Florida Banking December 2025/January 2026

Flagship Bank Anchored in Community, Driven by Purpose

By Suellen Wilkins, Director of Marketing & Communications

W hen a wave of bank mergers swept across West Central Florida a decade ago, the region’s community banking landscape seemed to fade beneath the tides of consolidation. For local business leader Paul Wikle, that void represented both a challenge and an opportunity. “In 2017, it felt like every community bank in our area was being merged or acquired,” recalled Wikle, now Chairman of Flagship Bank. “We saw a real need for a true local bank — one rooted in the community and led by people who live and work here.” By 2019, that vision came to life with the rebirth of Flagship Bank, under the West Florida Bank Corporation. From two branches at inception, Flagship expanded to six locations by 2022, covering the 727-area code from St. Petersburg to West Pasco County. It’s a growth story anchored in trust, talent and community relationships — hallmarks of Flagship’s identity. Local Leadership, Local Decisions For Flagship’s board and management team, community banking isn’t a slogan — it’s a shared way of life. “All of our directors live here in Pinellas and Pasco,” Wikle said. “Our kids and grandkids live here. We are involved in the same local schools, charities and small businesses as our customers. That makes every decision personal.” President and Senior Lender Anthony DiTinno said that community connection is what drives Flagship’s expansion strategy. “Banking is a people business,” he explained. “When we consider new locations, we build around the strength of a team — experienced bankers who share our culture of community involvement, ambition and service. The right people make the right branches succeed.” Wikle likens their recruitment approach to a professional draft. “We were able to bring in top talent from across the market,” he said with a smile. “It really was like having the next pick in the draft — one great banker after another who wanted to be part of something truly local again.”

A Relationship Beyond Banking That sense of local ownership runs deep — from boardroom to teller line. CEO David Key said it’s what defines the bank’s “relationship beyond banking” philosophy. “When you live in a community for decades, you end up serving not just customers but entire families — grandparents, parents and now their children,” Key said. “These are people we know well beyond the balance sheet. That fosters an incredible sense of trust.” Because decisions are made locally, customers don’t face the frustration of waiting for answers from faraway corporate offices. “Our board lives here, our lenders live here, and we probably know 90% of the clients who walk through the door, or we know someone who does,” Key said. “That familiarity allows us to make better, faster decisions based on real knowledge, not just numbers on a screen.” Culture and Core Values The Flagship team describes their culture in simple but powerful terms: trust, integrity and empowerment. “People bank with people,” said Nick Patel, EVP and Chief Banking Officer. “The name on the building matters less than the people inside of it. Our team members have long-standing relationships in this market, built on respect and integrity. Flagship gives them a platform to serve their clients the right way, without worrying about checking corporate boxes.” DiTinno agreed, noting community banking attracts a specific kind of professional. “It takes a certain type of banker to thrive in this environment,” he said. “We all came from community banks. We’ve worked together in different places and when Flagship formed, we had the chance to reunite the best of the best — bankers who care deeply about their clients and their communities.” That culture also draws talent naturally. “Word of mouth is powerful,” Key said. “Now that we’ve been around for six years, people seek us out. They know our character and our results, and they want to be part of that.”

6 | FLORIDA BANKING