In 2015, Charlotte County saw a great amount of change. Local businesses have come and gone, however, 2016 already appears to be a promising year of growth.

On Friday, the Town of Drakes Branch said goodbye to First Citizens Bank. According to sources, the Drakes Branch location has operated since 1983.

Although the town was sad to see First Citizens close an important chapter in town, residents still have the construction of a new Dollar General store to look forward to.

Alexander Graham Bell once said, “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

So often, residents of Charlotte County tend to focus on the shortcomings of the rural area as a whole. While there may not be a variety of fast food chains or popular stores to shop at locally, Charlotte County is uniquely home.

Bell’s quote can apply to various areas of life. Perhaps, the closing of First Citizens can be viewed as a new beginning.

Perhaps the closing of the “door” can be symbolically seen as a chance for the Town of Drakes Branch to attract other opportunities in light of the closing.

In addition to First Citizens shutting its doors, Let’s Twist Again recently closed, leaving yet another void in the town.

On the other hand, S Beauty Salon moved into a brand new updated location that provided a modern twist in town that thrilled residents. 

The year 2016 does not have to be a time to reflect on what has been lost. The new year can be a fresh start and a time to look ahead at what can be gained in Charlotte County.

Change takes time. There are projects happening throughout the entire county that will ultimately benefit the community in the long run.

Arnold Glascow said it best, “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.”

Italia Gregory is a staff reporter for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at italia.gregory@thecharlottegazette.com