The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Barbers International Specializes in International Styles

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FB_IMG_1425051861783By Anne Childers

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Mike Singh first learned his extraordinary barber skills in New York City, where he worked with all nationalities as he perfected his talents and experiences. But Florida proved to be the right location to open his own business.

Now with over 15 years experience, Mike and his wife and business partner, Caren Badrudeen Singh, have opened Barbers International to bring all that big city style to Tampa. The salon is centrally located on Nebraska Avenue, between Busch Boulevard and Fowler Avenue.

“We are gender friendly and cater to all races and ethnicity, including West Indian and Guyanese,” Mike says.

The large, nine-chair salon is immaculate and comfortable. It is staffed by seven talented barbers and two cosmetologists/stylists, all who stay busy providing color, cuts, dreads, extensions, waxing and facials for men and women.

Stylist Mica specializes in braids, cornrows and kinky twist. Caesars, fades, blowouts and comb-overs are all in a day’s work for this talented crew of barbers and stylist. Ray-hawks and other sports cuts are another popular specialty.

Barbers International also is home to two additional artists — tattoo artist Andy and graphic artist Angel, both who work with the Singhs to perfect designs for clients. Their creative work can be seen on hair, skin, business cards and T-shirts for a total branding and personalized style for anyone looking to really stand out in business or personal life.

Also operating from Barbers International is Caren’s specialty business, Elegant Occasions.

“At Elegant Occasions, we take hair design and makeup to our clients for special events and weddings,” Caren says. “In fact, we recently traveled to Miami to provide all the on-site hair styling for a complete wedding party.”

Barbers International is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will stay open as long as there are customers in the shop. Children and adults with special needs are given preferential service with minimal waits. Walk-ins are also welcome, and pricing is competitive.

“Let Barbers International give you your best look and style yet,” says Mike. “We are here to make you as beautiful as you feel.”

(813) 402-2814 • 10509 N. Nebraska Ave., Suite #5, Tampa, FL 33612

What are those patches on my trees?

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They’re likely lichens, and they’re not harmful

It’s spring, and you’re out in your garden enjoying the flowers and making plans — and then you begin noticing problems.

When you glance at a nearby tree, you may see patches all over the trunk, bark and stems. These patches, or spots, are commonly white or green, but sometimes they are gray, pink, red, yellow or lime green. They may appear crusty, shrubby or leafy.

These lichens are sometimes called British soldiers, because they resemble the red uniforms worn by soldiers during the Revolutionary War. (Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)
These lichens are sometimes called British soldiers, because they resemble the red uniforms worn by soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
(Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)

Although they look like some type of harmful organism, they are, in reality, harmless lichens, pronounced lī-kens.

Lichens are not plants. They do not have a vascular or circulatory system that moves water and nutrients. They do not have roots, stems or flowers, either.

Actually, lichens are made up of two organisms that live together: an alga and a fungus. The lichen relationship is unique. The alga makes food for the lichen through photosynthesis, but it cannot live on its own.

The fungus provides protection and helps anchor the alga. The fungus also prevents the alga from being damaged by too much light.

Lichens are able to live in diverse, even difficult, places. You can find lichens attached to rocks, cliffs, tree bark, bare soil, fence posts, concrete walls and gravestones.

Since they lack a vascular system, lichens get their nourishment from rain, fog, dew and moisture released by plants and debris.

Lichens do not parasitize or harm the structures or plants they are living on. The common “deer moss” found on bare soil in natural areas, such as in state and county parks, is actually a lichen.

Lichens grow slowly, only a few millimeters per year, and they can live for thousands of years. Because of their long life spans, scientists measure lichens and use this information to date rocks and events.

Lichens provide many benefits. They are a food source for animals. They provide protective camouflage. They are useful in tanning and dyeing cloth. In some parts of the world, they feed large herds of caribou. Lichens supply nesting material for birds and mammals. In some cultures, lichens are used for medicine and as a minor food source.

As they grow over bare rock, they help collect organic matter, which builds and replenishes the soil over time. Lichens are also associated with good air quality. Lichens reproduce asexually, most often when pieces break off and start new lichens. Or, they reproduce sexually through spores. Because pollution can affect their growth and reproduction, lichens may not grow in highly polluted environments. For this reason, they are at the center of worldwide research studying the relationship between lichens and air pollution.

