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| This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. |
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News from the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Caption: The walking path around Salina Grande and at the eastern Malecon are well lit and perfect for walking with your family. The graphic says the Salina Grande path & eastern Malecon are 100% lit.
FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres
Tvisla Mujeres
Whale shark tour licensees plan to propose changing season's dates LINK
Martin Trejo Manzano, a member of the Whale Shark licensees association, said they are going to propose that the next season begin on June 1, and not May 15, and that it end on October 1st. This could be beneficial to both the permit holders and the whale sharks, and should prevent the 'saturation' of the few who arrive at the beginning of the season.
Mr. Trejo explained, "When the season starts there are only a few whale sharks, but when it is ending, there are many, therefore it would be good if the dates were to adjusted so that when it starts there may be more whales so that during the first days of the season, it would not get so congested."
He said they are organizing to make the request formally to the appropriate authorities, with whom they work in a coordinated manner with a respectful relationship. He concluded by saying that this season had ended without any incidents, fortunately, and was good for most of the local captains & their crews.
Isla Mujeres Al Dia
Everything is ready for the second governmental report of Mayor Juan Carrillo, which will take place today,Wednesday, at 4:30 pm on the Town Square.Special guests include officials in the three levels of government, and the Governor is scheduled to attend.
Sunset photos
Noti Isla Mujeres
Everything is ready for the second governmental report of Mayor Juan Carrillo, which will take place today, Wednesday, at 4:30 pm on the Town Square VIDEO & article
IM Noticias
Basketball game on Saturday at 8pm: Cahuameros vs UADY (photo & article)
To start the 2018-2019 season of the Quintana Roo Major Basketball League, the Isla Mujeres Cahuameros Nueva Generacion will play a friendly game against the team from UADY, the Autonomous University of Yucatan. They will play on the court by the Town Square, "Jose del Carmen Pastrana", starting at 8pm.
This season, an addition to the team will be Jorge Salcedo, who is 6'4", and experienced. The first official game of the season will be October 6 when the Cahuameros may have a home game. (They usually play at the Convention Center.)
Whale shark tour licensees to propose changing the dates of the season for next year (article & photos..see TVIM section above.)
Unusual arrival of sargasso to North Beach area (article & photos)
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Gasoline costs more than a dollar
Gasolina más cara que el dólar[+] Ver masFull article at this link
On Tuesday, a liter of Magna gas at the downtown station in Isla Mujeres was selling for 20.1 pesos while the dollar was exchanging at 17.8 and 19 pesos, buying and selling, respectively. In nearly four months the price of gas has increased just over 1.5 pesos, from 18.55/liter.
This is particularly hard on taxi drivers who must pay for filling the tank during their shift, as well as paying the owner, which means less income for their families. Owners of motorcycles and scooters, the favorite vehicles on the island, suffer less since they have lower consumption and higher fuel efficiency. However, now they are paying 8 pesos more to fill their tank than they were in May, when five liters of fuel cost 92.72 and now they must pay 100.05 for the same amount.
With the high price of fuel, coupled with price of dollars, has caused price increases on nearly all products and services during this year, especially in the three large supermarkets. Housewives complain about rising prices at these stores, saying many prices are lower in Cancun, as well as at some stores in the colonias.
Lobster catch decreased last week
Bajó la captura de langosta la semana pasada [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Last week the four lobster catching cooperatives averaged about a half a ton of product each, according to a leader in the local fishing industry, Baltazar Gomez Catzin. He the Social Justicia cooperative caught the most, with a ton of live lobster and some hundreds of kilos of dead product (tails).
He explained that members of the four cooperative are at the Contoy fishing camp in Isla Contoy, where they stay for certain periods of time, and over the course of three days last week, they managed to catch a total of two and a half tons of lobster. He said other fishermen work near Contoy, depositing their traps and checking them periodically to harvest the lobsters.
He said, ""In general terms, the catch has been a bit low, which partly has to do with the "bonanzas", we have had an ideal time for navigation since the end of June, with no harbor closures until just now and that was for a short time/ This causes everything to explode, it is as if a rake was passed through the sea and sweeping what lies ahead. "Regarding weather conditions and their effects on the fishing industry, he said that there could be some rain and light winds in upcoming days. He said, "Winds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour are convenient for us, so that there is "rebullicio"/agitation on the bottom and then the lobster moves, but not stronger than that, because then the traps and "sombras" get wiped out, which causes a severe loss for the fisherman, since each trap has an approximate value of five thousand pesos."
The good weather that prevailed during the summer season allowed them to work, with a brief pause at the beginning of last week. This guaranteed a good supply of fish and other seafood for the hotels, restaurants, and general public.
Fire drill
Realizan simulacro de evacuación de incendio. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
A simulated fire evacuation was carried out at Chedraui as part of the activities for National Civil Protection Week, which started on Sept. 17 and concludes on Sunday the 23rd. The drill took place at 8am, with the alarm sounding, and staff and customers evacuated the building, with assistance from Civil Protection personnel. The head of the Department, Ulises Berman, said that a fire drill was held at the Riu hotel on the Continental Zone on Tuesday, and throughout the week other activities are planned at various locations. On Monday, there were drills at Dolphin Discovery and Garrafon Park.
