LAKE WALES, FL – Brandie Mercer has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Office Manager and Bank Officer. She leads the Edgewood office in Lakeland, located at 1985 E. Edgewood Drive. A lifelong resident of Polk County, Brandie is a graduate of Tenoroc High School and has over six years of banking experience. She previously […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust has installed a state-of-the-art Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) and 24-Hour ATM in the City of Mulberry. The machine, located at 803A N. Church Avenue, offers traditional ATM services to both Bank customers and non-customers. In addition, during regular business hours, users can choose to speak with a […]

LAKE WALES, FL – As part of a previously announced transitional leadership plan, Citizens Bank & Trust president, Steve Crisman, has assumed day to day leadership of the Bank. Chad Tagtow, who previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, has shifted leadership roles to become Chief Operating Officer, with a focus on […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Melissa Cummings has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Residential Lender and Business Development Officer for the Dade City market. A seasoned mortgage originator with over 30 years of banking experience in the Dade City market, she will work directly with local customers seeking residential loans. In addition, she will also […]

February 2, 2026, Lake Wales – Citizens Bank & Trust announced today that it has acquired the business of The Bullard Agency in Lake Wales and will operate under the newly created business name: Bullard Insurance, Inc. – a subsidiary of Citizens Bank & Trust. The subsidiary will begin servicing all insurance policies previously managed […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Rinah Landry has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Assistant Vice President and Office Manager. She leads the Chalet Suzanne office, located at 23725 Highway 27 in Lake Wales. A lifelong resident of Polk County, Rinah has over 27 years of banking experience. She has held a variety of positions, including […]

LAKE WALES, FL (March 31, 2025) – Today, Steve Crisman joins Citizens Bank & Trust as the Bank’s president. He is the tenth individual to hold this position since the Bank was founded in Frostproof, Florida in 1920. Greg Littleton will remain at the Bank in the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role. Steve holds a […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Greg Littleton, has announced that 2025 will be his last year working full time in the role of president. Citizens Bank & Trust board member, Steven E. Crisman, has been named president and will formally join the leadership team on March […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Sheryl Forbus has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Officer and Office Manager. She leads the Fort Meade office, located at 214 West Broadway Street. A lifelong resident of Fort Meade, Sheryl works in the same building where she began her banking career. She has held a variety of positions, progressing […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Tiffani Gozdur has been promoted to the role of Vice President, Trust and Wealth Advisor within the Citizens Bank & Trust Wealth Management Department. Over her 28-year banking career, Tiffani has held a variety of banking positions, including previous work in trust administration and private banking. As a Trust and Wealth […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Jennifer Bailey, a fourth-generation Polk County resident, has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Officer and Office Manager. She leads the South Lakeland office, located at 5850 Florida Ave South. Over her 26-year banking career, Jennifer has held a variety of leadership roles throughout Polk County. A native of Bartow, she […]

At Citizens Bank & Trust, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and employees is of the utmost importance. Due to the direct impact to our service market by Hurricane Milton, the Bank has made the following changes to our bank operations.   Tuesday, October 8th: Our offices will close at 4pm. Wednesday, October 9th […]

Jason Hayes is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Citizens Bank & Trust. He joined the Bank in 2014 as the Information Technology Manager and was promoted to his current role in 2023. His career in IT spans more than twenty years. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that the Bank has entered into an agreement with College Ave to offer a variety of student loan financing options to consumers. This referral-based partnership provides access to college student loan and student loan refinancing solutions through a completely online process. “College Ave’s […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Amy Stavely has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Vice President and Office Manager. She will lead the office in the heart of Downtown Lakeland, located at 402 S. Kentucky Avenue, Suite 100. Ms. Stavely is a Lakeland native, and graduated from Lake Gibson High School. Amy’s banking career spans nearly […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Dustin Weeder has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Investment Portfolio Manager. He is part of the growing Wealth Management team, and will provide his expertise to the Bank’s trust and investment customers. Dustin is a third-generation resident of Winter Haven. He graduated from Lake Region High School and holds a Bachelors […]

