Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, celebrated the grand opening of its first branch in Central Florida on Thursday July 13th, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, donating 300 backpacks to Highlands Elementary School, and a surprise takeover at 4Rivers Smokehouse where they covered the bill for an hour during lunch.

Suncoast leadership, employees, members, and representatives from more than 50 local businesses came together to celebrate the branch, located in the Loop area of Kissimmee.

During the event, Suncoast presented 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to Highlands Elementary School, a nearby Title I school.

“We’re so grateful to have a new partnership with Suncoast Credit Union,” said Magali Ressel, Principal, Highlands Elementary School. “These backpacks are going to be a great start to the upcoming school year.”

Directly following the grand opening, Suncoast staff headed to 4Rivers Smokehouse, located around the corner from the new branch, and covered the entire bill from noon to 1 p.m., in an effort to engage with the community and meet its new neighbors. Suncoast bought lunch for more than 100 customers.

“We’re so excited to open this first branch in Central Florida, allowing us the opportunity to serve a new market of individuals looking for a financial institution. Suncoast provides best-in-class products and services to our members, and we give back to the communities we serve,” said Kevin Johnson, President & CEO, Suncoast Credit Union “People helping people is a guiding principle of the credit union philosophy, and we’re looking forward to doing just that at our new Osceola branch.”

The new branch, located at 1221 W Osceola Parkway, is the credit union’s first physical location in Osceola County and their 76th branch in Florida.

The Osceola branch is a full-service location equipped with bilingual team members, a modern open floor plan with a vibrant hand-painted mural in the lobby. It also includes three drive-through lanes, Interactive Teller Machines with extended hours, a 24/7 ATM, and a coin machine members can use for free.

The Osceola branch is just one part of the credit union’s bigger expansion plans for Central Florida, with two more branches set to open in Orlando later this year, located at:

• 4530 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

• 12402 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837

In addition to the new physical locations, Suncoast will offer its entire array of products and services, and members will have access to its entire ATM network, including free access at Publix ATMs, select Wawa ATMs and ATMs in the CO-OP network. Additional services include small business assistance, and investment planning.