Candidate: Cecil Pendergrass

Throughout his career in public service, Cecil L. Pendergrass has always been an advocate for our community. 

Cecil L. Pendergrass is a lifelong resident of Fort Myers.  He and his wife, Jodi, have been married for 33 years and have had the privilege of raising their two children in Lee County. 

Cecil proudly devotes his life to public service. He began serving our community in 1984 when he was sworn in as a City of Fort Myers Law Enforcement Officer. He faithfully served for 25 years, retiring with over 30 awards of distinction. Following retirement, he transitioned into the wealth management field as vice president of Private Asset Management Group, LLC, an independent financial asset firm that helps clients establish, pursue and maintain short- and long-term financial objectives.

Cecil was elected to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners’ District 2 seat in November 2012. In a vote of confidence from his colleagues, he was unanimously appointed board chairman at his first meeting. He also took on the responsibility as port commission chair during his first year. Currently, Cecil serves as the Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chairman of the Board, Tourist Development Council Chairman of the Board and Commission liaison to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Public Safety Coordinating Council, and Transportation and Expressway Authority Membership of Florida (TEAMFL). In addition, he serves as a commission board member for the following organizations: Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Lee Memorial Health System Trauma Advisory Committee, Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free SWFL Advisory Council, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Foundation and East Lee County Chamber of Commerce. 

Cecil was named 2013 Elected Official of the Year by the News-Press in recognition for his exemplary work on the Lee County Commission. In June 2014, he earned his County Commissioner Certification (CCC) from Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and in June 2015, he earned his Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) Certification. 

Cecil appreciates the importance of preserving and protecting the Florida ecosystem while promoting responsible growth to stimulate the local economy. He is committed to protecting our community by safeguarding our area’s natural resources by actively advocating for water quality projects and the 20/20 Conservation Lands Program, improving our roadways for safe and timely travel, controlling spending, providing government resources for those in need and maintaining a safe and secure public safety program. 

On November 6, 2018, Cecil's abilities as an effective leader, communicator, and community steward were confirmed, as he was re-elected for a third term with overwhelming support.  He is honored and privileged to serve the citizens of Lee County.