FDIC approves Naples bank merger

In the midst of the credit collapse and tightening federal standards, opening a bank on the Gulf Coast has been all but impossible.

First National Bank of the Gulf Coast has plenty of first-hand experience to prove it. But the start-up has nonetheless found a way to do so by merging with Panther Community Bank of Lehigh Acres after receiving the initial blessing of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

First National Bank of the Gulf Coast will combine with the $50-million Panther Community Bank and open a branch in Naples no later than November, retaining Panther's branch in Lehigh Acres.