Although lichens are often mistaken as disease or fungus, they are harmless.

As we always say in Florida Friendly LandscapingTM and pest management, identify the “pest” first before selecting controls.

If your tree appears stressed or unhealthy, consider other factors such as planting depth, drought, disease, insects or water. And if you see a lichen, remember you don’t need to do anything to “treat” it.

For additional information, contact or (813) 744-5519, Ext. 54145.

Nicole Pinson is an Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.

This column used information from “Lichens” by Gary H. Brinen of Alachua County Extension, http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/fact_sheets/lichens.shtml.

Published April 22, 2015

Food, glorious food

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It sure is getting real close to when the snowbirds leave, but there are still activities at Grand Horizons.

While we may have the old standbys such as bingo, mahjongg, card games and more, we also have outings for the women, and we had one on April 7 at Maggiano’s. From what I understand, the ones who attended had a pretty good time. From the different things that I heard, the menu was varied and the food was delicious.

Writing group members, from left, Helene Rubenstein, Barbara Sullins, Nancy Martin and Nancy Lay get together at Blackstones Reef and Grill in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Blackstones Reef and Grill)
Writing group members, from left, Helene Rubenstein, Barbara Sullins, Nancy Martin and Nancy Lay get together at Blackstones Reef and Grill in Zephyrhills.
(Courtesy of Blackstones Reef and Grill)

I spoke to Marilyn, and she told me that not only did the people have a good time, but also with certain dishes on the menu, you got two of those dishes — one to eat at the restaurant and the other to take home.  What a sweet deal this was, as you got to relive the outing once you are at home. It sure sounds good to me. There were about 12 people who attended, hosted by Marilyn Webb and Rox-Anne Lamphere. They did a very good job, and our thanks go out to them.

On April 9, we had an HOA meeting in the community center. In this meeting, a lot of news was discussed. Considering that many people had already left to go to their winter homes, the attendance was pretty good.

The following day, April 10, we gathered for a lively game of shuffleboard and, as always, had much fun. Later on, during the day, the residents went to a lunch connoisseur at Bahama Breeze and had a lovely time.

I spoke to Dave Billig, who hosted this event along with Joyce Billig, and he mentioned how everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and the manager of the restaurant brought out appetizers for the group. This was a very nice touch. There were 29 people who got to enjoy this lunch.

Four people from the writing group got together on April 13 at Blackstones Reef & Grill restaurant. We had a lively discussion before, during and after the lunch. The menu had a variety of things to order.

After a lovely lunch, we grouped together in the lobby for a picture and Cheryl, the general manager, took our picture. This marked the end of a lovely lunch. We then proceeded to the home of Barbara Sullins for our readings of our individual stories.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 22, 2015

Busy week leading up to Easter

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On March 31, there was an open house at Betty Hatch’s home to honor Loris Weber’s return to Michigan. Loris is moving, and this open house gave the opportunity to several of her friends to see her before the big move. There was a lot of conversation and several pictures were taken. Our sincere thanks go out to Betty and the ones who helped her prepare this event. We also wish Loris the best in the future.

Loris Weber, center, enjoys a chat with Rae Rice, left, and Carla Jones at an open house in her honor before she moves back to Michigan. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)
Loris Weber, center, enjoys a chat with Rae Rice, left, and Carla Jones at an open house in her honor before she moves back to Michigan.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On April 1, we had our weekly coffee and donuts, and Gary Wilcox filled in for Rich Fulton in giving the news of the week. He gave us the anniversaries that occurred in this time period, in addition to the birthdays. Gary also gave us the thought for the day that he does every week, but this one was so funny that it really made you laugh. We also heard from several others on new things that have been happening in our park.

When the coffee and donuts were over, several of us played shuffleboard. It was changed to earlier on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays because of the heat. I guess it was a good idea, as we almost beat the hot and humid weather.

On April 2, approximately 30 people were in the community center attending a social club meeting. Several things were discussed at this meeting, and if anyone had a question, this was the time to clarify it. We discussed old and new events. It was a relatively short meeting, but it told you most of the information that people were thinking and questioning.

