Only locations with drive-thrus to remain open for time being

Given the expended restrictions on face-to-face interactions, Tropical Financial Credit Union will only offer drive-through service at certain branches with that capability starting Monday, March 23. The branches are in Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, North Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach. Hours have been expanded from 8am-6pm, Monday-Friday. ATMs remain operational. There will be no longer be Saturday hours.

Four other South Florida branches in Miramar, Plantation, Kendall and Coral Springs have closed altogether because they do not have drive-thrus and will not be accessible. However, their ATMs remain operational.

“We are taking this action for the health and welfare of our members and employees and for the greater good of our community,” said Richard Helber, president and CEO. “Members still have 24-hour access to their accounts online or through mobile devices to complete transactions or apply for loans. Our nationwide ATM network also provides a convenient way to access currency as well as account information.”

Helber said the credit union would operate at this level until health and government officials signal that it is safe to return to normal operating conditions.

In the meantime, Tropical Financial wants to do everything it can to reduce the financial burden its members are facing due to the current situation. The credit union has created relief options for members who have lost their jobs due to work stoppages or who face some other financial burden. The options include deferred payment on existing consumer loans, mortgages, home equity lines and commercial loans as well as offering short-term no-interest loans.

“As a credit union, we here for our members in good times and in bad, and unprecedented times which we are all facing now,” said Helber. “First and foremost, we are encouraging our members to take care of themselves and their families, and secondarily, we are letting them know we have their backs when it comes to helping them through this crisis financially.”

ABOUT TROPICAL FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

Based in Miramar, Florida, Tropical Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution whose deposits are federally insured. Anyone who lives or works in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Sarasota Counties is eligible to join. Tropical Financial Credit Union was formed in 1935 by employees of the former Southern Bell with just a few hundred dollars and has grown to $750 million in assets. For more information, visit www.tropicalfcu.com.