Community Bank Of Florida

In honor of our Veterans...

We will be closed on Friday, November 11, 2011. Thank you to all the men and women who are serving or have served in our military!

SPOTLIGHT on The Fourth Wall Design

Our latest customer testimonial in Polk County featured The Fourth Wall Design. The owner, Tom Monaco has an interesting story we'd love to share. Here's what Tom had to say in our interview:

"“After spending time as a theater designer and college professor, one day I quit my job to pursue my dreams. I decided to pack up and move to Lakeland because of the central location, great art scene and bustling chamber of commerce. I am now happily settled here as an artisan.  

My goal is to provide design and fabrication services for unusual and one of a kind art pieces, furniture, room environments and other stand alone elements for homes as well as businesses. I strive to give each piece a unique theatrical design sensibility and the highest possible level of craftsmanship. The demand for unique work has been so great, I began to run out of room.  

As luck would have it, a bank found me. Community Bank of Florida’s lender, Karen, had contacted me about a furniture job. I decided to talk to her about expanding and we ended up financing my dream studio and gallery. Now they take care of all my banking needs and it’s great to know I can call them anytime.”

Check out more of Tom's impressive work on his website, www.fourthwalldesign.com

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Denise Tarafa Celebrates 15 Years with Community Bank!

Community Bank of Florida is proud to celebrate Denise Tarafa’s 15th Anniversary as a member of their Financial Family. Mrs. Tarafa is a Retail Banking Officer, as well as the manager of the Quail Roost Office. Her office is located at 19990 SW 177th Avenue, and she is often seen visiting local nurseries and farms.

 Mrs. Tarafa is a graduate of Coral Gables High School and received her Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Miami-Dade College. She is originally from New York City and currently resides in the Redlands with her husband, George. In 2007, she was presented The President’s Volunteer Award, “in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to strengthening our Nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.” Denise and George have been volunteering for the American Red Cross for several years and have dedicated over 4,000 service hours. She is also a team leader of the South Dade Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team, a Red Cross advisory member and a member of the South Dade Red Cross Ball committee.

 When Denise is not banking or responding to Red Cross calls, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandchild, reading novels and boating. When asked about working in the Quail Roost area, Denise stated, “Living and working in Homestead has given me the opportunity to appreciate and see first-hand the importance of agriculture to our country. It is exciting to see the process, from tilling the land, the sprouting seeds and the beauty of the harvest.”

HAPPY HALLOWEEN From Your Friends at Community Bank of Florida

Here are a few Tips for a Happy and Safe Halloween:

• Young children should trick or treat with an adult.
• Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume and bags to make them more visible to cars.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
• Cross the street safely at corners, walk on sidewalks or paths.
• Stop and look both ways when crossing driveways.
• Slow down and stay alert.

Erick Caceres Celebrates 5 Years with Community Bank

Community Bank of Florida is proud to celebrate Erick Caceres’ 5th Anniversary as a member of their Financial Family. Mr. Caceres is currently the Electronic Banking Department Manager. His main job duties include overseeing the bank’s online, mobile banking, ATM and debit card services. He is a valuable team member, with over 18 years of banking experience that includes time spent as a teller, personal banker, call center operator and trainer.

 Erick was born in Nicaragua and currently resides in Homestead. He attended South West High School and is currently enrolled in Miami Dade College seeking a degree in business. In his free time, he enjoys sports, outdoor activities and cooking.

 Excited about his anniversary, Erick stated, “Community Bank attracted me because it was the right size organization for me- it has the structure of a corporation, but the feel of a small company. I like that the bank is involved in the community and that I have opportunities to be promoted within.”