Investigation: Cape Coral Councilmember Patty Cummings did not live in district she filed to run in

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Jun. 19, 2023, 2:59 p.m. ET | Updated Jun. 19, 2023

Cape Coral City Council District 4 candidate Patty Cummings. (Photo/Vote Patty Cummings)

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (FLV) – An investigator found Cape Coral Councilmember Patty Cummings did not live in District 4 until March 2023, even though she filed to run as a candidate for that district in 2022.

Cummings reportedly called the investigation into her residency a “witch hunt that is politically motivated.”

The City of Cape Coral hired Vicki Sproat to conduct an independent investigation into Cummings, following a complaint sent to the governor’s office and Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle.

When Cummings filed to run for city council, she listed her Palm Tree Blvd. address as her residence, which is located in District 4, according to the investigation.

However, the report said her documents did not prove that Cummings “ever intended” to live at that address during the “relevant period.”

Instead, the report claimed Cummings leased a house on SW 50th Terrace in District 2 and that she “intended” to continue living there until the lease expired in November 2022.

Following Hurricane Ian, the investigator said that Cummings signed a lease to move into a residence off Embers Parkway in November 2022.

The report later claimed Cummings did not reside in District 4 until March 22, 2023. She moved to a residence off SE 21st Street in the district.

The investigation highlighted the city charter, which said it is a requirement that a councilmember candidate’s name be placed on the ballot for the council district in which he or she resides.

“Let’s remember this was an Anonymous complaint. All evidence and documents was provided to the City of Cape Coral. The City of Cape Coral retained Vicki Sproat for a fact finding investigation,” Cummings told The News-Press.

The report said an attorney for Cummings demanded the city refrain from moving forward with the investigation, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars.

On March 7, the Cape Coral City Council voted 6-2 for an independent investigator after a formal complaint was made.