UNITED COMMUNITY BREAKS GROUND ON ITS NEW SOUTH MIAMI BRANCH

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, civic and community leaders put shovels in the dirt as United Community broke ground on its new location at 5880 Sunset Drive, site of the former Harris Travel Agency. The bank builds on the seven-decade legacy of community investment of the former First National Bank of South Miami.

Omar Morales, Architect; Matthew Bruno. Miami Market President; Javier Fernandez, Mayor of City of South Miami; Rich Bradshaw. President and Chief Banking Officer; Sharon Thompson, State President; Veronica flores, Chairperson, Miami; Lisa Bonich, Commissioner; Steve Calle, Commissioner; Danny Rodriguez, Commissioner; Chip Iglesias, City manager. (Photo; UCB)

United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution committed to building stronger communities. As of June 30, 2025, United Community Banks, Inc. had $28.1 billion in assets and operated 200 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. United is an 11-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for highest customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast.

The two institutions merged effective July 1, 2023, with the FNBSM brand transitioned to the United Community brand.

In May 2024, United Community purchased the Harris property for $5,000,000 to find a new home in the heart of South Miami.

Architectural Rendering

The two-story, 11,100-square-foot building will serve as a full-service banking hub while continuing to anchor United in one of the SoMi’s most dynamic neighborhoods. This new South Miami location will continue to provide residents and businesses with innovative banking solutions supported by personalized service. It will replace its current Sunset Drive branch at 5750 Sunset Drive, which has been a longstanding community fixture since 1952.

“United Community’s new South Miami location marks another milestone in our continued growth across Florida,” said Sharon Thompson, Florida State President of United Community. “This modern, thoughtfully designed space reflects our ongoing commitment to serving customers in the South Miami community and strengthens our long-standing connection throughout the region.” 

Rich Bradshaw. President and Chief Banking Officer; Javier Fernandez, Mayor of City of South Miami; Steve Calle, Commissioner; Danny Rodriguez, Commissioner; Sharon Thompson, State President. (Photo: UCB)

“This new location builds on South Miami’s rich history as a hub of culture, commerce and community,” said Matthew Bruno, Miami Market President of United Community. “Expanding our presence here is about more than offering banking services; it’s about deepening our connection with a neighborhood we’ve been proud to serve for many years, and we look forward to continuing that tradition for generations to come.”

The modern facility is designed with both functionality and community engagement in mind. Once complete, the branch will feature 23 offices, two conference rooms and flexible spaces for client and community use. Branch hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The branch is expected to open in the summer of 2026.

Matthew Bruno. Miami Market President; Sharon Thompson, State President; Scott Green, Developer, Castle Works; Rich Bradshaw. President and Chief Banking Officer (Photo: UCB)

South Miami Commissioner Steve Calle joins UCB Miami Chair Veronica Flores and Wayne Brackin, former FNBSM board member in front of a new bank rendering on the construction site. (Photo: SOMI Magazine)

Scott Green, Developer, Castle Works & Afif Chanouha, Teamwork-Group, GC

(Photo: UCB)

Matthew Bruno. Miami Market President; Veronica flores, Chairperson, Miami; Rich Bradshaw. President and Chief Banking Officer; Javier Fernandez, Mayor of City of South Miami; Steve Calle, Commissioner; Danny Rodriguez, Commissioner; Sharon Thompson, State President; Lisa Bonich, Commissioner. (Photo: UCB)