Community First Credit Union Starts Construction of Wildlight Branch

Credit union breaks ground on its 25th Branch

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., January 7, 2026 – Community First Credit Union, one of Florida’s largest credit unions, has commenced construction on its newest freestanding branch location in Wildlight in Nassau County. Community First held a groundbreaking on Tuesday with Nassau County and Wildlight leaders. Auld & White Constructors has officially started construction.

Community First purchased the 1.19-acre commercial parcel at 148 Kindred Lane in the Pod 4 Wildlight Masterplan in December 2024. Community First will build a 3,100-square-foot, freestanding branch with a drive-thru, two ATMs and the credit union’s signature tower feature. The branch is expected to open in 2026.

“We are looking forward to partnering with one of the area’s fastest growing new communities,” said Sam Inman, President and CEO of Community First. “This branch will serve our Wildlight and Central Nassau members with a modern banking experience right in their neighborhood.”

Community First has served Nassau since 2008. It has more than 12,000 members in the county with approximately 2,000 in the Wildlight area. The Wildlight Branch will be Community First’s third branch in Nassau County where it has branches in the Villages of Amelia shopping center and a new location in Callahan.

“Community First is a welcome addition to Wildlight, offering families expanded options for their financial needs,” said Wes Hinton, Vice President of Wildlight. “This milestone advances our vision of a vibrant community where everything our residents need is conveniently close to home.”

Community First is expanding and improving its branch network, aiming to enhance member service. Designed with Community First's updated branch concept, its new branches have open floor plans, upgraded digital technologies, and a mural depicting the history of the locations.

TTV Architects designed the new branch, and NAI Hallmark will manage the property once built. Community First has added five new locations since 2022 when it had 19 locations across the First Coast. The credit union recently announced filing for permits for renovation/restoration of an existing building in Murray Hill for a new branch, the opening of its Callahan Branch and property purchases for future branches in Treaty Oaks in St. Johns and in Green Cove Springs.

Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered credit union based in Jacksonville serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast. Community First is one of the largest credit unions in Florida with $3 billion in assets and serving 188,000 members. Community First has 24 locations and more than 450 employees. A not-for-profit, Community First is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses across the First Coast. For more, visit www.communityfirstfl.org.