The new permanent Plant City office location of Citizens Bank & Trust is now open. The office is located at 3019 James L Redman Pkwy. The Bank’s temporary location at 1803A James L Redman Pkwy will be closed at the end of the business day on August 11, 2023. As this move is strictly limited […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Michelle “Missy” Joyce has joined Citizens Bank & Trust as Vice President and Private Banking Officer. She will work in the Winter Haven office and serve the private banking customers throughout Polk County. Ms. Joyce is a lifelong resident of Winter Haven. She is a graduate of Auburndale High School and […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Tom Lloyd has joined Citizens Financial Group (CFG), a subsidiary of Citizens Bank & Trust. Tom is an Infinex Financial Advisor within CFG and brings over 13 years of Private Banking and Wealth Management experience to this new role. He will serve the western Polk County market, Auburndale, Winter Haven, and […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Brian Marbutt was sworn in as a new member of the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees on June 12. The nominating committee submitted his name to fill a vacancy, and the board voted for him to serve Seat 3 on the Board of Trustees. His three-year term begins July […]

Darbi Vanderford-Fulton is the Business Development Officer at our Plant City office. She brings over twenty years of relationship banking experience to Citizens Bank & Trust. A third-generation resident of Plant City, Darbi believes in the importance of community involvement, and gives her time to a number of local civic and community organizations, including the […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust was recognized in a recent Tampa Bay Business Journal article as the fastest growing community bank in Tampa Bay for 2022. The article, compiled from information featured in the Journal’s 2022-2023 Book of Lists publication, includes Banking data gathered from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust held a groundbreaking ceremony August 26 for the Bank’s Plant City office, located on James L. Redman Parkway near Johnson Road. The new site marks the first newly-constructed building outside Polk County in the Bank’s 102-year history. “We are honored to be expanding our commitment to Plant […]

Mindy Schneider has been promoted to Bank Officer and Branch Manager of the Dade City office location of Citizens Bank & Trust. The office, located at 13844 7th Street, marks the Bank’s first entry into Pasco County. A fifth-generation native of Dade City, Ms. Schneider began her banking career in 2006, starting as a teller […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Sandra Couch has been named to lead the new Plant City office location of Citizens Bank & Trust. A temporary office, located at 1803A James L. Redman Parkway, opened June 21. New construction on a permanent building, located approximately one mile south of the temporary office, is expected to begin later […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust has received full regulatory approval to open a new office in Plant City. The new office will be the second Bank location in Hillsborough County. The Bank currently operates in 16 locations, including 14 offices in Polk County, and offices in Valrico and Dade City which opened […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Greg Littleton, President and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, has been named 2022 Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). The award is given to an individual who demonstrates the highest level of commitment to both the banking industry and service to his or her community. Littleton […]

Randy Stolberg has recently joined Citizens Bank & Trust as First Vice President and Market Executive for the Valrico/Brandon market. The Valrico office, located at 1016 Bloomingdale Avenue, opened in late 2021 and is Citizens Bank & Trust’s first entry into Hillsborough County. A Florida native and 18-year resident of the Valrico/Brandon area, Mr. Stolberg […]

