First Federal Bank marked its entry into the Bradford County market with a ribbon-cutting celebration that drew elected officials, chamber members, and community supporters to the new branch.
Incorporated as First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Live Oak in 1962, the nonprofit mutual bank, owned by its customers, now serves over 70,000 customers through 28 branches in Florida, from Ocala to Fernandina Beach to Panama City, in addition to branches in Beaufort County, South Carolina.
Oody: banking locally for 36 years
Jeff Oody, a local banking veteran who championed bringing First Federal to Starke, opened the event by welcoming the crowd and directing guests toward a mobile bar and a spread of food supplied entirely by area vendors, a deliberate choice, he said, that reflects the bank’s philosophy.
“We know our customers,” Oody told the crowd. “We support local businesses. We give back to the communities that we serve, and we deliver the kind of service that everybody expects.”
Oody, who said he has been banking in the area for 36 years, noted that establishing a new financial institution requires extensive work with state and federal regulators. He credited the community’s support as essential to making the branch a reality.
Officials welcome new financial institution
Starke Mayor Andy Redding praised the opening as a product of a grassroots effort.
“This is a key example of grassroots growth,” Redding said. “Because of people like Mr. Jeff Oody, who has continually invested in our community and tried to build the City of Starke and Bradford County, this is a great example of that type of growth.”
Bradford County Manager Scott Kornegay also offered brief remarks on behalf of the county commission, welcoming First Federal and signaling the county’s readiness to support future expansion.
CEO looking forward to partnering with local groups
First Federal Bank CEO John Medina offered a brief history of the institution and laid out its mission in the new market. The bank, he said, has operated since 1962 and has provided residential mortgages, business loans, and personal banking for more than 64 years.
“Our purpose is to maintain our legacy of providing stability for our communities, our customers, and our team members,” Medina said, adding that the bank looks forward to partnering with local nonprofits, the chamber of commerce, and educational institutions.
Branch Manager Kim Nettles Edmond introduced her staff at the event: Wendy Norris, who is from the Lake Butler area, and Travis McIntosh, from the Keystone Heights area. Edmond, a Bradford County native, said she was born and raised in Starke.
New football coach: We love it so far.
The event also featured remarks from Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith, who was acknowledged by Oody, along with April Green, another First Federal representative who said she was excited to be back in Bradford County and looked forward to meeting customers.
Ross Baker, Bradford High School’s new head football coach, also offered brief remarks, saying he and his wife are new to the community and have already been impressed by the area’s civic engagement.
“Every time there’s some sort of community event, you guys all show up,” Baker said. “We’re new here, and we love it so far.”
First Federal Bank is located at 841 South Walnut Street, just south of Burger King.
