DESTIN, Fla. -- The federal government has seized a Florida Panhandle home bought by a former tourism director with public money sent by BP after the 2010 oil spill.
    
The Northwest Florida Daily News report that a federal judge signed an order Friday turning over the Destin home to government authorities.
    
Former Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council director Mark Bellinger died May 4 of an apparent drug overdose days after being accused of misusing the money from BP to buy the home. He also admitted to using tax dollars to buy a yacht.
    
His widow signed away all rights to the property in June. Officials say proceeds from the sale of the house will be used to reimburse the county for its losses.

Associated Press