The former Cape Coral councilwoman who pleaded guilty to charges she didn't live in the district she was elected to represent is speaking out for the first time since her sentencing.
Patty Cummings agreed to speak only with NBC2 Chief Political Correspondent Dave Elias in a one-on-one interview following her plea deal and 24-month probation sentence.
Last November, Cummings insisted that she was innocent until charges were filed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis removed her from office.
On Monday, Cummings pleaded guilty to the felony charges.
She agreed to sit down on Thursday by the water to discuss the change of events and explained why she pleaded guilty.
“I’m at a point in my life where I choose my battles, and that is a battle I don't want to fight anymore,” Cummings said.
Dave Elias: Do you have any regrets about any of it or even getting into public office?
Patty Cummings: I guess we can't turn back time, right? So, we learn what we go through. I learned a lot.
Dave: A lot of people supported you. Do you have anything to say to those folks?
Patty: I'm sad that things have taken place like they have and I want to apologize to everybody for the roller coaster ride we've been enduring for a year. It's a new season.
Dave: In that new season, Patty, you received some devastating news.
Patty: I was going to keep it quiet. I actually didn't want anyone knowing. It had to be shared in the courtroom. I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. It's close to seven weeks now.
Seven weeks of hell fighting cancer and felony charges.
Patty: A lot of these things go through your head of what is most important in your life and it's my family and my close, close friends who have become my family.
She revealed her diagnosis is serious.
Patty: I do have a mass in the lower left lung, and it's gotten into my lymph nodes. So, it's in the left and they're worried it's gotten into the right.
The mother of four worries more about her children dealing with her cancer diagnosis.
Patty: My kids are my life. I've always put them first. I feel very bad because the last year and a half has been very stressful on my children and I've apologized to them so many times.
Her focus now is on healing.
Patty: I do believe I’m going to be healed, because I'm going to keep saying that every single day.
Dave: You wanted to do this interview on the water, and that's why we're here.
Patty: I love water. Water is very soothing to me. It's calming and as you can see I'm crying.
Putting the past behind and praying for a future.
Patty: I want to thank you. I was nervous in doing this. But I felt like I needed to do this and David. You are amazing. You were kind.
Dave: It can be difficult to sit down and deal with tough questions. I want to thank anyone who has ever trusted me enough to do an interview. I’ve always pledged to be fair.