First Florida Bank now Synovus

David W. Dunbar, CEO of St. Petersburgbased Synovus Bank announced that the bank has completed its consolidation with Naples-based First Florida Bank. The two Synovus affiliates are now joined together as one bank under the Synovus Bank name. Consolidation with First Florida marks a significant step in expanding Synovus Bank's service delivery network on Florida's west coast and Winter Park.

"This important initiative affirms our commitment to strategically build a stronger, deeper banking and asset management presence in Florida," Dunbar said. "By merging our two banks together, customers benefit from the combined team of experienced and professional bankers, gain greater convenience through 26 banking locations in nine Florida counties and have greater access to the most comprehensive product and service offerings available anywhere."

Prior to the merger, First Florida had approximately $390 million in assets and 88 team members serving customers through seven bank locations. The new merged Synovus Bank has nearly $1.7 billion in assets, 325 team members, and 26 full service banking offices, offering a full range of integrated financial services including banking, trust, brokerage, mortgage, insurance, and full service ATMs.

Dominic "Dom" DiMaio was recently named First Florida's Market President and will continue in this leadership role with Synovus Bank.