Raw Local Honey Keeps Business Buzzing

Down a rambling, picturesque dirt road, a family farm is buzzing with activity. Goats, rabbits, chickens—and of course, bees.

Jonathan and Judi Fisher of Land O' Lakes founded Fisher Honey Bees in 2008.

Jonathan, a fourth generation beekeeper, harvested honey on the farm for the family’s personal use, but the supply became abundant, Judi Fisher said.

After giving it away to their family and friends and still having plenty, a business took flight.

Now, Fisher Honey Bees sells its raw local honey products at retailers throughout the Tampa Bay area, and nationwide through their online store.

"We are members of the Tampa Bay Beekeepers Association as well as the Florida State Beekeepers Association. Jonathan is also a member of the Florida State Master Beekeeper program," Fisher said.

The company maintains hives in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, which allows them to harvest a variety of honeys, including orange blossom, wildflower, gall berry, saw palmetto and Brazilian pepper, Fisher said.

Judi, whose background is in sales, was "dragged" into the business, she said with a laugh.  But she loves it.

“It’s great,” she said. “I’m a people person and I like helping people learn about things that are good for them.”

And the health benefits of honey are plentiful, according to Fisher.

“A lot of people use wildflower honey for allergies, “ Fisher said.  “But it has to be local and raw.”

Honey is used as a sleep aid, a natural burn salve and it's used to ease the symptoms of menopause, among other natural cures, she said.

It also can be used as a replacement for sugar in coffee, tea and recipes. Fisher shares recipes on the company’s website and Facebook page, with one caveat:

“Once they’re family approved, I post them,” Fisher said.

The couple's four children, who range from 4 to 15 years old, also help out on the family farm and with honey business as much as possible.

“The kids are raised around all these animals, they’re learning how to be self-sufficient and what’s good for them,” Fisher said.

Fisher Honey Bees carries their own local raw honey products, and also is a distributor for The Naked Bee products.

Raw local honeys from Fisher Honey Bees come in sizes ranging from 2-ounce party favors and samplers to a one-gallon jug. Pricing is available on the company's website.

Honey is available for local pick up at Jonathan Fisher’s Architectural Signage Systems office, 131st Ave SW in Lutz. Orders placed online can choose this option instead of shipping, she said.

The company also ships all over the United States and Puerto Rico, Fisher said. “I can typically ship anywhere in Florida for under seven dollars."

Fisher Honey Bees products are available at several Bay area retailers, such as Land O’ Lakes Farmers Market, A to Zinc in New Port Richey and Gems Natural Living in Citrus Park.

“We also do a lot of events," Fisher said, including the upcoming Chasco Fiesta in New Port Richey and Earth Day Tampa Bay at the University of South Florida.

Learn more about the Fisher family farm on the farm's website.

Check out the video to see how the honey goes from the hive to your home—and health.
 
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