Bank News

First State Bank continues in their support of Fair Insurance Rates of Monroe County (FIRM) in their ongoing battle against unfair windstorm and flood rates increases in Monroe County.

 “We commend the great work of FIRM and are proud to offer financial support that can help them in their efforts to fight for fair windstorm and flood insurance rates throughout Monroe County,” said Kurt Lewin, First State Bank’s Senior Vice President/Senior Lending Officer.

First State Bank is delighted to announce their title sponsorship of the 9^th annual Key Largo Bridge Run.  The 10K/5K Run/Walk course runs over Jewfish Creek Bridge overlooking Key Largo Bay and Barnes Sound, and is set to take place at 7:30am on Saturday, November 10^th. 

First State Bank congratulates Maria Garcia, Vice President/Boulevard and Stock Island Branch Manager on her thirtieth year with the Bank.

First State Bank Simonton Branch Manager Leslie Concepcion (on right) presents Jamie Sorbelli  with a $250 sponsorship for Nicky’s Paddle Celebration. This fun-filled event, held on Sunday, September 23^rd, remembers and honors the memory of 10 year-old Nicky Sorbelli, who inspired so many to seize the moment and make the best of everyday.  Proceeds benefit The Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys and The Nicky Sorbelli Scholarship Fund.  For more information, please visit NickysCelebration.org. 

First State Bank recently sponsored the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Officers of the Second Quarter.  The Bank provided $50.00 checks to each of the recipients selected by MCSO for their exceptional service. 

“We are proud to help recognize these vital members of our community who aim to make the Keys a safe and enjoyable place to live,” said Jeff Smith, First State Bank Senior Vice President/Senior Lender.

First State Bank was once again honored with the Key West Chamber of Commerce’s Tom Sawyer Five Star Program award in recognition of their contributions to Key West High School student scholarships, teacher recognition, teacher educational enrichment, classroom adoptions, and Take Stock In Children mentoring. 

Jeff Smith, First State Bank’s Senior Vice President/Senior Lender, presents United Way of the Florida Keys Board Chair Maria Jones with a donation of $250 for Stuff the Bus 2018.  The annual program provides essential school   supplies such as backpacks and crayons, as well as important educational devices such as digital equipment, to Monroe County students in need.  For more information, or to donate, please visit keysunitedway.org.

First State Bank recently donated $250 to provide supplies for the Key Largo School Summer Recreation Program’s end of camp water works celebration.

“It was First State Bank’s pleasure to contribute to the camp’s wet and wild day,” said Lori Bailey, Vice President/Commercial Lender for the Upper Keys. “The program’s teachers did a great job transforming the school’s field into a water park fully equipped with a giant slip and slide, water balloons and splash area with water sprayed by the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department. We didn’t see one kid without a smile on their face.”

First State Bank congratulates Anita Welch, Vice President/Information Systems Officer, on her retirement after nearly four decades with the company.

Welch joined the Bank in 1981 in the New Accounts Department, was promoted to Computer Room Operator II in 1989, Computer Room Supervisor in 1991, Information Systems Officer in 1993, Assistant Vice President in 1995, and to her current role in 2001.  Throughout her tenure, Welch was instrumental in numerous projects including Y2K, a core conversion, and a server relocation.

First State Bank welcomes back Lori Bailey as their Vice President/Commercial Lender for the Upper Keys.

With 30-plus years of banking experience, Bailey first joined the Bank in 2006 as AVP/Commercial Loan Officer, was promoted to VP/Commercial & Residential Loan Officer in 2008, and VP/City Executive/Commercial & Residential Loan Officer in 2012.  She took a brief hiatus to be closer to her family in 2013, before the call of the Keys drew her back to us again.