Bank expands into new area

TAMPA — The Bank of Tampa is expanding into Sarasota County.

Charles Murphy was appointed as market president for The Bank of Tampa's Sarasota division, according to a statement.

The bank opened a loan production office in downtown Sarasota at 1858 Ringling Blvd. It plans to open a full-service banking office there by the end of 2017.

“Charlie's understanding of Sarasota and his commitment to building a team of bankers with deep roots in Sarasota will offer us the opportunity to expand our brand of banking in the very attractive Sarasota market,” says The Bank of Tampa president and CEO Bill West in a statement.

Murphy served as president and CEO of The Bank of Commerce, which he helped form in 2000.

The Bank of Tampa was founded in 1984. It has 11 offices, including the new Sarasota office. It also plans to open a 12th location in Clearwater in early 2018.