Buzz: John Powell no longer head of Florida ABT

John Powell, Republican candidate for Escambia County Sheriff, no longer is listed by Gov. Rick Scott as the head of his director for the Division of Alcohol Beverages & Tobacco. When you visit the website, you will see Debi Pender, Acting Director. The rumor I received – from two independent sources – was that Powell resigned at the suggestion of the Secretary of Department of Business & Professional Regulation, Ken Lawson, after Lawson found out about a scheduled fundraiser for Powell with the vendors that he regulates. Powell was appointed to director of ABT in August 2009 by then Gov. Charlie Crist.

I spoke with the spokesperson for DBPR and she confirmed that Powell is not longer the director. Here is his resignation letter: DOC091611-09162011131041

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