Family-Owned Brannen Bank Marks 100 Years Serving Hernando County

Inverness — Brannen Bank marked its 100th anniversary in 2026, reaffirming family ownership as it continues serving Hernando County from a network of 12 local branches. The centennial spotlights a century of local decision-making that bank leaders say keeps lending and service close to home.

The institution traces its roots to 1926 when George H. Brannen, Sr. established the first Brannen Bank in historic Homosassa, then relocated to Inverness in 1929 and renamed it The Bank of Inverness. Brannen Bank’s website says the institution “was the only bank in Citrus County to survive the economic crash of 1929 and the Great Depression,” a legacy the family highlights as it marks 100 years.

Leadership remains in the family. Joseph S. Brannen is listed on the bank site as Chairman and is described in syndicated profiles as co-owner and chairman; his son G. Matt Brannen appears as President and George H. Brannen II is listed as Chairman Emeritus. Joseph told Fox13 and syndicated outlets, “I was born into it. We'd sit around the supper table at night talking about the banks.” The Fox13 profile covering the centennial was published Feb. 18, 2026, and notes information in the report was gathered from Brannen Bank.

Brannen Bank’s footprint spans Citrus, Marion and Hernando counties, and the bank now “operates 12 locations across Citrus, Marion and Hernando counties,” according to media copies of the Fox13 profile and the bank’s materials. Reporters and bank leaders stress the practical impact of that footprint: “Customers can walk in and see leadership in the building, ask questions and get decisions made locally, instead of waiting on an office states away,” a line used in the Fox13 report and its syndicated reproductions.

Facing a banking landscape of national chains and digital apps, the Brannens tell customers their strategy is independence and visible local leadership. Syndicated coverage quotes the family saying they focus on “staying independent and planning for the next generation.” Joseph also offered a personal note on succession and longevity in local banking: “My daddy never retired. He came to this bank till he was 85 years old. So, I don't plan on retiring. I’m going to be here bugging Matt until I go.”

Brannen Bank’s website carries centennial branding, regulatory disclosures and customer-facing prompts: “100 Years of Banking Excellence,” the site’s company history, and the legal marks “Equal Housing Lender” and “Member FDIC.” As the Inverness institution closes its first century, the family and bank materials say the plan is to keep decisions and service in Hernando County and neighboring communities as leadership moves into a third generation.