Florida Center for Investigative Reporting is reporting that Congressman Steve Southerland (R-Panama City) used campaign funds to improve and maintain a Panama City home he inherited in 2005. Those house was used for Southerland’s headquarters during two campaigns before he sold it for $550,000 this past June.
Though the payments weren’t illegal, they may seem questionable to a layman, according to FCIR.
Between 2010 and June 2013, when the property was sold, Southerland’s congressional campaign paid him $42,000 in rent and owes him another $36,000. The campaign also covered at least $6,273 in maintenance and upkeep on the West Baldwin Road home, including fees for lawn services, trash removal, repair of the home’s air conditioning and water filter service and repairs. It also paid utilities for the home.
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