TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Sunshine State first applied to become abank in 2003 and withdrew the application when it became clearthat, for a variety of reasons, which were never explicitlyarticulated, the Office of Thrift Supervision was not going toapprove the application.

Now, under new leadership, the CU is back and is conducting theprocess all over again. If all goes according to schedule, the OTSshould let the credit union know of its approval by early February.After more than 75% of members approved the first vote in 2003, thecredit union is confident members will approve this application aswell. The special meeting to consider the second bank applicationis scheduled for Jan. 9, 2007.