On April 4, Jim and Judi Leitzke, and all the helpers of the egg n’ bag event, put on a breakfast that we thoroughly enjoyed. All of the helpers included Ken and Cheryl Leone, Galen and Sue Parker, Clayton and Carol George, Doris Sutfin, Jane and Maurice Thayer, Fred and Sam Sage, and Colleen Crandall. We also wish to recognize Jim and Dora Mae Sinner for helping out in the past.

Fred Sage did the prayer before the breakfast started, and he did a fine job. About 90 residents took advantage of this breakfast and had a meal that was delicious. As usual, there was much conversing going on and visiting residents that were at other tables. We always have a great time at both breakfasts (egg n’ bag and pancake), and this was no exception. I did speak to Jim, and he mentioned that this was the last egg n’ bag of the season, and it will start up again in November with a dedication to all the veterans.

On April 5, you were able to find approximately 90 residents and visitors in the community center for an Easter dinner that was put on by Del O’Hara, with Andy Gisondi, Bill Donlon, Bill and Donna Quinn, and Ken and Cheryl Leone as helpers. It was a potluck and different plates were brought in. Everything was delicious. It was a lovely affair, and Andy started off with grace before dinner. We thank all the helpers who did a fine job on presenting this dinner.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 15, 2015

 

Pancakes, movies and more at Grand Horizons

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The snowbirds are starting to leave Grand Horizons after spending a great winter with many activities that we had previously and brand new ones to boot.

There is enough going on each day to keep anyone busy. Between shuffleboard, bingo, mahjongg, cribbage and so much more, you don’t have to stop and think what to do next.  We have enough luncheons, shows, meetings, card games and additional things for us to get together with our neighbors to socialize and mingle.

Ron and Joyce Bell at one of the many functions at Grand Horizons. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Ron and Joyce Bell at one of the many functions at Grand Horizons.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Approximately 25 people went to an AARP Safe Driving course. From what I understand from talking to some of the people, the course went over some driving and safety tips. They also saw a video, and because of taking this course can get a reduction on their auto insurance.

On March 28,we had more than 90 people at the pancake breakfast. This was the first pancake breakfast that we went to in a long time, and it turned out to be as good as other people had mentioned. Needless to say, it certainly will not be the last.

Now, in addition to egg n’ bag, we have another breakfast to add to our list — pancakes and more. The breakfast was hosted by Colleen Crandall and Rosemary Semian, and they had several helpers.

Then, at 7 p.m., we were treated to a great movie called “Last Vegas” starring Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Mary Steenburgen. The cast in the show was fantastic. It was about three 60-something friends who take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single friend. The movie night was hosted by Cheryl Leone, and all who came had a terrific time and enjoyed some popcorn.

This is one of the new activities, and it is a big hit.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 8, 2015

Keys to having a healthy lawn

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Our Florida lawns are becoming active once again, now that the weather is warmer and days are longer than 12 hours. This also means lots of calls and walk-ins to the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Office with questions about lawn care.

Some of the more popular questions this year have been the use of pet and family-friendly alternatives to chemicals for control of lawn diseases. The best “alternative” to chemicals would be to prevent the disease from happening in the first place. The best way to prevent or reduce disease in your lawn is to use a lawn grass that’s less susceptible to disease combined with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles to manage the lawn properly.

You can have a lush like lawn like this, if you give it the proper care. (Courtesy of Whitney C. Elmore)
You can have a lush like lawn like this, if you give it the proper care.
(Courtesy of Whitney C. Elmore)

The first Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principle is to put the right plant in the right place. Selecting the right lawn grass suited to your specific site can greatly reduce the need for fertilizer, irrigation and pesticide usage.

Watering your lawn only when needed not only helps to conserve this valuable resource, but also helps to reduce disease, since excessive moisture often encourages disease development.

Mowing your lawn to the proper height, which for most of our common Florida lawn grasses is 3 inches to 4 inches high, all year round, is a must for a happier, healthier lawn. Fertilizing with the right fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount also greatly reduces the incidence of disease in your lawn. To make your lawn more pet and family-friendly and lower the risk of disease, you can use compost on your lawn a source for nutrients, instead of fertilizer.

