By: Kate Kimmel
Community First Credit Union of Florida is planning to expand its presence in Nassau County with a new branch in Fernandina Beach, a representative of the credit union announced today.
The Jacksonville-based institution recently purchased a vacant 1.37-acre commercial lot at 2000 Sadler Road, near the intersection with Will Hardee Drive, where it intends to build a new branch. The location would become Community First’s fourth in Nassau County.
Community First has operated in Nassau County since 2008, with existing branches in Yulee, Callahan, and another under construction in Wildlight, expected to open this year. The credit union said it serves over 10,000 members in the county.
Nassau County has experienced steady population and residential growth in recent years, particularly in fast-developing areas like Yulee and Wildlight, fueling demand for additional commercial services.
“Nassau County is growing and we intend to serve our members where they are,” said Sam Inman, the credit union’s president and CEO. “This strategically located lot in the Sadler Road commercial corridor will help us serve our Amelia Island residents with the highest quality financial services right in their neighborhood.”
Development remains in the early planning stages. The credit union said it plans to construct a 3,100-square-foot freestanding branch featuring a drive-thru, two ATMs and its signature tower design. A construction timeline and opening date have not yet been determined.
The project is part of a broader effort by Community First to expand and modernize its branch network. Among other features, new locations have featured historical murals reflecting the surrounding community.
The expansion is part of what the credit union describes as its largest-ever investment in its branch system. Since 2022, Community First has opened or announced eight new branches, and today they have 24 locations.
Jonathan Heldenbrand of ProperCRE represented Community First in the transaction. Thomas W. Miller of Newmark served as the listing agent for the property, which was owned by Sadler Road Partners LLC.
Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered, not-for-profit financial institution based in Jacksonville. It reports about $3 billion in assets, serves roughly 188,000 members and more than 450 employees.
kkimmel@nassaunewsline.net
