Candidate: Cathy Townsend

A Florida native and St. Lucie County resident for over 30 years.  Townsend has been a small business owner in the community.  The mother of two sons, Townsend has owned and operated an assisted living facility for 11 years, a bed and breakfast for 10 years.  Owned several restaurants.  Her background in real estate, in the 90’s, helped prepare her for success in small business.  

While Townsend served on the St. Lucie County Planning and Zoning Commission, she was Chair the last two years prior to being elected as a County Commissioner in 2016.  Many in the community recognize her name because of her experience as a volunteer and passion for helping promote and build a better community.  An avid dancer, not only did Townsend teach country line dancing at a  variety of adult communities, churches, organizations and educational outlets in St. Lucie County, she also created and produced the successful Dancing With the PALs Annual Celebrity Dance contest to benefit the Fort Pierce Policy Athletic League.

A former student of Indian River Community College. She has served with the Deaf Service Center of St. Lucie County, the Moose Lodge, the Exchange Club of Ft. Pierce, Elks Club, Life Builders and the Fort Pierce Policy Athletic League.

Townsend says she is proud to serve the residents of St. Lucie County.  She looks forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the community in a different and meaningful way.

“My ears and heart have been open to learning as much as I can about the needs of our community, in order to address those needs and make a positive impact,” said Townsend.  “I hope to continue to help create a climate that is conducive to small businesses and create good long-term jobs for St. Lucie County citizens.  It’s been an exciting journey and I am looking forward to our future together.”

Over the years, Townsend has served as the Chairperson for the Fort Pierce Exchange Club Chili Cook-off (2012 & 2013), while she co-chaired the event in 2017.  In 2016 Townsend participated in the 2016 Team Tommy Foundation Lip Sync Battle, returning in 2017 to serve as a judge for the event.  She has been involved and supported the Hands Clinic since 2015.  Townsend has also lent her culinary skills to good causes, serving as a Celebrity Chef at Graceway Village, Matthew’s Café, Team Miranda Strong and Donate for life.  She is a previous member of the Pilot Club.  She is a current board member for Life Builders, volunteered with multiple events to benefit the needs of our community like Restoring the Village, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family Meals, Chamber of Commerce, Navy UDT Seal Museum, Mustard Seed Ministries and Supervisor of Elections during elections with the League of Woman Voters until elected then becoming a member of the canvassing board in 2018.  Most recently Cathy hosted an event to benefit the Voici Bernadette underwater reef project.

Commissioner Townsend was successful in 2018 to pass a local bill to benefit small businesses in the restaurant industry.  By lowering the footage of the business to allow for a full alcohol license instead of just beer and wine, which created a large increase in revenue to sustainability of a business. A bill to adjust the north boundaries of Indian Rver County and St. Lucie.

She has been a passionate Commissioner for our transit system, 4H Families and a champion for small businesses.