Compost is organic matter made up of any number of manures, bone meal, dried blood, or plant and animal waste. Kitchen scraps are an excellent example of items around your house you can compost. There are compost bins and barrels that speed the microbial breakdown of these substances into nutrient rich, soil-like matter that can be spread among your plants and across your lawn. Lawn clippings left in place, instead of being raked up and thrown away, will compost in-place, and return nutrients back to the soil. Since these materials act as slow-release fertilizers, the nutrients don’t leach easily from the soil, or as quickly as fertilizer, and don’t contribute as much to water contamination making them much more environmentally and wallet-friendly. An added benefit of using compost on the lawn may be disease suppression.

While there’s no definitive research to prove that adding compost helps reduce disease problems in the lawn, anecdotal evidence suggests there may be a benefit. Microbes that occur naturally within the soil can out compete those disease-causing microbes, especially when the lawn is healthy. Good microbes can produce inhibitory chemicals that can kill disease-causing microbes. Those good microbes come from compost. So, by adding compost to your lawn, you are not only adding plant nutrients, but potentially limiting the ability of disease-causing microbes to cause damage to your lawn. Because of the need for microbial activity, compost is more dependent on soil temperature and pH to help release the beneficial plant nutrients and produce the disease inhibiting chemicals, which benefits the lawn.

If you choose to add compost to your lawn, here are some helpful hints:

  • Only use compost that has undergone significant decay. Finished compost will smell “earthy” or “mushroom-like.” You should not be able to recognize what it was previously.
  • Get your soil tested for pH. Soil test kits are available at the Pasco County Extension Office.
  • Only apply the compost to the lawn when the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the microbes are actively breaking it down and releasing the nutrients to the lawn.
  • You can apply a thin layer of compost in a process called “topdressing” over the existing lawn. If you’re topdressing, apply ½-inch to 1-inch of material to the lawn. A lawn fertilizer spreader can make this job much easier. You may need to screen out larger pieces in the compost that won’t go through the holes of the spreader.
  • If you don’t have compost, you can purchase peat moss from most big box retailers and nurseries. Topdressing with peat moss has been shown to lower disease problems specifically in St. Augustinegrass, like ‘Floratam.’
  • Plan to topdress your lawn once in the spring, when daily temperatures are staying constant between 75 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and once in late summer when daily temperatures are holding steady at 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
  • Run a rake over the lawn to work the compost down to the soil.

For more information about producing your own compost, selecting the proper turfgrass for your lawn, fertilization, irrigation, proper mowing height, or to get a soil test kit, stop by or call the University of Florida/IFAS Pasco County Extension Office (http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu/).

Whitney C. Elmore is the Pasco County Extension director and Urban Horticulture agent III, and Jim Moll is the Pasco County coordinator of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program™.

By Whitney C. Elmore and Jim Moll

This column was adapted from UF/IFAS Extension publications: “Turfgrass Disease Management” EDIS Publication #SSPLP14 by M.L. Elliot and P.E. Harmon. “St. Augustinegrass for Florida Lawns” EDIS Publication #ENH5 by L.E. Trenholm, J.L. Cisar, and J.B. Unruh, and “Peatmoss Topdressing Control of Take-All Root Rot on St. Augustinegrass” by P.F. Colbaugh, X. Wei, and J.A. McAfee, of the Texas A&M Research Center.

Published April 1, 2015

Frank and Dean make a grand return

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Before the show even started, Terry Gardner (the host of this show plus other entertainment) gave a nice speech in which he thanked all the helpers. It was a nice touch, and then the show began.

They came back, and everyone who saw them last year knew what to expect, and they weren’t disappointed. They were here on March 7, 2014, and they were so well received, that many people asked for their return. It was granted on March 21, 2015, and many people, residents and visitors came for the show that they looked forward to.

