The Melbourne Beach branch of BB&T Bank – the only bank located within the town – announced it will close next month.
BB&T Vice President of Corporate Communications David R. White said the branch office, located at 401 Ocean Ave., will close April 12. “More and more, our clients are choosing to conduct their banking business digitally both here at BB&T and in the financial industry as a whole,” White said. “While branches are still an important part of BB&T’s business model, we’re constantly evaluating all of our locations in terms of client-use patterns and convenience within the markets we serve.”
For those who still prefer doing their banking face to face, the closest branch for Melbourne Beach residents is located at 450. E. Eau Gallie Blvd. in Indian Harbour Beach.
“We never take the decision to close a financial center lightly. But after much consideration, we’ve decided to close the branch,” White said. “We don’t expect any layoffs as a result of this branch closing. Most of our branch associates will move to the receiving financial center to serve those same clients.”
Melbourne Beach Mayor Jim Simmons, who is a client of BB&T, received a letter informing him of the decision last week. “Yes, I am going to miss having a physical bank,” Simmons said. “I hate to do business online for many reasons, including service and digital security”
The bank rented space in the Osceola Professional building, and there is no word yet on who will take over their spot. “Many residents have asked me if it will be another bank,” Simmons said. “I don’t know yet, but the location does have a vault and a drive-up teller window.”