Florida Banking April/May 2026

KUDOS

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Reopens Branch, Congratulates LeBlanc, Sponsors Events

Additionally, the bank was named Best Bank and Best Mortgage Company in the Fort Myers Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin’s 2026 Best of the Beach Awards. This is the first time the awards have been held since Hurricane Ian, highlighting the continued resilience and rebuilding of the Fort Myers Beach community. “As the only bank on Fort Myers Beach, we’re incredibly honored to be recognized by the community we proudly serve. Winning both Best Bank and Best Mortgage Company is especially meaningful as we continue growing our

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced reopening its McGregor Boulevard Branch after being closed for more than three years due to severe damage and flooding from Hurricane Ian. The bank announced Veronica LeBlanc, the bank’s vice president, head of retail sales and Gateway Branch office manager, was elected to the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Board of Directors. LeBlanc is a banking veteran with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She is actively involved in the community and has held various nonprofit roles with the Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers/Gateway, Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneur Society of America. The bank announced its $1,000 sponsorship of The Sanibel School PTA Seahorse Social Fire & Ice Gala and its $5,000 sponsorship of Captains For Clean Water’s Restore Gala. The bank also announced its $1,800 silver signature sponsorship of the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel-Captiva’s 2026 fundraising events, which benefits Sanibel and Captiva youth, and its sponsorship of the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival, which raises funds to support charitable organizations serving individuals and families in need across the community. First National Bankers Bank (FNBB) was ranked by American Banker as one of the 2025 “Best Banks to Work For.” This is the seventh consecutive year FNBB has received this recognition, and it was ranked No. 14 in 2025. The survey and awards program is designed to identify and honor banks with the best cultures for helping employees thrive. FNBB Named Among Best Banks to Work For Ameris Bank celebrated the grand opening of a new branch in Blountstown, on Main Street North. Serving customers in Calhoun and Liberty counties, the new branch replaces the Southeast Pear Street location and offers retail banking, business banking and mortgage lending services. The new downtown location aligns with Ameris Bank’s longstanding commitment to the Blountstown community. Choate Construction led construction of the branch, designed to honor the historic elements of the area. “This new branch represents more than just a place to bank — it’s a commitment to building relationships and growing together for years to come,” Ameris Bank President Lawton Bassett said. “This location underscores our confidence in the Blountstown community and our ongoing investment in its people, businesses and future.”

LeBlanc

presence on the island and building relationships with residents and local businesses,” said Kyle DeCicco, president and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. “We’re so proud to serve Fort Myers Beach and look forward to supporting this vibrant community for many years to come.” “FNBB’s family-oriented atmosphere and commitment to service beyond comparison is recognized throughout the company,” Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Cheryl Kennedy said. “It is our employees who help make this a great company to work for.”

Ameris Bank Holds Grand Opening for Blountstown Branch

26 | FLORIDA BANKING