FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information contact:
Niki Smith LeVasseur, 941-624-1923
Arcadia, Fla., Feb. 3, 2026 – Crews Bank & Trust held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, January 22, at the site of the former Arcadia North branch located at 400 North Brevard Avenue. Organized jointly by the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce and the contractor, L. Cobb Construction of Wauchula, the event brought together members of the Crews family, bank personnel, and community members. The ceremony began with an introduction from Parker Hall, President of the Chamber, followed by a short speech from Justin Fussell, Area President of DeSoto and Hardee counties, and concluded with an earth moving presentation featuring golden shovels and hard hats.
The original Arcadia North branch was destroyed during Hurricane Ian in 2022. “After Ian, our building was flooded with 14 inches of water, and our drive thru across the street had over 24 inches of water,” explained Fussell. “We squeezed all our employees into the 3,500 square foot Arcadia East branch in order to keep serving our community.”
The new branch will be a single story, 4,620 square foot structure featuring a 23 foot brick façade and a connected drive thru. “Our future building will reflect the charm of our original 1929 Main Street (Wauchula) location with cantilevered awnings, and a classic Main Street style,” added Fussell. “It will be a large, stately structure, and inside, an open concept design with glass walls will showcase transparency while still honoring your privacy.”
When asked about the anticipated opening date, Andrew Tate, Chief Experience Officer, stated, “Fall to early winter of this year is our target.” He also noted that the opening of the new Englewood branch—also devastated by Hurricane Ian—is expected in early winter to early 2027. Since the storm, both branches’ separate drive thru facilities have continued serving their communities in their original locations.
Construction of both new buildings will be led by DMK Engineering of Venice, Fla.; Cool and Cobb Engineering of Avon Park; and L. Cobb Construction of Wauchula, Fla.
As full-service branches, the new Arcadia North and Englewood locations will offer commercial and real estate loans; checking and savings accounts; full trust and investment management services; and more.
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Members of Crews Bank & Trust Senior Management break ground on the new building to be built at 400 North Brevard Avenue. From left to right are Misty Hughes, Chief Human Resources Officer; M.W. “Larry” McLaren IV, Chief Banking Officer; Mark Crews, Chief Information Officer; Dena Crews, Director; J.W. “Bill” Crews, Vice Chairman; Justin Fussell, Area President – DeSoto and Hardee counties; Jake Crews, Chief Executive Officer; Andrew Tate, Chief Experience Officer; and Eric DeYoung, Chief Credit Officer.