Pair of startup banks in region raise $65 million to attack market

The market for new banks in Florida and nationwide is exceedingly dry. A pair of ambitious bankers hope to make it rain with some new entries.

Stefania Pifferi. Bill Blevins is helping to launch Fort Myers-based Gulf Coast Business Bank, the first Southwest Florida community bank in at least 12 years.
Stefania Pifferi. Bill Blevins is helping to launch Fort Myers-based Gulf Coast Business Bank, the first Southwest Florida community bank in at least 12 years.
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Kevin Darmody flatly admits it: when he tells someone he’s part of a team opening a bank, “people question if we have all our marbles.”

 

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