The Citizens Bank of Frostproof, as the bank was originally known, was founded with just $25,000 in original capital by Latt Maxcy and six other local businessmen. Latt, Chairman, and his brother John, President, managed Citizens Bank for over five decades, until their respective deaths in 1971 and 1972. Today, the company remains family owned, as Latt’s grandchildren continue the family tradition
of careful decision-making that has carried the bank securely into the future. For the first 78 years, Citizens Bank helped grow and develop the economy around Frostproof, Florida. The bank building, constructed in 1925, is still in use today and remains a proud part of downtown Frostproof. Visitors can even drop by the bank’s lobby to see the historic original safe used nearly 100 years ago to secure bank deposits. In 1998, Citizens Bank successfully expanded into the community of Lake Wales, and added an office in Haines City shortly thereafter. In 2004, Citizens Bank purchased the Lake Wales-based American Bank & Trust, which included a trust department. Expansion has continued through the present time, and Citizens Bank & Trust now serves Polk County with 14 locations in Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Ft. Meade, Haines City, Lakeland, and Winter Haven. On November 1, 2021, we opened offices opened in Valrico (Hillsborough) and Dade City (Pasco), marking the Bank's first expansion outside Polk County. On June 21, 2022, a second Hillsborough County office was opened in Plant City. As the oldest bank founded in Polk County still in existence, Citizens Bank & Trust continues to provide customers with high quality financial products and services. We offer Commercial and Consumer Loans services, Personal and Business banking, Trust and Investments services and easy Internet Banking on the go, all with a hometown banking feel that you deserve. Stability, commitment to our surrounding communities, and conservative values are the reasons Citizens Bank & Trust has thrived for 100 years. Over the past century, only three family members have served as board chair, leading our bank to be a reliable and dependable business partner to the Polk County community throughout the years and into the future. At Citizens Bank & Trust, we are proud to be your bank!
