History of First Guaranty Bank

Established in Jacksonville, Florida in 1947
Our commitment to the people and businesses of the greater Jacksonville community is total and historic. Over 59 years ago, six directors, including attorney Julian E. Fant Sr., introduced banking to western Jacksonville with the birth of Riverside Bank on May 29, 1947. With thousands of servicemen returning from the war, the River City thrived as the home of three busy naval stations. Jacksonville was on the brink of becoming a major health, insurance, and banking center. In the midst of the new prosperity, sleepy Park Street became the first home of Riverside Bank. Nestled among soda shops and drug stores, Riverside Bank would become a neighborhood centerpiece as the only bank between downtown and Green Cove Springs. After just 5 short years, the bank outgrew its space on Park Street and moved to its current King Street location in 1952.

By the 1960s, Riverside Bank ushered in a new generation in banking. In 1963, Julian E. Fant, Jr., better known as "Hickory," joined his father in the banking business. This father and son team would lead the bank for the next two decades.

Another Riverside Bank milestone occurred in 1965, when bank officers broke ground for the bank's third expansion. The additional 50x69 foot space enlarged the massive lobby, made room for the addition of the Trust Department, and extended the safe deposit box area. In 1967, the Riverside Bank changed its name to First Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, to reflect its newly established Trust Department. At that time, First Guaranty Bank was the only bank in western Jacksonville granted the authority to offer trust services.

In 1982, Hickory Fant (now chairman) initiated an idea that would become one of the bank's hallmarks. The concept was to provide the bank's clients with the ultimate banking experience. On the level of private banking, this account relationship became known as the Gold Club.

The 80s drew to a close; First Guaranty Bank threw a party for its "Park Street Pioneers"—those who were the first to open accounts when the bank opened in the late 40s and early 50s. The party, complete with nostalgic music and mementos, was attended by 140 Pioneers—all of them clients for more than 35 years. At a time when automated banking was taking over the industry, party-goer Erma George summed up the feelings of First Guaranty Bank's long-time patrons. "Over here, we're not just a number."

For nine consecutive years from 1985 to 1993, First Guaranty Bank was the only bank in Jacksonville to earn the coveted "A plus" rating from Sheshunoff & Company, one of the nation's leading bank analysts. The dawn of the '90s found the banking industry in an era of consolidation and mergers. In Jacksonville, the market was dominated by super regional banks. First Guaranty Bank continued turning out ratios that ranked it consistently as one of the country's most solid and profitable financial institutions.

During the early '90s, First Guaranty Bank underwent a $2.2 million renovation at the King Street location. The new look was geared to be architecturally compatible with the rest of the historic district. In 1994, Julian E. Fant, III (Jay) became the third generation to join the bank.

In 1997, First Guaranty Bank and Trust Company celebrated its 50th year in Jacksonville as one of only three financial institutions which has remained locally headquartered in Jacksonville for the last 50 years. At such a milestone, many would reflect on past glories... not First Guaranty Bank. Julian E. "Hickory" Fant announced that for the 50 year anniversary, First Guaranty Bank & Trust would give $200,000 back to the community in four equal endowments of $50,000.

The first of the $50,000 donations was gifted to Jacksonville Community Foundation—an organization dedicated to local philanthropy to enhance the quality of life in Jacksonville. Subsequent donations went to Habijax, the Ortega Preservation Society, the Alzheimer's Research Clinic at Jacksonville's Cypress Village, and Mayo Clinic.

A ground breaking ceremony for the new Ortega Financial Center was held on January 30, 1997. The new 5,000 square-foot center opened in October with four drive-in tellers and one drive through ATM lane.

First Guaranty Bank celebrated its 50th anniversary during a luncheon with their Gold Club members at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on May 29, 1997... 50 years to the day that the bank opened. First Guaranty Bank's milestone year included several national awards and accolades including the 1997 Winners' Circle award for outstanding performance by the Community Bankers of Florida, a five star Bauer's rating, designation as a "Blue Ribbon Bank" and selection as best bank in north Florida by New HomeLIFE magazine. It also marked the bank's best fiscal year thus far in terms of earnings.

First Guaranty Bank takes great pride in offering business banking services designed to exceed clients' highest expectations. Those services include our courier services, money-management accounts, direct deposit of payroll checks, electronic banking, financial planning assistance, and investment services. In addition, First Guaranty Bank continues to operate as a full-service financial institution, including trust and investment services, with the latest in technology and services for individuals, businesses, and professionals.