or many other reasons. Of course, turtles move much slower than cars (and don't understand human traffic laws), which makes crossing the road incredibly dangerous. To celebrate and protect all of the turtles out there, here are some tips for safely helping them reach their destination!

Safety First
If you see a turtle on the road, remember to use the correct signals when pulling over. Keep your flashers on to warn oncoming vehicles and always check your surroundings.

Moving the Turtle
If the turtle is moving at a decent pace, you may be able to stand nearby and watch it cross. If the turtle is stagnant (or if you are uncomfortable touching the turtle), you may use a blunt object to help push it. Make sure the object isn't sharp, and be gentle! This will be your best option for moving a snapping turtle, they may bite if you use your hands.

Picking up the Turtle
Most turtles will hide in their shells if they are frightened, which makes it easier for you to pick them up. Place both of your hands behind the front legs and towards the back legs. The turtle may try to kick, so don't hold it up high – you don't want to drop it! Also, it's very important to never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can severely injure them.

Car Mat
Another option for moving the turtles is using a car mat. This works best for larger turtles that you may not be able to lift. You can allow the turtle to walk onto the mat, or help gently push it onto the mat. Be sure to carry the mat low to the ground in case the turtle falls off.

Going the Same Direction
Be sure to move the turtle in the same direction it was trying to go. If you place it back where it was coming from, it will most likely turn around and return to the road.

Do Not Take it with You
Turtles and other wildlife are meant to stay in the wild. No matter how cute turtles can be, resist the temptation to bring it home. When taken out of their home areas, they will most likely try to go back. They are not pets so they need to be in their natural environment.
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Injured Turtles
An injured turtle may look dead, so if you are unsure as to whether or not the turtle is injured, there are a few tricks you can try. Try gently touching the back of their foot, or touch the corner of its eye to test for a reaction. The turtle may try and kick, or move its head or eyes. If a turtle has a crack in its shell, it might drown if it returns to the water. If the turtle you find has a damaged shell, or seems seriously injured, contact a professional. Many veterinarians, animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers will treat them for free.

Attracting birds
There are so many different kinds of feeders to choose from, each attracting different kinds of birds. Some birds prefer to perch on a small dowel while others prefer to eat right from the ground. Redpolls, nuthatches, woodpeckers and chickadees tend to prefer tube feeders. Jays, finches, sparrows and crossbills like to sit on trays. When you purchase a feeder, don't just think about the style that would look nice in your yard also think about the feeder style that the birds would prefer.

Consider different kinds of food options for the birds. Many people resort to the popular seed mix that usually sells in a large quantity. Seed mix attracts cardinals, jays, nuthatches, chickadees, flickers and white-crowned sparrows. The mixed seed is inexpensive and readily available. But if you watch birds that flock to eat it, you'll see that they intentionally eat the tasty seeds and kick out the artificially flavored seeds from the mix. The seeds they like best are the sunflower seeds. Try a black-oil type sunflower seed to see a variety of birds that will keep coming back for more.

Many birds including sparrows, finches and chickadees favor a beef fat called suet which provides birds with a concentrated source of energy. Suet mixed with peanut butter is a favorite meal for woodpeckers, cardinals, goldfinches, jays, bluebirds, thrushes, and wrens. The winter months are the best time to offer suet so the fat stays cool. Genuine suet will melt and rot leaving a horrendous smell if it's warm. Although you can cook up your own suet, it is best to use an artificial suet made especially for birds. Artificial suet provides the same nutrients but can be used any time of the year.

If you want a specific kind of bird at your feeder make sure to buy the food it will like best. Mourning doves and song sparrows love canary seed. All small finches will devour niger or thistle seed. Look into the varieties of seed available and consider other feeding options as well. Many birds like to eat the foods we do. Jays, chickadees, woodpeckers and nuthatches like peanut hearts. Orioles love grape jelly and orange halves. Try foods like popped popcorn, pieces of melon or other fruit, cereal and cooked oatmeal to see what kinds of birds will come.

