Candidate: CECIL L PENDERGRASS

Throughout his career in public service, Cecil L. Pendergrass has always been an advocate for our community. Cecil is a dedicated public servant who utilizes a common sense approach to decision making. As a lifelong resident of Fort Myers, he appreciates the importance of preserving and protecting the Florida ecosystem while promoting growth to stimulate the local economy. He also believes that core services must be considered a priority. Experience, leadership abilities, commitment, and integrity provide him with the strength to be an effective community leader. Cecil has proudly dedicated his life to public service. His calling to law enforcement came after working part-time in the State Attorney’s Office while attending college. He was sworn in as a City of Fort Myers Police Officer in 1984 and faithfully served for 25 years. During this time his focus was to improve the quality of life for those he encountered. He served as Vice-Chairperson for six years on the Department of Justice Weed and Seed Board, which provided grant money to local non-profit organizations for the betterment of area youth. Cecil’s success throughout his law enforcement career is attributed to his unwavering work ethic and unique ability to bring together the desires of the community with City and County resources. He retired from the City of Fort Myers on December 31, 2008. Currently, Cecil is Vice President of Private Asset Management group, LLC, an independent financial asset firm that helps clients establish, pursue, and maintain their short- and long-term financial objectives. Cecil has been recognized for his unique abilities by state and local officials as well as numerous community groups, some of which include: Senator Burt Saunders Award recipient, Mayors Gold Key Award, Employee of the Year, Employee of the Month, Courtesy Officer of the Month, City of Fort Myers Proclamation recipient, East Fort Myers Rotary Officer of the Month, and Life Saving Award. He was highly decorated upon retiring from the Fort Myers Police Department with the following Medals of Honor: Croix De Negotiator Laurel, Distinguished Volunteer Service Cross, Exceptional Service (2), Good Conduct, Honorable Service (2), Officials Medal, The Triumphant, and Unit Citation. Cecil is a native Floridian born and raised in Fort Myers. He has been happily married to Jodi Pendergrass for 24 years and is devoted to his two children.