Tiffany Achille has been selected to lead the Valrico office location of Citizens Bank & Trust. The office, located at 1016 Bloomingdale Avenue, opened in November and marks the Bank’s first entry into Hillsborough County. A native of Tampa, Ms. Achille began her banking career in 2002, starting as a teller and working her way […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Jeffery Johnson has been promoted to Office Manager and will serve the Dundee market. Mr. Johnson brings 12 years of experience in banking to his new role, most recently serving as the Assistant Office Manager in the Lake Wales office. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Polk State College and completed […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Sofia Belette has been promoted to Office Manager for the growing Ft. Meade market. Citizens Bank & Trust is the only banking institution in the city. With over 20 years in banking, Ms. Belette joined Citizens Bank & Trust in 2020 as the Assistant Office Manager in Bartow. She is a […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust has received full regulatory approval to acquire the Valrico and Dade City offices of The Bank of Tampa. These offices, formerly owned by Hillsboro Bank, are located in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, respectively. This move represents the first expansion outside Polk County, Florida for Citizens Bank & […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust announced today that an agreement is in place with Hillsboro Bank to acquire its Valrico and Dade City offices. The offices are located in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, respectively. This move will represent the first expansion outside Polk County, Florida for Citizens Bank & Trust. “For over […]

As part of our 100-year anniversary celebration, Citizens Bank & Trust was pleased to provide an opportunity for 29 qualified Polk County non-profit organizations to benefit from part of a $100,000 grant fund through our 100 Days of Giving Initiative. “Polk County is our home, and we strongly believe that it is our responsibility to […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust has adjusted some of its management roles at the bank’s corporate level. “As we continually evaluate successful leadership and management potential in numerous roles here at the bank, these individuals have more than earned these designations and we thank them for their contributions and dedication,” said Citizens […]

LAKELAND, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust Lyndsey Novotny has been hired as Vice President / Office Manager for the Haines City Office. Ms. Novotny brings over 21 years of experience in the banking industry to her new role, having served in a variety of business development and management positions. Ms. Novotny enjoys spending time with […]

Lake Wales, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce the hiring of Marianne George as Assistant Vice President and Marketing Director. As Marketing Director, Marianne will be the bank liaison with long-time agency of record and brand management partner, Tinsley Creative. Ms. George has more than 25 years […]

LAKE WALES, FL – As part of its 100-year anniversary celebration, Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce 100 Days of Giving, an opportunity for qualified Polk County non-profit organizations to apply for part of a $100,000 grant fund. Since 1920, Citizens Bank & Trust and its employees have been loyal partners with the […]

Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 10 AM – 3 PM at Citizens Bank & Trust’s South Lakeland location. 5850 Florida Avenue South, Lakeland, FL 33813 All donors will receive a FREE OneBlood T-Shirt and a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening! To make an appointment, please visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now and […]

It has been an honor to serve the small business community during this time of urgent need. Citizens Bank & Trust has processed and obtained approval for nearly 700 loans through the SBA’s PPP lending program totaling 90 million dollars. We were able to meet the needs of our customers, as well as many other […]

A message from our President / CEO, Greg Littleton     The health, safety and security of our customers and employees is our top priority. Keeping that commitment top of mind, we will be transitioning our branch operations to drive-thru only beginning Monday, March 23rd. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but assure […]

Just like many of you, we are also closely monitoring new developments regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). The health and safety of our customers, employees and communities are of the utmost importance. While we are open for business as usual and are ready to serve your financial needs, we do have additional safety procedures now in […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Yates as Senior Vice President and Small Business Director. As Small Business Director, Brian will be responsible for helping to establish and implement a small business lending unit for the bank. Brian will be responsible for managing business development […]

Lakeland, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust, is excited to announce the newest members recently added to the Lakeland Advisory Board “Citizens Bank & Trust is fortunate to have this outstanding group of Lakeland Business Leaders join our team. We are truly thankful for the knowledge and experience that they each offer our bank as […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce a community partnership with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. “We are so excited and proud to announce this newly formed partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. The Boys & Girls Clubs play such an important role in […]

LAKE WALES, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust is pleased to announce changes to our mortgage lending team and two new office managers. Amanda Ambrose Hurles, former VP Office Manager at the Winterset Branch has been named VP Residential Lending Officer. Amanda will now be based out of the Lake Wales Office. Vaughn McAshan, VP […]

Ft. Meade, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust is excited to announce the members of their newly formed Ft. Meade Advisory Board. “BB&T recently announced plans to close their Ft. Meade location, leaving Citizens Bank & Trust as the only bank in the community. We want it known that we are committed to serving the […]

