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Ex-Pinellas sheriff gets in line for top FDLE post

By JENNIFER LIBERTO
Published April 22, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - While Guy Tunnell is officially on the job as chief of Florida Department of Law Enforcement until Friday, already the rumor mill is abuzz with possible replacements.

Of several potential candidates contacted by the St. Petersburg Times, some of whom have made short lists in the past, only Rep. Everett Rice, R-Indian Shores, a former Pinellas County sheriff, has publicly expressed interest. Rice is running in a highly competitive race for state attorney general.

"That's about the only way I'd come off this ballot," Rice said. "I'd have to wait to be asked that question - I wouldn't say no."

Gov. Jeb Bush said Friday morning that he hadn't given a replacement much thought but would consult with the Cabinet next week. He wouldn't say if he planned to limit his search to sheriffs or if he would look elsewhere. Tunnell's deputy, Scotty Sanderson, could make the list of candidates. He declined to comment.

Sheriff Charlie Wells of Manatee County said he is not interested in the job, but says it should go to someone who can get along with local law enforcement. That person also needs to have sensitivity to Florida's increasing racial diversity, said Senate Minority Leader Les Miller, D-Tampa.

"You've got to be colorblind," he said. "We're a melting pot state now. You've got to be very very sensitive to that."

Times staff writers Lucy Morgan and Letitia Stein contributed to this report.

[Last modified April 22, 2006, 01:39:14]