If birds aren't coming to your feeder:

• Wait for a few weeks longer. They either have to get used to the feeder or there might be plenty of natural foods around the area. When the food sources begin to dwindle, the birds will find their way back to your feeder.
• Throw away all the seed and thoroughly clean out the feeder. The seed might be infested with harmful bacteria or it might be rotten from getting wet.
• Consider where the feeder is located. Predators might be scaring the birds away.
• Try wrapping some aluminum foil around the top of the feeder. The reflection may lure the birds in to eat.
• When purchasing seed, look at the packaging. It may be infested. A burlap bag lets insects in easily. A plastic bag with patched punctures may indicate a chew hole from bugs. Retailers might store the feed in a place easily infested with insects.

Plant food
Although the same birds might visit a feeder regularly, they do not completely depend on your food for a primary source of energy. Birds get most of their nutrition from eating things like insects, worms and berries. Rather than a feeder, consider planting a tree or shrub that will give a food source to the birds and enhance your landscaping. Birds like to eat from trees such as red cedar, juniper, hawthorn, crab apple, dogwood, hackberry, and sweet gum. Plumb bushes, holly, honeysuckle, currants, barberry, chokeberry, elderberry are favorite plants as well. Check with a gardening store or soil conservation district to see what kinds of native plants will thrive best in your yard.

Water
​Providing a water source is a sure way to attract all species of birds. Whether it's a built-in pond or a simple birdbath, water offers a fresh place for the bird to bathe and drink as opposed to polluted run-off rain and snow. Beginning in autumn to mid-winter, natural sources of food start to dwindle making a feeder and bath most attractive at this time of year. Birds need water most during the winter season when it is in short supply and when they need to warm themselves by bathing. In the winter a heated birdbath offers a warming station and energy source which will quickly be adopted.

Location and time

• Place your feeder near shrubs and trees to provide a protection place for smaller birds. A small bird in an open area makes a quick meal and an easy target for larger birds or other predators.
• Some birds prefer to eat seed spread on the ground. Don't do this if you know of any outdoor cats around your area.
• If you want to hang a feeder from your house, start by placing it away from buildings and then gradually move it closer to the destination point after birds are used to feeding from it.
• When spring rolls around lay dryer lint, yarn scraps and dog hair near the feeder for the birds to use as they nest.
• The busiest mealtime for birds is in the morning and at nightfall.
• If you place a feeder by the window, put a decal on the window. Birds see their reflection in the window and may think they are flying into trees and fly into your window instead. A decal will take away this illusion.

Pests

• To get rid of squirrels that scare away the birds, consider a wire mesh protector, a baffle below or above the feeder or purchase a squirrel-resistant feeder.
• To repel blackbirds and squirrels, try mixing safflower seeds into the feed.
• Be aware of outdoor cats on the loose! Cats are one of the most threatening predators to birds and will look to a bird feeder as easy access to catching dinner.

Feeding

• Large birds eat dog food, a cheaper alternative to seed.
• Birds use grits to help them digest seed. Mix crumbled eggshells in your seed as a grit-alternative and an added calcium source.
• If there are too many birds coming to eat and making a mess, put less seed in the feeder or use a specific kind of feed to attract only the birds you want to see.
• For less mess, use a feeder with a tray under it to catch leftover seeds or seed shells.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/bird-feeders.asp

(with drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra batteries) and your family and immediately move to higher ground. Don't wait for evacuation instructions during a flash flood.

If a flood is likely but hasn't yet occurred
If you have time before a flood affects your home and a flash flood isn't a threat, you should activate your flood plan. Start with moving your valuables to upper floors and securing your outdoor belongings. Turn off utilities at the main valves. Disconnect any electrical appliances, but not if you are wet or standing in water. Listen to the television or radio and follow any instructions.

You should be ready to evacuate. Close and lock your doors and windows. Have your emergency kit handy, as well as you car keys, a charged cell phone, credit cards and insurance information.

