August brings the contrast Floridians know well: summer sunshine alongside tropical storm threats. This year, more than ever, being storm-ready means thinking beyond sandbags and shutters. It’s about building financial and risk resilience that shields what matters most today and tomorrow.
At Bates-Hewett & Floyd, our approach to resilience weaves together three key pillars:
- Financial Services & Long-Term Security
- Health Insurance & Employee Benefits
- Specialty Coverage for Unique Personal & Business Assets
Here’s your comprehensive guide to constructing resilience that lasts longer than any hurricane;
1. Financial Services & Long-Term Security: Your Lasting Foundation
Forecasters from NOAA and Colorado State University signal that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season remains above average, even as forecasts are slightly moderate. NOAA predicts 13–18 named storms, 5–9 of which may become hurricanes, including 2–5 major storms (Category 3 or higher)—a scenario driven by warm ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric patterns KiplingerWikipediaAxiosMiami New Times.
Meanwhile, sea surface temperatures in the Gulf especially near Florida are elevated by approximately 2°F above historical averages, heating up the potential for powerful storms Chron. Rapid intensification, like Hurricane Erin’s rise to Category 5 in just hours, underscores how swiftly situations can change The Washington PostWikipedia.
These escalating climate risks underscore the importance of proactive long-term financial planning. Whether you’re securing your family’s future through life insurance, retirement strategies, or annuities, building a durable financial foundation ensures that you’re protected no matter what storms life or the weather bring.
Action Items:
- Evaluate your emergency fund and long-term savings goals.
- Explore financial products like annuities and life insurance that enhance your protection.
- Partner with Bates-Hewett & Floyd for personalized financial planning.
2. Health Insurance & Employee Benefits: Building Business Resilience
For business owners across Northeast Florida, safeguarding your team is just as vital as protecting your property. Whether disaster strikes, illness keeps staff home, or a severe storm disrupts the workplace, a tailored benefits package strengthens both operations and employee trust.
Customizing health, dental, or level-funded plans can be a game-changer—offering peace of mind to your workers and continuity for your business. It’s about investing in resilience, not just coverage.
Action Items:
- Review and update your employee benefits to meet evolving needs.
- Consider locally tailored structures that balance coverage with cost-effectiveness.
- Consult Bates-Hewett & Floyd to design a smart, sustainable package.
3. Specialty Coverage: Safeguarding What Matters Most
Florida living is about more than just homes—it’s about experiences and possessions that reflect your passions and unique lifestyle. Whether it’s boating along scenic waterways, traveling with your RV, or building a collection of cherished items, these assets bring joy and potential exposure if they’re not properly insured.
Why Specialty Coverage Is Crucial
- Tailored protection where standard policies fall short
Many belongings—like boats, RVs, collectibles, or custom equipment aren’t fully covered under standard homeowners or business policies. These gaps can leave you financially vulnerable when the unexpected happens. - Custom policies designed for unique needs
Whether your coverage needs stem from your lifestyle or your business, Bates-Hewett & Floyd offers specialty insurance that aligns exactly with your situation. From recreational vehicles to fine art, our personalized plans ensure comprehensive protection. - Florida-focused insight and responsiveness
Living in a high-risk state, it’s not just about having insurance—but having the right insurance. We understand how seasonal storms, storage considerations, and localized risks affect coverage—and we adjust your protection accordingly.
Without specialty coverage, a single loss like damage to your RV during a storm, theft of valuables while stored, or an accident involving an uninsured boater could quickly turn into thousands of dollars in unexpected costs.
But with Bates-Hewett & Floyd’s tailored approach:
- You get peace of mind, knowing each asset is guarded appropriately.
- You benefit from local expertise, especially when risks escalate during storm season.
- You receive personalized support, with policies that grow and adapt as your lifestyle does.
4. Integrated Resilience Backed by Local Trust
Resilience isn’t one-dimensional. It’s a layered shield of financial strength, team security, and lifestyle protection all anchored by community trust.
At Bates-Hewett & Floyd, that’s what we deliver:
- Comprehensive Solutions: We combine coverage, planning, and benefits to protect your present and build your future.
- Local Commitment: Serving Palatka, St. Augustine, and beyond means understanding your world—and responding faster when you need us most.
- Relationship-Driven Care: Long-term client trust reminds us that peace of mind isn’t seasonal, it’s relational.
Your Resilience Blueprint
| Pillar | What to Do |
| Financial Planning | Build your emergency savings and review financial goals |
| Employee Benefits | Customize coverage that supports your team and business continuity |
| Specialty Coverage | Ensure your lifestyle assets are insured and secure |
| Local Partnership | Work with a trusted agency that stands with you year-round |
Plan Now, Rest Assured Later
August is the perfect moment to move from reactive to proactive. With climate threats rising and storm seasons more volatile, your protection must rise too.
Let Bates-Hewett & Floyd help you build a resilient future where your finances, team, and lifestyle stay secure, no matter what lies ahead.
Let’s make resilience your norm—not just your backup plan.