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The new office, located at 1904 N Donnelly Street, joins the agency's St. Petersburg and Ocala locations and will be staffed by local agents who know Lake County and the risks that come with it, including the new home construction now spreading across the area. Anyone is welcome to stop by the office’s Open House, enjoy soft drinks and finger foods, tour the office and meet the agents joining their neighborhood. Guests can also request an insurance review or quote on the spot, and agents in Ocala and St. Petersburg will be available by phone if the Mount Dora office is busy helping other visitors."I have always admired the vibrant Mount Dora community," said Bart Zirkle, owner of Zirkle Insurance. "The beautiful lake life and quaint shops, the festivals, and the way people get involved make it a natural fit for our local & community-driven approach to running an insurance agency."
That approach has fueled fast growth. Zirkle Insurance opened its St. Petersburg office at 4200 4th Street N in September 2024. The agency grew 400% in its first two years there, then opened its Ocala office at 409 E. Fort King Street in December 2025. Mount Dora, opening in year three, brings the agency to 16 employees, including 15 licensed sales and service agents, several with more than 20 years of experience. In 2025, Zirkle Insurance earned Pinnacle Elite status for ranking in the top 3% in the country in sales and service.
Each office is shaped by the people and properties around it. St. Petersburg's coastal location brings greater hurricane exposure, Ocala offers agricultural opportunities, and Mount Dora's growth in new homes creates demand for guidance from agents who understand the area. Across all three, Zirkle agents shop a broad network of carriers, among them Tower Hill, Security First, American Integrity, Universal North America, Florida Peninsula, Citizens, Allstate, National General and Hagerty, to match clients with coverage that fits their needs and budget. Business owners can find general liability, business owners policies, commercial property, commercial auto, commercial umbrella, builders risk and workers' compensation coverage, and the agency also offers instant online quotes and a Spanish-language website.
For Zirkle, the expansion is also a statement about how insurance should work. "In today's world, insurance agencies have become very transactional," Zirkle said. "They have eliminated service and the local feel while pushing you to call centers and overseas service lines. We answer our phones. We will see you on the sidewalks and at the local hot spots. We are part of the community we serve, and we are not shying away from being hands-on agents."
A Conversation with Bart Zirkle: Behind the expansion is Bart Zirkle, the owner of Zirkle Insurance, who has spent the last 20 years in the industry. Zirkle started as a sales agent and went on to build his own agency around a simple idea: lead with great service and keep agents local to the communities they serve. As the Mount Dora doors open, Zirkle shared what sets his agency apart and where it is headed.
What makes Zirkle Insurance special?
"Our experience and expertise have made us one of the most successful agencies in the State of Florida. We pride ourselves on our exceptional service and our availability to our customers. Our licensed agents are well trained and familiar with the regulations and risks in Florida."
How do the locations differ from each other?
"Each office has different needs. The Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg territory has more hurricane risk because it's coastal. Ocala offers more agricultural opportunity for us to service. Mount Dora has a lot of new home development in the area."
What inspired you to grow to Ocala?
"Ocala is a market we always wanted to be in. We love the closeness each neighborhood has. I grew up in Ohio, and Ocala makes me feel very at home and reminds me of my Ohio roots."
What would your employees say about working with you?
"They would say I let them be the professional they are. We are not a call center. All of my staff have their own office and professional equipment so they can take care of every customer's needs efficiently, and we are always educating ourselves about the ever-changing market."
What is the Zirkle culture like?
"We are fun when the time calls for it, but we are all professional and serious about our careers and helping our clients. If you follow Zirkle Insurance on Instagram or Facebook, you will see our goofy side sometimes."
What type of insurance is the most complicated to underwrite?
"This is Florida, and we all know it's homeowners insurance. That's why I have agents who are dedicated homeowners specialists. They know the state's rules and regulations inside and out, and they are familiar with all of our carriers and their claims histories and processes."
What's a common misconception about Florida insurance?
"That all insurance is the same, or that cheaper is better. You have to be very careful about what and who you are trusting to protect your assets. How are you covered? What do these limits mean? What happens if...? Those are the good questions to ask your agent. At Zirkle Insurance, we want to educate you about how insurance works and everything that is or is not included in your policy."
What motivates you?
"I have always found motivation from my father, who passed away in 2017. He was drafted right out of high school into Vietnam, then worked 40 years as a factory worker building semis in Ohio. He always did for others before taking care of himself, and through his suffering at the end of his life, he never complained and always smiled. He loved people and did not know a stranger. Build a legacy like that and you've done something on this planet."
What's the future plan for growth?
"My goal is to focus on our current three locations and continue to offer great service and products to the community. We want to be of service in and out of the office. Eventually we would like to expand into the Orlando market, but that's a goal for down the road."
Opening the Doors in Mount Dora
Zirkle Insurance has grown by staying close to the people it serves. Mount Dora is the next chapter in that story: a local office, agents who know the neighborhood, and a team that picks up the phone. Whether a resident is buying a first home, insuring property, protecting a small business or checking on a claim, Zirkle's agents will be there to explain the coverage, answer the tough questions and stay involved long after the policy is signed. Neighbors can meet the team at the Open House on October 29 and the Grand Opening on November 1, and Zirkle Insurance hopes those first hellos are the start of long relationships built on trust, service and a handshake.
For a free quote or to learn more, call the Zirkle Insurance St. Petersburg office at (727) 345-1511 or the Ocala office at (352) 820-7940. Email sales@zirkleinsurance.com or visit www.zirkleinsurance.com to request a quote online. For more information on the expansion and upcoming events, follow Zirkle Insurance on Facebook and Instagram. Offices in St. Petersburg and Ocala are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
About Zirkle Insurance: Zirkle Insurance and Financial Services is a Florida insurance agency with offices at 4200 4th Street N in St. Petersburg, 409 E. Fort King Street in Ocala and 1904 N Donnelly Street in Mount Dora. Its licensed agents provide personalized insurance and financial solutions for families and businesses, with a focus on honest advice, local service and education. The agency earned Pinnacle Elite status in 2025 for ranking in the top 3% nationally in sales and service. To learn more, visit www.zirkleinsurance.com or call the St. Petersburg office at (727) 345-1511 and the Ocala office at (352) 820-7940.
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Editors: For details or to schedule an interview, contact Lisa Williams at lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.
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