During an evacuation
​Once you leave your house, make sure you are aware of the dangers you could encounter while trying to get to higher ground. Here are some rules:

• Do not walk through moving water.
  You can easily fall in as little as six inches of moving water. If you have to walk through water, find a place where the water is stagnant. Use a stick to check how firm the ground is in front of you.
• Do not drive in flooded areas.
  It's easy to misjudge the depth of a flood, but just a little water can pose a big risk to your vehicle. Six inches of water is enough to reach the bottom of most passenger vehicles and cause a loss of control. A foot of water will float most vehicles and two feet of rushing water is powerful enough to carry away sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-up trucks.
• Watch the roads.
  Roads may have cracked or been washed away in a flood. Pay attention the condition of the streets you're driving.
• If water rises around your car, react quickly if it's safe.
  Abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground if possible.
• If you come in contact with floodwater, wash your hands with soap and clean water as soon as possible, because you don't know what chemicals may be mixed in the floodwater.

Again, the most important thing for you to do in a flood is to make sure you and your family are safe. When it comes to minimizing damage and increasing safety during a flood, it is beneficial to prepare. ​

There is a common misconception that being a landlord is a great, easy way to make some money, but that is often not the case. Renting out a property can be a time-consuming and energy-draining task, but it has its' perks. I have lived in many different rental properties throughout my years as a college student, and I appreciate the time and care these owners have put into their respective properties. However, if the property owner seems distant or acts ill-mannered, the experience I have at that property isn't as good. Understanding how to pick your tenants and communicate with them creates a healthier and happier experience for everyone involved.

1. Screen your applicants well before choosing. Making sure you have quality tenants is the most important first step to becoming a landlord. This can be a time-consuming project, but will ease your mind in the long run. Consider verifying their income, performing a background check, and checking out their rental history. Ask us about our landlord program that provides you free background checks on your tenants!
2. Educate your tenants when they first move in. Spend some time discussing the different aspects of the lease when they first arrive. Communicate the different responsibilities and rights they have in signing the agreement, and make sure they understand what their obligations are as the tenants.
3. Set the standards for what is expected of them. Expanding on number two, make sure your tenants understand what is expected of them. This will improve the quality of your communications with each other dramatically. Who is responsible for taking care of the lawn? Do tenants pay their own electric/cable bills? How quickly should the tenants make you aware of repairs needed at the property?
4. Be available. Make sure you are checking your email and phone often to keep that line of communication open. Consider creating an alert on your phone to sound when your tenant has reached out to you. Even if you just reply with a couple of words like "Okay" or "I will look into it", your tenants will understand that you have received their message and already addressing the issue.
5. Stay on top of repairs. Nothing makes a tenant more unhappy than when repairs are not taken care of in a timely manner. Follow #4 and be available so if things go wrong, you can quickly send aid.
6. Let your tenants know in advance if you plan on visiting. Make sure you notify your tenants in advance if you plan on stopping by for a checkup. The general rule of thumb is to give tenants a two-week notice.
7. Treat your tenants with respect. If you treat your tenants with respect, they will treat you with respect as well.
8. Follow the guidelines in the lease. That lease is there for a reason! No matter if the circumstance are good or bad, make sure you are following the guidelines in the lease. It is the document that will be used to determine if there is a breach on either side of the contract.

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), everyone lives in a flood zone. Even those who don't live near water are at risk, because anywhere it rains, it can flood. Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that put your home and belongings at risk.
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Your home is one of your greatest investments. It's important to prepare ahead should disaster occur. Here are three simple steps to help make sure you're ready in the event of a flood.

• Create a "flood file" and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a personal property inventory of your home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds), and a CD backup of computer documents and digital photos.
• Prepare your home by making sure your sump pump works and has a battery backup, your gutters and downspouts are clear, your electronics and appliances are elevated, and any valuables and keepsakes are moved to a higher level.
• Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from home, work and school. Make sure that plan includes an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated. Also, create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily if you need to evacuate.

​It's important to know that most home policies don't cover flooding and just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands. To find out if you live in an area that is at risk for flooding, type in your address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and use this interactive tool to learn more.

