April 15: It’s Tax Filing Deadline Day
April 15, 2024
The tax filing deadline is here, and the IRS is reminding last-minute filers that the agency has a variety of free tools and resources available on IRS.gov.
From tax preparation, answers to tax law questions, refund tracking, tax law research to business topics and more, IRS.gov has everything needed for taxpayers to file on time or get an easy, automatic six-month extension to file.
“Millions of taxpayers across the nation will be working on their tax returns during the final hours, and people should remember they have many ways to get last-minute help,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We have a variety of free tools on IRS.gov that can help with basic tax law questions, provide free filing options, update refund status and even provide ways to request an extension for more time to file. ”
For most of the nation, the tax deadline is April 15. Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17 to file and pay taxes due this year. This is because these states observe the Patriots’ Day holiday on April 15 this year and April 16 is the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Other taxpayers in disaster areas, certain active-duty military members and citizens living abroad automatically get more time to file.
For taxpayers who need an extension of time to file their taxes, there are several options to get an automatic extension through Oct. 15. Although an extension grants extra time to file, it does not extend the obligation to pay taxes due on April 15, 2024. To avoid penalties and late fees, taxpayers who owe should pay either their full tax bill or at least what they can afford to pay by the April 15 deadline.
The IRS estimates 19 million taxpayers will file for an automatic extension.
The IRS has already received more than 100 million tax returns, with tens of millions more expected to be filed as the tax deadline approaches.
“Delivering tax season is a massive undertaking, and we greatly appreciate people in many different areas working long hours to serve taxpayers as the tax deadline approaches,” Werfel added. “This effort reaches far beyond the IRS and includes hard-working tax professionals, software providers, the payroll community as well as our colleagues in the state tax agencies. Their work helping taxpayers makes a difference.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Correctional Officer Recognized For Stopping Contraband Exchange
April 15, 2024
The Florida Department of Corrections recently recognized a corrections officer at the Century Correctional Institution.
According to FDC:
“During her duty in the visitation area, Officer Norman prevented contraband exchange at Century CI. She noticed a visitor behaving suspiciously and subsequently arrested them on cocaine trafficking, contraband introduction, and resisting officer charges. This incident exemplifies Officer Norman’s diligent efforts in upholding Florida’s public safety mission.”
Graphic/FDC for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Police Warn Of Door To Door Satellite Equipment Scam
April 15, 2024
Police have issued a warning about a possible door to door scam in the area.
The Atmore Police Department said they have received reports of individuals going from home-to-home claiming to be representatives of satellite companies and requesting to enter residences to inspect satellite equipment.
“This is a play to case your house,” Atmore PD said, warning not to let them inside.
NorthEscambia.com has received similar reports from readers in the Walnut Hill, Dogwood Park, McDavid, Enon and Molino areas. Residents have reported one of the individuals as driving a grey or silver four-door car, possibly a 2022 Nissan Sentra.
Patchy Fog Overnight, Low Near 60
April 15, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
April 15, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) - Drivers will encounter shoulder closures on I-10 near Exit 10 beginning Friday, April 12 as crews perform clearing and grubbing work. In addition, the speed limit on I-10 has been reduced to 50 mph and will remain lowered through 2030.
- I-10 at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts as crews perform construction activities:
- Alternating lane closures on I-10, Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alternating lane closures on Nine Mile Road, Thursday, April 18 from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- Traffic on I-10 is shifted to the outside and will be in place until spring 2025.
- Traffic on Nine Mile Road has shifted to the inside and will be in place until summer 2024.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the spring as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6 mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- The left turn lane from Pace Boulevard to Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling on Palafox Street to Pace Boulevard.
- The left turn lane from Palafox Street northbound to Pace Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is permanently closed. Signs are in place to direct drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 29 destined for Massachusetts Avenue or Pace Boulevard.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) from north of I-10 to Davis Highway – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews mill and pave the roadway. Flaggers will be present to safely guide drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter daytime and nighttime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 as crews perform earthwork, signalization, signing and striping work. Traffic flaggers will be on site to safely direct drivers through the construction work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- I-10 westbound at Blackwater River Resurfacing Project – Beginning 8 p.m. Monday, April 15 drivers will encounter an I-10 westbound outside lane closure, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge. The I-10 westbound outside lane will reopen to traffic by 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 17. The I-10 westbound inside lane will remain open. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent I-10 westbound lane closures, from the Ward Basin Road on-ramp (Exit 28) to the east end of the Blackwater River Bridge Wednesday, April 17 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These lane closures are required for bridge end slab replacement.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R. 87 and C.R. 178, Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 as crews perform paving and earthwork operations.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Hickory Hammock Road (C.R. 184) to Technology Avenue – Drivers may experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 87, between Hickory Hammock Road and Technology Avenue, Monday, April 15 through Thursday, April 18, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for construction activities.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street - Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, April 14 through Thursday, April 18 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform roadway widening and sidewalk reconstruction work.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Century 10U Lady Legends Win Mid-Season Tourney; 12U Takes Second
April 15, 2024
The Century 10U Lady Legends went 5-1 and won the GCGSA Mid-Season Tournament championship in Pace.
