By Summer Jarro Ι The Villages Daily Sun Ι May 29, 2025
Another piece of Eastport is open to the public — Citizens First Bank’s newest branch. The hometown bank held a grand opening Wednesday for its 19th location, at 1286 Dewey Drive.
“I love that we are expanding to serve our customers and our residents,” said Michelle Crawford, marketing director of Citizens First Bank. “That’s very exciting.”
The bank is only the second business to open in the community’s newest downtown, joining The Villages Health Eastport Care Center. They soon will soon be joined by The Villages Golf Cars as Eastport comes online in phases throughout the year.
“I would view Eastport as the southernmost epicenter with everything that’s going to be here,” said Jay Bartholomew, CEO and president of Citizens First Bank. “We couldn’t have asked for a better location. We really try to support the community. We traditionally build our branches to support the residents and the business owners.”
Eastport combines the most popular elements of The Villages’ lifestyle — recreation, golf, shopping, dining and entertainment — all in
one location surrounding Central Lake, a 1,000-meter body of water that will be the focal point of the downtown.
Bellaire executive golf course and the Central Lake Driving Range and Golf Academy will open this summer, along with outdoor recreation amenities at Olympia Recreation including Farragut Softball Complex, Sophie Doodles Canine Park and courts for pickleball, tennis, platform tennis, shuffleboard, bocce and sand volleyball.
The recreation center itself, the sports pool, the Boathouse, activities at Central Lake and Sunset Island and the commercial buildings
will open in future phases as each area is completed.
Also announced is Hotel Eastport, a midcentury modern hotel, and Prime + Ember Signature Steakhouse, a new offering from FMK
Restaurant Group that will serve premium steaks, fresh seafood and gourmet pasta.
“We’re thrilled to be one of the first businesses opening here,” said Jennie Mikels, manager of the Citizens First Bank in Eastport. “I also was a part of the Magnolia (branch) when it opened, so another opening of a new branch is very exciting. We’re excited to keep watching it all grow.”
To celebrate the grand opening Wednesday, refreshments were offered while people explored the new location.
“We bring a seasoned team to the location, and they’re excited to meet the residents of the area,” said Tricia Snodgrass, chief operating
officer of Citizens First Bank. “They’re ready to serve.”
Staff members are focused on helping those who call the area home.
“We want to serve the community we live in,” Mikels said. “That includes our residents of The Villages. That includes those of us who
work in The Villages. We’re extremely hands-on in the community. Customers are our most important priority.”
Citizens First Bank in Eastport is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays. The drive-thru
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.
As Eastport continues to take shape, residents are asked to stay out of posted construction areas for their safety and the safety of workers.