Escambia Tax Preparer Sentenced To Federal Prison For Preparing False Tax Returns
August 1, 2024
An Escambia County tax preparer has been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to charges of preparing false tax returns.
Between 2015 and 2019, Jean-Pierre, owner of WJP Financial Services, LLC., a tax preparation business in Pensacola, prepared and filed approximately 1,949 false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for various clients. Jean-Pierre falsely represented the taxpayers’ income, deductions, credits, and the refund due, to steal funds from the American taxpayers for his gain.
Jean-Pierre’s prison sentence will be followed by 1 year of supervised release and he was ordered to pay $830,840.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
“The United States and its citizens rely on the payment of taxes to defend our country and maintain its operations,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Efforts to steal from hardworking American taxpayers – here by a corrupt tax preparer – will result in swift and significant sanctions.”
“Clients place special trust in their tax preparers, who have a duty to prepare their clients’ returns accurately and in compliance with the law,” said Ronald A. Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS CI’s Tampa Field Office. “Mr. Jean-Pierre is now paying the price for violating that trust for his own personal gain. This sentencing should serve as a warning to those tax preparers who choose to line their own pockets rather than do what’s best for their clients.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
Wahoos Rout Lookouts In Historic Doubleheader Sweep
August 1, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos swept the Chattanooga Lookouts in convincing fashion on Wednesday night, winning game one of their doubleheader 16-7 and setting a team record with a 19-run margin of victory in a 20-1 nightcap.
Making up Tuesday’s rainout with a twin bill, the Blue Wahoos were invigorated by the arrival of new players in the aftermath of the MLB trade deadline. In game one, Jared Serna, acquired over the weekend from the Yankees in a trade that sent Jazz Chisholm Jr. to New York, burst onto the scene with a 4-for-5, 3 RBI game in his Double-A debut. Jakob Marsee tied a Blue Wahoos single-game record with 6 RBI in the first game, hitting the team’s first grand slam of the season as the Wahoos scored 16 runs on 18 hits.
Luis Palacios (W, 8-5) allowed only two earned runs over 5.2 innings, earning his team-leading 8th win of the season and moving into a tie for second place in team history with his 18th career win. He outdueled Kevin Abel (L, 4-5), who allowed six runs in 4.0 innings before the Chattanooga bullpen let things get out of hand.
Joe Mack capped the 17-run outburst with his team-leading 17th home run of the season, a three-run shot in the seventh inning to highlight a 4-RBI game for the Pensacola catcher.
In game two, Tristan Stevens (W, 2-1) worked 5.0 innings of one-run ball to earn the win for the Blue Wahoos. Pensacola scored two runs in the first inning without a hit against Jose Acuña (L, 0-2), setting the tone for a wild night.
The Blue Wahoos added to their lead in the third as Andrew Pintar executed a double steal of home, just the eighth in team history, followed by a two-out, two-run single from Cody Morissette. An opposite-field two-run homer from Paul McIntosh in the fourth extended the Pensacola advantage to 7-1.
The seventh inning saw the Lookouts wave the white flag, ultimately sending in position player Francisco Urbaez to serve up 10 Pensacola runs on five hits, six walks and a hit batsman. Serna added a two-run double and a bases-loaded walk for a 4-RBI game, McIntosh drove in his fourth run of the night with a bases-loaded walk, and Jacob Berry put the finishing touches on an historic night with an RBI single.
The 19-run margin of victory marked the most lopsided win in team history, surpassing a 22-6 win in Birmingham in May of 2023.
The Blue Wahoos pulled into a tie for second place with the Mississippi Braves with the pair of wins. Both teams are 2.0 games behind the Biloxi Shuckers in the second half South Division race.
The series in Chattanooga continues on Thursday. First pitch from AT&T Field is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET/6:15 p.m. CT.
Photos: Oversize Load Travels Down Highway 29
July 31, 2024
An oversize load traveled south on Highway 29 through North Escambia Wednesday afternoon.
The large commercial load was escorted by the Florida Highway Patrol and several other vehicles, causing a slight traffic backup behind the convoy.
There was no word on where the load was headed.
Pictured: A large commercial load travels south on Highway 29 at Byrneville Road Wednesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Purchasing Playground, Pavilion For New Park At Former IP Golf Course
July 31, 2024
In April, Escambia County leased the 68-acre former International Paper golf course in Cantonment to develop it into a park.
This week, the Escambia County Commission is set to approve the purchase a play structure and 704 square feet recreational shelter with tables for the property. The commission on Thursday will consider the $369,775.76 purchase and installation from GameTime. The recreational area will be open to the public and free of charge once completed and opened. The playground will include a play structure for ages 5-12 and a separate play structure for ages 2-5.
The purchase will be funded from the Cantonment Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
The golf course has been closed since 2017. Escambia County plans to use the land for disc golf and walking trails in addition to the pavilion and playground. The park will be open only during daylight hours.
Under the lease agreement for, Escambia County will pay a $5,000 lease fee the first year with an annual increase of 5% with the lease reading $6,077.53 by year five.
The property was previously known as the Champion Golf Club.
Pictured: The former International Paper golf course at the corner of Highway 29 and Muscogee Road in Cantonment. Courtesy (top) and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Card Skimmers Found On Four PenAir ATMs, Sheriff’s Office Says
July 31, 2024
The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office was notified Tuesday of evidence of card skimming devices inserted inside four of the credit union’s ATM/LIVE machines in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The SRSO said PenAir immediately secured the affected ATMs and notified the appropriate authorities, including local law enforcement, and are in the process of notifying regulatory bodies.
Because they were inserted inside the machines, the skimmers were not detectable from outside the machines, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said pinhole cameras were also capturing PIN numbers at the ATMs.
