Barnett closing 98 offices in Fla.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Barnett Banks Inc. said Friday that it will close 98 offices - 20 of its own and 78 of First Florida Banks in the companies post-merger consolidation.

Barnett had previously estimated that 102 offices would close.

Barnett, the largest banking organization in Florida, said it will be left with 596 offices in the state, including 66 former First Florida locations, plus 43 in Georgia.

The consolidation of operations and office closings are not expected until mid-March, and Barnett said it "has committed to retain all tellers and personal service representatives."

Separately, Capital City Bank Group Inc. of Tallahassee said it will buy two Barnett Bank branches and one from First Florida Bank in Citrus County,

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