Community Bank Of Manatee Gains Regulatory Approval To Receive $15,000,000 In New Capital

One Of The Area's Oldest Community Banks, Now Stronger Than Ever, Offers First-Rate Products to New and Existing Customers

Chairman and CEO, William H. Sedgeman, Jr., announced today that an investor group led by Marcelo Lima and Trevor Burgess has received regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve Board to invest $15,000,000, along with a number of existing shareholders and community members, in new equity capital in Community Bank of Manatee. The State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation previously approved the transaction.

'By bringing new investors and existing investors together we have recapitalized Community Bank of Manatee and are poised to make new residential and commercial loans and to welcome new depositors,' said Sedgeman. 'If you need a loan or want to have a checking account at a bank that is not only well capitalized but that has the ability to make sophisticated decisions locally and quickly, then come see us today. We will welcome your business,' he continued.

'We are extremely excited about investing in Community Bank of Manatee, its employees and this community. We are also excited that our investment will take the bank to a capitalization level well above the regulatory requirements for 'Well Capitalized,'' said Marcelo Lima.

Trevor Burgess added, 'My fellow investors and I are excited about the opportunities in the market and Community Bank of Manatee's ability to serve its customers in a first class way. We saw from day one that Community Bank's experienced employees have a long track record of being dedicated to finding specialized solutions for their customers banking needs - that's very unique in this sort of economy.'

'We have a strong personal and professional interest in making our community succeed,' said Sedgeman, 'and we dedicate our resources to our community without the distractions or influences other banks may face from some national headquarters located in another state.'

'We have always focused on the best long-term interest of our customers and their families,' Sedgeman continued.

'Community Bank is a market leader with the best checking accounts in the area; we are experts at Small Business Administration and other commercial lending; and we are excited about helping homeowners finance their dreams through our new residential mortgage program specializing in jumbo loans and fast turn-around,' said Sedgeman.

It is anticipated that the transaction will close within the next 15 days.

'I am so impressed with how new shareholders and old have come together to invest in a new future for Community Bank of Manatee, our customers, our employees and our community,' Sedgeman added.

ABOUT COMMUNITY BANK OF MANATEE:

Each customer is unique. At Community Bank, understanding our customers in depth as individuals and families is the foundation upon which we build strong, lasting relationships. Community Bank of Manatee serves the communities of Florida's Central Gulf Coast with five branches in Manatee and Hillsborough counties:

2025 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch, FL 941-750-0700

6000 State Road 70, East, Bradenton, FL 941-756-0099

7202 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 941-761-3400

1001 West Cleveland Street, Tampa, FL 813-258-8187

10109 U.S. Highway 301 South, Riverview, FL 813-672-0999

Of note, the Call Report filed on October 30, 2009, with results of the bank's quarter ended September 30, 2009, does not reflect this $15,000,000 investment and related adjustments.

For more information, visit the bank's website at: www.CommunityBankNow.com or contact the nearest office.