Guys like Harry and Marv are busy around the holidays! Burglars are in a hurry, and anything that can slow them down can be enough to stop them. Adding high-security locks, safes, safety glass windows, and fortified doors would all be okay measures alone. However, layering all these simple home protections can be enough to send thieves down the street!​

Lights & Dogs
Most burglaries happen during weekday afternoons, when many people are away from home at work or running errands. Creating activity that makes it appear as if someone is home during the day may deter many thieves. Try leaving lights on, a vehicle in the driveway, or create noise that can be heard from outside the house. Nighttime theft can be deterred by installing motion-sensor lights and locking up tool sheds and outdoor items. Dogs may also seem like a deterrent, but a “Beware” sign or barking may not be enough to keep thieves away. Some dogs become scared when intruders confront or harm them, or are easily tamed with treats. However, large, noisy dogs can act as an alarm system and create a sense of fear that sends thieves away. Breed and training really determines whether a dog can act as a added layer of protection.

Fences & Landscaping
Trees, landscaping, and fencing can help your yard feel secure, but it can also provide cover for thieves. However, wall and fences only provide cover after they have been scaled. Making fencing difficult to climb over can be enough to thwart opportunistic burglars. Other obstacles, like locked gates and thorny shrubbery, can help deter unwanted guests. Also, consider replacing the screws on the hinges and strike plates of all exterior doors with 3.5 inch star-drive screws. This can help stop bold burglars who would go straight for your home entrances.

Alarms & Security Services
Seasoned burglars know police response times. Once an alarm sounds, they know just how much time they have to grab all that they can. Many thieves cut wires or know that neighbors may still may not report a sounding alarm. Funnily enough, the real benefit of an alarm is the yard sign and window decals! Burglars know that homes with those signs have the potential to create noise and alert the police. Through HRS Insurance Group, you can access special burglar alarm discounts, choosing between a video doorbell or indoor camera to be the backbone of your home security system. 

Protection for Valuables
Do you have any high value items in your home that need extra protection, like art, jewelry, or collector’s items? Getting coverage for valuables is easy and we can help! Most homeowners insurance policies have limited coverage for valuables. To ensure those items have coverage, we recommend adding a personal articles floater to your homeowners policy. This would provide coverage for personal items whose value is higher than the limits set in your policy. You may also want to consider getting appraisals to determine the value of certain items. This can help you to decide how much coverage your item needs and can help make the claims process fast and easy!

Every year, we see the same list of movies recommended to be enjoyed during the Christmas season.

If you're like me, it doesn't take rocket science to notice the lack of diversity and inclusion in those lists. So this year, I've started a new tradition with my family and customized a Christmas movie list that is as diverse as it is inclusive and decided to share it with the world. We hope you and your friends and family  enjoy it! 

1. Prometheus
2. Friday After Next
3. A Madea Christmas
4. Home Alone 
5. Home Alone 2 
6. Almost Christmas 
7. This Christmas 
8. Frosty the Snowman 1969 
9. A Christmas Story 1983 
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas
11. Jingle All the Way 
12. The Preacher's Wife 
13. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
14. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 
15. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
16. Last Holiday 
17. Four Christmases 
18. A Divas Christmas Carol 
19. The Wiz (1978)
20. Die Hard 
21. Family Man 
22. Krampus 
23. A Christmas Carol (1984) 
24. It's A wonderful Life (1946) 
25. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
26. The Polar Express
27. Trading Places 
28. Yogi's first Christmas (1980)
29. Santa clause is coming to Town (1970) 
30. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
31. Perfect Holiday 
32. The Shining 
33. The Nightmare Before Christmas
34. Office Christmas Party
35. Elf
36. The Night Before
37. Miracle on 34th Street
38. Sisters
39. The Family Stone 
40. A Christmas Carol (2019) 
41. Daddy's Home 2
42. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
43. A  Bad Mom's Christmas
    
    

Grab some eggnog and stuff the stockings, stat! And be sure to share this list with your family and friends! 🎄🎅🏾