EXHIBIT 99

NEWS RELEASE [HUNTINGTON LOGO]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUBMITTED: OCTOBER 13, 1999

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

MEDIA ANALYSTS
- ----- --------
KIP EDWARDSON (614) 480-4433 LAURIE COUNSEL (614) 480-3878
CHERI GRAY (614) 480-3803


HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES REPORTS 21% INCREASE IN
EARNINGS PER SHARE FOR THIRD QUARTER

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ: HBAN;
www.huntington.com) today reported record third quarter earnings of $105.6
million, or $.46 per common share, representing a 21% increase in earnings per
share over the same period last year. Net income and earnings per share were
$88.8 million and $.38, respectively, a year ago. For the recent three months,
Huntington's return on equity (ROE) was 19.07% and its return on assets (ROA)
was 1.45%, up from 16.43% and 1.28%, respectively, in the third quarter of 1998.
On a cash basis, earnings per share were $.49, with a corresponding ROE of
29.54% and ROA of 1.59%.

"Since we announced our restructuring plans a year ago, the company's
efficiency has improved markedly," said Frank Wobst, chairman and chief
executive officer of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. "During this same
period, we also focused on businesses that will enhance profits over the longer
term. Consequently, we have taken a number of strategic actions with a
particular emphasis on growing higher-return businesses and redesigning
lower-performing units. These steps included expanding our product offerings
into new markets, partnering with others where appropriate, or exiting certain
activities altogether."

Wobst continued, "I am particularly pleased our efficiency efforts have
been successful, without sacrificing the revenue momentum of the company. Our
third quarter results demonstrate we have built a good base on which to grow
future earnings."

Net interest income for the third quarter was $268.4 million, up 7%
from the year-ago quarter. Growth in earning assets, particularly in the
consumer lending portfolio, drove the increase. Average total loans grew 7%,
despite a few large payoffs in the commercial sector. The net interest margin
expanded to 4.22%.

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Non-interest income (excluding securities gains) increased 11%, with
substantial improvements noted in several fee-based activities. Huntington's
growing network of licensed investment and insurance representatives, coupled
with an advertising campaign promoting the company's proprietary annuity
product, produced an increase of 45% in brokerage and insurance income. The 28%
growth in service charges was a result of higher fee income from retail deposit
accounts and higher sales of cash management products targeted to small business
customers. The increasing popularity of Huntington's check card product, along
with an expanded number of on-line banking customers, contributed to the 24%
increase in electronic banking revenue. Huntington has 87,000 Web Bank customers
through September 1999, with 13% of its deposit household customers banking
on-line.

Non-interest expense was $206.2 million in the recent three months,
down 3% compared with third quarter 1998. Management's emphasis on efficiency
continues to deliver results as expenses were up only modestly from last
quarter, despite solid revenue growth and strategic spending for new branch
offices and marketing programs.

Credit quality remains strong. Net charge-offs were .39% of total loans
for the third quarter, while nonperforming assets dropped to $93.3 million, or
.47% of total loans and other real estate. Coverage ratios were 378% of
nonperforming loans and 316% of nonperforming assets. The allowance for loan
losses as a percent of total loans was 1.48% at September 30, 1999.

Huntington's average equity to average assets was 7.63% in the recent
three month period. The company and its bank subsidiary continue to maintain
healthy capital positions, exceeding requirements for a "well-capitalized"
institution. Tier I and total risk-based capital ratios were 7.31% and 10.61%,
respectively, at September 30, 1999.

Huntington Bancshares is a regional bank holding company headquartered
in Columbus, Ohio with assets of $29 billion. The Huntington has more than 133
years of serving the financial needs of its customers.

The Huntington provides innovative products and services through its
more than 600 offices in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland,
Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
International banking services are made available through the headquarters
office in Columbus and additional offices located in the Cayman Islands and Hong
Kong. The Huntington also offers products and services through its
technologically advanced, 24-hour telephone bank, a network of more than 1,300
ATMs and its Web Bank at www.huntington.com.

For faxed copies of current news releases, please call our
fax-on-demand service, Company News on Call, at (800) 758-5804 extension 423276.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLOSURE:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements,
including certain plans, expectations, goals, and projections, which are subject
to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those contained or implied by such statements for a variety of
factors including: changes in economic conditions; movements in interest rates;
competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success and timing of
business strategies; the successful integration of acquired businesses; the
nature, extent, and timing of governmental actions and reforms; the risks of
Year 2000 disruption; and extended disruption of vital infrastructure.

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