BankAtlantic’s Maplewood Branch and the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Partner to Protect Florida’s Natural Heritage

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, announced today that it has teamed up with the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at the Loxahatchee River District in a fundraising campaign to help care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and to educate the community about nature, wildlife, and environmental issues.

“Florida’s natural habitats and the wildlife that call it home are a precious resource for the families of our community, and the legacy we leave our children. We are very pleased to support the efforts of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary”

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural resources. Each year, over 5,000 animals receive medical care at the Sanctuary’s wildlife hospital. While the ultimate goal is to return the wild animals to their natural habitats, many of the animals treated at the Sanctuary have suffered from traumatic injuries, leaving them permanently impaired. The Sanctuary provides a refuge for the animals that cannot be released back into the wild.

“Florida’s natural habitats and the wildlife that call it home are a precious resource for the families of our community, and the legacy we leave our children. We are very pleased to support the efforts of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary,” commented Jarett Levan, CEO of BankAtlantic.

The BankAtlantic - Busch Wildlife Sanctuary fundraiser is scheduled to run for 4 weeks from November 23, 2009 to December 21, 2009. BankAtlantic has established a special Busch Wildlife Sanctuary account to direct deposit all donations. Donation slips are available for BankAtlantic customers and guests at BankAtlantic’s Maplewood Branch located at 1570 W. Indiantown Road in the Home Depot Shopping center, at the intersection of Maplewood Drive and Indiantown Road in Jupiter. Thank-you give-a-ways such as Sanctuary bumper stickers, luggage tags, and license plate name bands will be available for those donating $5.00 or more, along with being entered into a weekly drawing for a special Sanctuary gift basket.

To learn more about the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, to become involved, or to make a donation, please call [phone], email [e-mail], or access the Sanctuary’s website at http://www.buschwildlife.com. Better yet, visit the Sanctuary Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, Florida 33458.

About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, “Florida’s Most Convenient Bank”, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches, online banking division - BankAtlantic.com , and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week with extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center and Change Exchange coin counters.

BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). When used in this release, the word “expect” and similar expressions identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein and the Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.