In the last quarter of 2009, longtime friends and business colleagues, Frank Burge and Ronny Clay assumed leadership roles at Destin First Bank, located in the heart of Destin on Highway 98. In November 2009, Frank Burge and Ronny Clay were named chairman/chief executive officer and president, respectively, by Destin First Bank. The well-respected business duo had enjoyed a great reputation in the local banking community for many years as owners and top executives at Destin Bank (Destin Bancshares, Inc.) from 1992 to 2005 prior to selling to Whitney Holding Corporation of New Orleans in a lucrative transaction.

Back at the helm of Destin First Bank, one of the first orders of business was to initiate a rebranding campaign complete with name change and plans to relocate the corporate office. “The new name, First Florida Bank, was introduced to the local community during the first week of the new year in 2010, capitalizing on the feeling of a fresh new start that a new year ushers in,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank Burge. He added that he thinks it is a strong name—one that he is proud of. In addition to the new name, First Florida Bank will be moving the corporate headquarters to its new location at 125 Main Street in Destin. Ironically, this is where Destin Bank first got its start. “Some have said that we’re returning to our roots. The goodwill and nostalgia of the original building, with the rocking chairs on the porch and where we knew everyone’s name, feels like a good fit,” added President Ronny Clay.

When interviewing both Frank and Ronny, it is clear that they have an explicit mandate and philosophy of how to build a business, and that is by “growing one customer at a time.”

First Florida Bank offers competitive banking products and services with a personalized banking acumen. “In conjunction with our very competitive rates and free checking accounts, this summer we will be offering our customers the opportunity to apply for a First Florida Bank business and consumer credit cards,” noted Clay.

The launch of their new website will transition from the former Destin First Bank website in March 2010, and will offer an expansive list of competitive products including Remote Capture and other on-line banking services. Already under way is the projected May opening for a second branch, which will be located at 9461 Highway 98 East near The Market Shops at Sandestin with Carol Jones as branch manager.

Visit www.firstflbank.com or call (850) 269–1201 to learn more about First Florida Bank.

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