Eglin AFB munitions testing set in Gulf of Mexico waters

Boaters in the Gulf of Mexico near Eglin Air Force Base should be aware of upcoming munitions testing that could affect water access in the area. According to WKRG-TV, the testing is scheduled to take place, and mariners are advised to stay clear of designated impact zones during the operations. The base regularly conducts such testing as part of routine military training and readiness exercises. Details on specific dates, times, and exact coordinates of the testing zones are available through Eglin AFB's public affairs office and official notice-to-mariners channels. Boaters are encouraged to monitor local maritime advisories and avoid the affected areas during the testing window to ensure safety.

Eglin Air Force Base munition testing Friday will affect Gulf boaters

Eglin Air Force Base announced it will conduct munition testing in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, October 16, from 8 a.m. to noon, according to WKRG News 5.

Boaters in the area should be aware of the activity and take appropriate precautions during the testing window. The base has not released specific coordinates or a detailed restricted zone, so mariners are advised to monitor local marine weather channels and avoid the general testing area during those hours.

This is routine testing conducted by the base, though it can affect recreational and commercial boating traffic in the region. Anyone with questions about the testing or specific boundary information can contact Eglin Air Force Base public affairs.

IRS Extends Federal Tax Deadlines for Hurricane Isaias Victims in Northwest Florida

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Residents and businesses across Northwest Florida affected by Hurricane Isaias are receiving additional time to meet certain federal tax deadlines.

The Internal Revenue Service announced Wednesday that qualifying taxpayers in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and numerous other Florida counties now have until February 8, 2027, to file certain federal tax returns and make qualifying payments.

The relief generally applies to deadlines falling on or after October 9, 2026, and before February 8, 2027.

That includes certain individual and business income-tax returns, estimated tax payments and employment-related filings.

The IRS says eligible taxpayers with addresses in the covered disaster area will generally receive the relief automatically.

Taxpayers who qualify because their necessary records are located in the disaster area, but who live elsewhere, may need to contact the agency.

There is an important distinction for taxpayers who previously requested an extension to file their 2025 federal income-tax returns.

While the filing deadline may be postponed, tax payments originally due April 15, 2026, are not covered by the new extension.

The IRS also announced limited penalty relief for certain payroll and excise tax deposits.

Residents and businesses should review the agency's official announcement to determine which deadlines apply to their circumstances.

The IRS says additional disaster-related tax relief may become available as recovery continues.