Damion Fontaine, left, and Scott Brotherton channel Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin during a performance at Grand Horizons. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Damion Fontaine, left, and Scott Brotherton channel Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin during a performance at Grand Horizons.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Both, Frank (Damion Fontaine) and Dean (Scott Brotherton) put on one heck of a performance. They also were dressed well, with Frank and Dean both wearing red bow ties with a red handkerchief and a tuxedo, while Dean also wore a red cummerbund. Frank donned a lovely fedora that Frank is so well known for.

The show started with Dean singing “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You,” and Frank joined in. It was the perfect start to a great show.

Of course, in between the different songs, several jokes were told that had everyone laughing.

Frank then sang a couple of solo tunes like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” During this last song, Frank went through the audience and shook hands with many there.

Dean followed with a big hit called “Memories are Made of This” with many antics and motions that originally went with the song. Following this performance, Frank performed a classic Sinatra song entitled “Young at Heart.”

One special performance was done by Dean from Casablanca called “As Time Goes By,” and he ended the song with the words, “Here’s looking at you kid.” He followed this song with “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

Frank did a fine job with “The Lady is a Tramp,” and then Dean and Frank did a great rendition of “King of the Road” while the audience was snapping their fingers and clapping along.

Dean did a lovely performance of “Tiny Bubbles,” while Frank was in the background and joining in on the song. During this song, there was much audience participation.

Frank then sang a lovely version of “The Summer Wind,” “Love for You and Me,” “My Way,” and so many others.

Dean performed a lovely rendition of “Mona Lisa” and did a marvelous job of it in addition to the 1965 Dean Martin hit entitled “Everybody Loves Somebody.” A funny and cute time was when Dean twirled the fedora that was on Frank’s head and when the hat was on backwards, this was when Frank sounded like Louis Armstrong. But, if the hat was forward, he had Frank’s voice. Frank did a marvelous job at this and had many a person in stitches.

Frank and Dean sang “Luck be a Lady Tonight,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” and others.

Dean performed a Tony Bennett signature song entitled “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and he did it with much emotion.

The show ended with Frank and Dean mentioning the men who served in the armed forces and then sang “America” while they both stood. Dean then sang “Coming to America,” while the audience applauded. Then, of course, Frank performed “New York, New York,” while Dean was in the background taking some pictures and singing the chorus with Frank.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 1, 2015

Ice cream sundaes a treat on hot, humid days

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On March 12, we had our HOA meeting at the community center.  We discussed old and new business. There was a large turnout of approximately 70 to 80 people.

After the meeting, many people stayed to play euchre. I used to play this game, and it is fun and from what I understand, there are now many residents who play this competitive game. So if you are looking for a fun-packed game, any resident and/or visitor of Grand Horizons can come and join them.

The hosts for the ice cream social were, from left, Tom Carter, Laurie Carter, Del O’ Hara and Andy Gisondi. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)
The hosts for the ice cream social were, from left, Tom Carter, Laurie Carter, Del O’ Hara and Andy Gisondi.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On March 13, we had our monthly lunch connoisseur at Francesco’s in Dade City. Galen and Susan Parker hosted this luncheon with help from Sam and Fred Sage, and I must say they did a marvelous job. About 38 people had a lovely afternoon with a menu that had a little of everything. It is hard making a decision.

After the luncheon, we could go shopping in Dade City, as there were plenty of shops, and there definitely was something for everyone, or we could go directly back home.

On March 15, there were about 72 people at the community center. It was on this day that we had an ice cream social hosted by Andy Gisondi, Del O’Hara, and Tom and Laurie Carter. Everyone enjoys their ice cream, and they had ice cream sundaes in addition to root beer floats.

Every topping imaginable was there and some of them were strawberries, cherries, bananas cut in slices, pineapple, coconut, chocolate and caramel syrup (regular and lo-cal), whipped topping (also regular and lo-fat), sprinkles in color and chocolate, nuts, miniature marshmallows and more. It was pure heaven, and we got to see several creations that were made by individuals that were overflowing with this special dessert.

Before tables were called to get their ice cream or floats, they also had a table filled with delicious cookies made by Andy and Del, lemonade and coffee.

It was done to perfection, and all who came to this ice cream social had one terrific time.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published March 25, 2015

Music for your ears at Happy Days

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What a lucky streak we must have been on the day Jim and Nevaida Howe rolled into the park years ago. Jim is the godfather of our Friday afternoon Fiddle Jam at the hall. This has been a tradition for many local bow benders along with a mélange of other string instruments players.