Citizens Bank & Trust was excited to host a ground-breaking ceremony this morning for their newest office which will be located in South Lakeland. The South Lakeland location will be joining the Bank’s 13 other offices, located in: Auburndale, Bartow, Chalet Suzanne Road, Downtown Lakeland, Dundee, Edgewood, Frostproof, Ft. Meade, Haines City, Lake Wales, Schalamar […]

We are so honored to have been named Best Bank for the third year in a row at last night’s The Ledger’s Best of the Best awards. We are proud to be your bank.

Congratulations to our President, Greg Littleton, and one of our favorite friends, Chris Hazelwood, on being honored with the Bankers Cup award last night. As Man and Woman of the Year, they received Winter Haven’s highest honor in recognition of their many years of community service and leadership. We are so proud of both of […]

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Greg Littleton was born in Winter Haven and grew up in Auburndale. His story isn’t one about someone who came to Central Florida for good weather, or about the person that moves somewhere new and ends up coming back home to Polk County. His parents each moved here as teens, with their families, and never […]

The Maxcy Foundation has awarded scholarships to Layton Bracey, Calvary Baptist Church Academy; Alex Fagan, Lakeland High; Courtney Lofgren, McKeel Academy; Zach Marbutt, Lake Wales High; Ross Persichetti, Auburndale High, and Elli Winfree, Lake Wales High. To qualify for the scholarships, an applicant must be a Polk County graduating senior with a 2.5 minimum GPA. […]

Enjoy an evening of sampling, sipping, and mingling! Every April, Citizens Bank & Trust hosts the Luau, held "on the deck" at Citizens Bank & Trust Downtown, to celebrate and thank loyal investors. This year, the Lakeland Chamber and Citizens Bank & Trust celebrate our 19th year! A party atmosphere, with food samples, live music, photo booth by Well Done Events, and complimentary beverages courtesy of Bernie Little Distributors and Tucker's Southside.

LAKELAND, FL – Citizens Bank & Trust is excited to announce that Wesley Barnett, of Lakeland Hospitality Group, is joining their Board of Directors. Wesley Barnett is a native of Lakeland, the son of Carol and Barney Barnett. He graduated from All Saints Academy in Winter Haven in 2004 and then went on to earn […]

Citizens Bank & Trust’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Weymon Snuggs, was introduced as the chairman of the board of directors for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce at their annual meeting on January 24th. His upcoming Chamber service will be another milestone in addition to his previous 20 years of service to the […]

LAKELAND, FL – The Greater Polk County Chapter of The Association of Fundraising Professionals celebrates National Philanthropy Day by recognizing and honoring individuals and organizations who make their work in philanthropy enjoyable and allow organizations to strive toward their mission. The AFP Greater Polk County Chapter sponsors an annual awards program to recognize the outstanding […]

The Champions Cup and Spirit of Bartow Awards are given by The Bartow Chamber of Commerce and BEDC to recognize and honor businesses/organizations that have championed exemplary best practices and have a positive influence on the economic well-being of the Bartow area business community. Champions Cup categories include: Emerging Business of the Year, Community Service […]

Citizens Bank & Trust was recognized as an Employer of Distinction at the CareerSource Polk Best Places to Work Annual Meeting. Congratulations to all the winners. Polk County has the Best Employers and we believe CB&T has the Best Employees!

Congratulations to Steve McCullough, Residential Mortgage Manager, on graduating from Leadership Winter Haven Class 37. Steve is shown here with Donna Sheehan, who served as chairman of this year’s class.

We are very proud of our Chief Information Officer, Chad Tagtow, for receiving the Polk Emerging Leader award last night. The award is presented by the three young professional organizations in Polk County, (Emerge, Endeavor and Engage) in recognition of service to the community. Chad is pictured here with three of his CB&T co-workers who […]