The team lost their first 10U “A” bracket game Thursday night before a five-game winning streak, including topping Molino Dirt Road Divas twice for the title.
The Century 12U Lady Legends took second in the tournament as they prepare for the second half of the season.
Pictured top: Century 10U Lady Legends. Pictured below: Century 12U Lady Legends Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos End Montgomery Road Trip With Victory, Snap Losing Streak
April 15, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos completed their six-game series versus the Montgomery Biscuits with a 4-2 win on Sunday.
After failing to score in its Saturday doubleheader, Pensacola struck first in the top of the second inning on Sunday. After a double from right fielder Diego Infante and a single from first baseman Zach Zubia, shortstop Jonathan Guzmán belted a three-run home run to give the Wahoos a 3-0 lead against Montgomery starter Ben Peoples (L, 1-1).
The Wahoos ultimately held the lead the rest of the game thanks to strong pitching from starter Paul Campbell (W, 2-0) – who pitched 5.0 innings of one-run ball – and bullpen work from Chandler Jozwiak, Matt Pushard, and Austin Roberts (S, 2). The Biscuits collected eight hits in the game but stranded 13 runners on base in the contest. Pensacola third baseman Sean Roby’s solo home run in the top of the ninth inning gave Pensacola a 4-1 lead before the Wahoos eventually held on to close out the game.
Shirley Ann Riggs
April 15, 2024
Mrs. Shirley Ann Riggs, age 82, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Atmore, AL. She was born, June 16, 1941, in Bratt, FL; and has resided most of her life in Atmore. She was a member of Bratt Assembly of God Church.
Mrs. Riggs enjoyed attending church, playing the piano and singing in the choir. She loved spending time with her family, raising her grandchildren and vacationing in the mountains. Cooking for her family and friends was something she enjoyed doing. In her past-time she enjoyed planting flowers, watching a good western, and reading the bible, and some good books. In her early years in life, she enjoyed bowling and playing softball.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert (Sybil Gibbs) Godwin, two brothers, Larry Godwin and Robert Earl Godwin.
She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jim Riggs, of Atmore, AL; two sons, Roger Riggs, of Walnut Hill, FL; Mark (Kim) Riggs, of Atmore, AL; four grandchildren, Alex Reid; Shane Riggs; Chandi Riggs; Tyler Riggs; ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Petty- Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC. with Rev. Mel Coon officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.
Pallbearers will be Shane Riggs, Tyler Riggs, Cory Riggs, Jarrod Dawson, Dax Riggs, Chase Reid, and Scott Warren.
Lane Closures As $6.2 Million Highway 29 Resurfacing Underway North Of Highway 97
April 14, 2024
Work is continuing a $6.2 million Florida Department of Transportation Project to resurface Highway 29 from Highway 97 to north of Champion Drive.
Lane closures are underway for paving operations. FDOT said lane closures are prohibited from 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. and from 1 – 3:00 p.m. on school days.
Improvements in the project include the milling and resurfacing, drainage improvements, auxiliary lane and shoulder widening, signalization, and signing and pavement marking improvements.
According to FDOT, the 4.58 mile project is set to be completed in the Fall of 2024, weather permitting.
Thursday night, one person was killed and another critically injured in a crash involving a motorcycle during lane closures in the construction zone on Highway 29 near the Highway 97 intersection. The Florida Highway Patrol said the pick-up truck rear-ended the motorcycle. Troopers did not directly attribute the cause of the crash to the construction zone.
Pictured: Lane closures and work to resurface Highway 29 north of Highway 97 as seen Thursday afternoon, April 10. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Military Dad Surprises Kids, His Sister At Long Deployment
April 14, 2024
The Dove family received a really sweet surprise last week in Flomaton as a military dad returned from his deployments.
Flomaton High School graduate Tyler Dove is a father of four that has been stationed in Hawaii for quite some time.
Friday, he came home and visited Flomaton Elementary School, surprising his daughters McKinley and Paislee, and his sister Shelbi Hines, who is a Flomaton Elementary teacher.
And as if that’s not sweet enough of a story, it gets better with a birthday surprise. Friday was his young sister Raegan’s sweet 16.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