Strumming away during a jam session are, from left, Ron Marcum, Derek Haynes and Ron Graham. (Courtesy of Ron Graham)
Strumming away during a jam session are, from left, Ron Marcum, Derek Haynes and Ron Graham.
(Courtesy of Ron Graham)

Over the next year or so, this blossomed with an expansion to the Open Jam on Saturdays. This premise encourages a broader range of talent than Friday, with guitars, drums and play what “ya brought,” and encourages singers to join in. Larry and Muriel Oakes have inherited Saturdays.

Each of these venues demands a lot of personal time for set up and takedowns, as well as hall cleaning. A big hoorah for all their efforts to provide this and all who will help them with the chores. It is for all to enjoy, and it is free.

Friday’s Fiddle Jam has its own group of followers, and is always open to the old classic country style of music fan. Saturday, with an open concept, is now providing a broader music experience — the past road guy, some long-in-the-tooth axe pickers, the learners, the singers, the smaller groups that love the opportunity to entertain each other, as well as the crowd.

Come and fill those seats around them. It is a toe-tapping good time. They will appreciate it and encourage this to grow into its full potential. For your information, last week we had 25 players, and nine were from inside the park. Wonderful!

Karaoke, although it does not demand the talent to play an instrument or sing like a professional, does provide a musical fun-filled night for those who want to flex their shower voices and air guitar skills. Our own Nancy Warren encourages one and all to try their hand at it. Some need a little coaxing, but the nights are always a success.

The season wrapped this year with the second annual Talent Show on March 21.

By Ian Marwick

Published March 25, 2015

Protecting Your Valuable Assets

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Mary Jane Graham Morrow Ins 1By Mike Matthew

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Photo: Mary Jane Graham

Lynne Mitzel, principal owner of Morrow Insurance Group, has helped Lutz families protect their assets for over twenty-five years. “Our name is synonymous with community,” says Lynne. “We have had customers with us for thirty years, and now we are insuring their children.”

“Everyone has different insurance needs. Two families in the same neighborhood will each have unique circumstances. We work to give our clients exactly what they need and want, not a cookie-cutter plan that is easy to sell.”

“We are big on relationships,” says Lynne. “At the end of the day, it is all about people working with people. You need to be able to trust the people with which you work.” “Our national carriers are constantly telling us to send our smaller clients to call centers for service,” says Lynne. “I certainly do not like my calls being answered by someone in another country. I want every one of my customers to receive the personal service they deserve from someone who knows them and truly cares about their needs.” Lynne and her team, work diligently to obtain customized coverage for each client.

A major concern facing homeowners today has to do with homeowner’s insurance. Many national insurance carriers are no longer writing homeowners policies in Florida. As a result clients often come to us having policies with the state insurer, Citizens. While a vast number of these policies are being transferred to take-out companies, even some of these companies go out of business in a few short years due to mismanagement and other financial difficulties. This is shaky ground for homeowners, and they need someone on their side to provide insurance options. Morrow Insurance stays on top of these issues along with maintaining a company base that provides alternative markets to ensure their clients are properly covered.

Morrow Insurance has one office with eighteen colleagues. Many of which have been there more than ten years. “We’re like a big family here,” says Lynne. “We actually enjoy insurance, and everyone works hard for our customers.”

“Schools do not teach people how to buy insurance or purchase real estate,” says Lynne. “These are big issues. You have to find someone who takes your interests to heart. We are a faith-based organization, and that contributes to why everyone is so caring and loving.”

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They close for lunch daily from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., so everyone can go to lunch together. Sometimes their customers join them.

Morrow Insurance Group provides personal insurance (homeowners, umbrella, auto, flood, valuable articles, motorcycle, watercraft, recreational vehicle, and plane insurance), commercial insurance (property, commercial vehicle, workers compensation, product liability, crime, marine, and general liability), health insurance and financial planning services.

Call Lynne and her dedicated staff at (813) 963-1669 or visit their website at MorrowInsurance.net for more information. Their office is located at 18936 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.