PenAir said all ATM/LIVE Teller locations were inspected, and no other machines have security concerns or evidence of skimmers.
“We are working to ensure those responsible are identified and apprehended,” the sheriff’s office said.
PenAir said the affected ATMs at their Woodbine (5 Points), 9th Avenue, and two Garden Street locations have been temporarily closed. PenAir has replaced the damaged equipment
All other locations remained operational.
“As both members and non-members use these machines, we recommend that anyone who suspects unauthorized activity on their accounts contact their financial institution immediately, PenAir is in the process of notifying affected customers directly, returning funds, and providing guidance on how to monitor and secure their accounts. We encourage all our members and those in our community to review their account statements and transaction history for any unauthorized activity,” the credit union said.
Pictured; A standalone PenAir Credit Union ATM in Century. This ATM was not one of those determined to have a skimming device. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Century Highway 29 Construction Zone Traffic Shift Set For Thursday
July 31, 2024
After several delays, an anticipated traffic shift in a Highway 29 construction zone in Century is apparently on track to happen Thursday.
The Florida Department of Transpiration said traffic on North Century Boulevard will be shifted to the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street, beginning Thursday, August 1. One travel lane in each direction will be open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes.
The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through the summer. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
The work is part of a $4.7 million safety project to resurface Highway 29. The Project includes a major reconstruction and realignment of Highway 29 from just south of East Highway 4 to the Alabama state line. FDOT will also upgrade traffic signals, drainage structures, pavement markings, and driveways, while also improving curb ramps and sidewalks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
FDOT previously announced the shift would take place on July 15, then July 25, then August 1.
The project is estimated to be completed in late 2024.
Pictured: New lanes on North Century Boulevard as seen Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
ECUA Introduces Enhanced Online Bill Pay Service
July 31, 2024
ECUA has launched a new online bill pay options, designed to provide customers with a more convenient, secure, and efficient way to manage their bills.
The new online bill pay process allows customers to make payments quickly and easily from any device with internet access. ECUA said the upgrade reflects their commitment to improving customers’ experience and leveraging technology to meet the evolving needs of customers.
To enroll in the new online bill pay service, customers can visit the ECUA website at ecua.fl.gov. For additional assistance or questions, customer support is available at customer.support@ecua.fl.gov or by calling (850) 476-0480. Note that customers that previously signed up for online account access will need to enroll again in the new service.
Key Features of the New Online Bill Pay Service:
- User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design ensures that even first-time users can navigate the platform with ease.
- Secure Transactions: Advanced encryption and security measures protect personal and payment information.
- Flexible Payment Options: Customers can choose to pay using credit/debit cards or direct bank transfers (ACH), with options for one-time or recurring payments.
- Make Multiple Payments: Customers can choose to make payments to multiple accounts at the same time.
- New Pay-by-Phone Number: Call (850) 512-1548 to make payments by phone
- Real-Time Confirmation: Immediate payment confirmations provide peace of mind and a record of each transaction.
- 24/7 Accessibility: Pay bills anytime, anywhere, without the constraints of traditional office hours.
- Bill History: Customers will be able to view images of previous bills.
- Text to Pay: Receive a text when a new bill is generated and pay the bill directly from the text.
- Email and Text Notifications: Customers can set up to receive email or text notifications when there is a new bill or when a bill is due.
“We’re excited to offer this new Online Bill Pay service as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance customer convenience and streamline payment processes,” said Bruce Woody, executive director] at ECUA. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible experience, and this new option is a significant step toward achieving that.”
NorthEscambai.com graphic.
New Baldwin County Road 112 Closure To Impact Drivers From Escambia County
July 31, 2024
A portion of a draining project has been complete on Baldwin County Road 112, but a new closure beginning Wednesday will impact drivers traveling from Escambia County, Florida, for the next week.
Baldwin County Road 112 will be closed southeast of Barrineau Park Road at Patience Lane (toward Muscogee Road in Florida) from until August 7, with no detour for drivers coming from or traveling to Barrineau Park Road in Florida.
Highway 112 to the northwest of Barrineau Park Road (toward Bay Minette) has reopened, according to officials.
The roadway closures are for work on drainage improvements, according to the Baldwin County Highway Department.
Inclement weather may impact the closure dates.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos, Lookouts Postponed in Chattanooga
July 31, 2024
Tuesday’s game between with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at the Chattanooga Lookouts was postponed due to rain at AT&T Field.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, July 31, with the first pitch of game one scheduled for 5:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. CT.
Premium Seating Goes On Sale Thursday For November Blue Angels Homecoming Show
July 31, 2024
Premium preferred seating options for the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow will be available on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. through the event’s official website.
While general admission, parking and blanket seating for the Nov. 1 and 2 Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow are free, preferred seating options are available for purchase through the NAS Pensacola Morale, Welfare and Recreation
(MWR) department’s Airshow website, www.naspensacolaairshow.org.
Box Seating, which are individual reserved folding chairs in a theater-style arrangement locatedto the left of show center, are reserved and have private portable toilet facilities available. These individual seats are $50 for either Friday, Nov. 1, or Saturday, Nov. 2.
The NAS Pensacola MWR Flightline Club is an outdoor area with bistro-style tables offering reserved seating located at the show line. In addition to a reserved table, Flightline Club participants will have access to a non-reserved tented area for shade, catered lunches, unlimited soda and water, a cash bar and private premium portable toilets. These reserved tables are available for two ($300) or four ($600) individuals ages 4+ for either the Friday, Nov. 1, or Saturday, Nov. 2 events.
Stroller parking is available in designated areas within the seating areas. Umbrellas and tripods are prohibited in both Box and Flightline Club preferred seating.
Pictured: The Blue Angels at the Pensacola Beach Air Show. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
