Arkansas bank opens regional HQ in Bradenton

BRADENTON — Bank of the Ozarks, a $4.79 billion institution, has opened a new office in Manatee County that will also be the lender's regional headquarters.

The branch, on Manatee Avenue West, just outside downtown Bradenton, is the Little Rock, Ark.-based bank's fourth Manatee County location, according to a release. The 10,565-square-foot branch includes drive-thru teller lanes and a drive-thru ATM. The office, according to the bank, was designed to accommodate future growth plans, including a home mortgage unit it plans to add.

“We are pleased to continue our expansion with the opening of this new office,” Manatee/Sarasota Market Senior Vice President and Market Leader Kerry Ward says in the statement. “Its location in downtown Bradenton will allow us to serve a new market while being central to our existing offices. Bradenton and Manatee County's vibrant business climate and outstanding quality of life are very attractive to Bank of the Ozarks.”