Suncoast Credit Union officially merged with Launch Credit Union on Tuesday, Sept. 1, combining more than 1.5 million members and $22 billion in assets under the Suncoast name — including members at the Collier Parkway branch in Land O' Lakes.

The deal adds Launch's 86,000 members and 17 branches across Brevard and Volusia counties to Suncoast's existing network of 81 full-service locations. For local members, the practical answer is simple: nothing changes yet.

Transition period keeps branches, apps and services unchanged

Members of both credit unions should keep using their existing branches, apps and service channels. Launch locations will operate as "Launch, a Branch of Suncoast Credit Union" during a transition period, with the two systems running separately.

Full integration, called Operational Day One, is expected in summer 2027. Members will be notified before any changes take effect.

Members, regulators signed off after 45-day vote

Launch members approved the merger after a 45-day voting period. The credit unions announced the results on Thursday, Aug. 27. Of those who cast ballots, 79.5% voted yes, according to The CU Daily. Both boards of directors and the National Credit Union Administration, or NCUA, also signed off.

Kevin Johnson, Suncoast's president and CEO, will lead the combined organization. Joe Mirachi, Launch's CEO, is retiring.

Johnson said in an Aug. 29 statement that the combined organization would keep investing in new products and services "while remaining focused on our mission of helping our members achieve financial success," as reported by The Laker/Lutz News.

No branch closures or job cuts; special dividend paid

No branches will close, and the credit union said no jobs will be cut. A special dividend of up to $15 million was scheduled to be paid to qualifying Launch accounts before the Sept. 1 effective date, though eligibility details were not disclosed.

Two credit unions bring decades of Florida history

Suncoast, founded in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, ranked as the seventh-largest U.S. credit union by membership before the merger, according to the Business Observer. Launch was founded in 1963 and served Florida's Space Coast. The credit union also pledged $5 million for nonprofits and school districts in Brevard and Volusia counties.

Land O' Lakes branch continues normal operations

Suncoast's Land O' Lakes branch at 1837 Collier Parkway, just south of State Road 54, remains open with its usual services, including drive-thru, Spanish-speaking staff and Interactive Teller machines.