BankAtlantic's Marcia Barry-Smith Helps South Floridian's Get A Piece of the American Dream.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE:BBX) announced today BankAtlantic's Marcia Barry-Smith, senior vice president and Community Reinvestment Act officer, was recognized and prominently featured in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta's publication, "Partnership," for her dedication in helping South Floridian's get a piece of the American dream via the Bank's first-time Homebuyer Program.

"Marcia is passionate about homeownership for lower-income households and much of her passion stems from the delighted faces of individuals who are able to buy their first home," commented BankAtlantic's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alan B. Levan. "Since the inception of BankAtlantic's first-time homebuyer program in 1997, hundreds of South Florida's low-to-moderate-income families and individuals have seen their dream of first-time homeownership become a reality, and we are very proud of Marcia and her team's efforts and dedication to our community."

BankAtlantic was one of the first Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta members to sign up for the First-time Homebuyer Program (FHP). FHP provides matching grants for down-payment and closing-cost assistance to help low-to-moderate-income individuals and heads of households purchase their first homes. Using FHP funds, BankAtlantic has helped nearly 250 first-time homeowners purchase their own home.

"What's BankAtlantic's recipe? Hard work, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta's First-time Homebuyer Program, partnerships with nonprofit affordable housing advocates combined with education and counseling," commented Marcia Barry-Smith. "In the end, it's all worth it. Helping people and their families reach their dreams and goals benefits everyone in our community."

About BankAtlantic:

BankAtlantic, "Florida's Most Convenient Bank", is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida and provides a comprehensive offering of banking services and products via its broad network of community stores throughout Florida and its online banking division - BankAtlantic.com. BankAtlantic has 76 stores and operates more than 200 conveniently located ATMs. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week and offers holiday hours, extended weekday hours, including several stores open until midnight, Totally Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, 24/7 Customer Service Center, Totally Free Change Exchange coin counters and free retail and business checking with a free gift.

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.BankAtlantic.com

BankAtlantic, "Florida's Most Convenient Bank," Contact Info:
Public Relations:
Hattie Hess, Vice President, Public Relations
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Public Relations for BankAtlantic:
Boardroom Communications
Caren Berg
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Public Relations for Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta:
Chris McEntee
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Matters discussed in this press release may 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"), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release and in any documents incorporated by reference herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "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. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. ("the Company") and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control. In addition to the risks and factors identified above, reference is also made to other risks and factors detailed in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.