There are also activities taking place in the schools, including seminars on safety. He said, "There have already been conferences in the Julio Sauri and César Mendoza primary schools, as well as at the Benito Juárez middle school.During the remainder of the week, they will visit the rest of the schools, and fire drills will be carried out at hotels on the island and on the mainland part of the municipality.
Sargasso causing problems
Sargazo genera problemas[+] Ver masFull article at this link
Despite the efforts undertaken to remove the sargassum from Playa Norte, in recent days the beach has been affected by sargasso. On Tuesday, the Beach Cleaning staff set out, as they do every day, to remove it and pile it up, amid the bad odor emitted by the decomposing plants, which upsets the tourists. In addition to the sagrasso problem, in the area near the former site of the Fenix restaurant, there has been erosion so that barely any sand remains, exposing the roots of the palms.
In the sandy area, cleared of seaweed by the diligent ZOFEMAT staff, the smell is so strong that it even reached the guests who were sunbathing on the beach of the Mia hotel, meanwhile on the public part of the beach there was no a single person.
Aware of the situation and of the valuable efforts undertaken by the staff of "Limpieza de Playas" (a temporary employment program for cleaning the beaches), the leader of the PRI political party, Jose Lopez, called for a day of support on Wednesday at North Beach, from 7am, with participation expected from activists, supporters, and organizations within the party, although he extended the invitation to everyone, regardless of which party they support, to join in solidarity for this tourist destination upon which so many families depend for income.
There is information about Saturday's basketball game, and it notes that during this season, eight teams will participate in the Major League, including two from Cancun, one from Playa del Carmen, one from Cozumel, one from Chetumal, and the team from the Universidad Modelo de Merida, in Yucatan. The team appears to have support from the City and are seeking sponsors among the private sector. The public is invited to enjoy the game on Saturday at 8pm at the basketball court downtown, by the Town Square.
Yesterday...
Bad odors from sargasso send swimmers to Playa Centro
Malos olores alejan a bañistas [+] Ver masFull article at this link
Sept. 17 On Monday morning, "chocolate" water was arriving at Playa Norte, with bad odors, as a result of decomposition of the sargasso, but without solid seaweed. On Saturday, the first "arms" of 'chocolate water' began to arrive, then hours later it stopped and began to clear up on Sunday. The affected section of about 40 meters, became clear as the hours passed.
Workers at the beach businesses said the odor began on Monday afternoon, which they associated with the arrival of light winds from the northeast. This is considered a temporary phenomenon. Throughout the years, there has been no sargasso at Playa Norte due to its geographical position. However, the area of “El Riíto” has been affected, but it is a minimal amount compared to other destinations, who have had massive amounts recently. It was expected that the waters would begin to clarify by Tuesday, judging from the water entering near the Casa de las Rocas, and the beach was completely clean by the Mia Hotel pier.
The Director of ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone agency) said the Playa Centro remains clean and the rest of the sargasso near the Mia Hotel was about to be removed.
Former hospital: In abandoned state
Antiguo hospital, en el abandono[+] Ver masFull article at this link
The property where the former hospital is located consists of about 8000 square meters, which was donated by families for a hospital, several decades ago, who include the Rio Magana family. The new hospital was located in the colonias, and it has been suggested that the property of the former hospital be used as a parking lot.
Some say it would pass into the hands of the state government, who could then sell it, while the children of those who donated it say they would not allow that, and would prefer it is used to solve some serious problems, such as the lack of public parking.
There is some concern among the families who live nearby and the tourists, especially in the rainy season, because the property is unkempt, with weeds. The building is not sealed and it could become a refuge for indigents.
Cleaning the storm drains & culverts in colonia la Gloria
Limpian ductos y drenaje de la colonia La Gloria+] Ver masFull article at this link
With a forecast for potentially heavy rains during the upcoming weekend, the personnel with Civil Protection have been cleaning the storm drainage network about the park in colonia La Gloria. The head of the Department, Juan Vazquez, said they were attending to this system of about 300 linear meters, and then they will move to the Salina Chica neighborhood.
This time there was not as much sediment to remove, but the official reminded residents not to leave gravel and stones on the sidewalk after work is done, because when it rains, it gets washed into the sewers and culverts. A similar problem is caused by plastic litter, such as packaging from food and drinks.
These efforts are being done to prevent flooding that often affects the houses in the lower parts of the colonias. He said this work is being done to have the several kilometers of drain pipes in good condition. It is of the utmost importance that the residents cooperate and don't throw litter in the public streets, which is still a common practice of some people who don't look for some place to throw the packaging from their food and beverages.
Promoters of environmental awareness also remind us that plastics often end up in the sea, polluting their flora and fauna.
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| View from the rooms. |
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left. |
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| Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed. |
Free amenities such as hammocks, BBQ grills, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts
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| Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me. |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery , Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk downtown.
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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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Sept. 24 6:46 Sept. 25 7:24 Sept. 26 8:02 Sept. 27 8:42 Sept. 28 9:25 Sept. 29 10:11 Sept. 30 11:02 Painting by Pamela Haase Sunset ~7p to ~6:30p (beginning vs end of month) Sunrise ~630 |
September Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
It's whale shark tour season (thru mid September) and turtle nesting season (thru mid October). September is the Mes de la Patria/patriotic month, celebrating Mexico's independence from Spain
Saturday, Sept. 1 Boat procession to Isla Contoy taking the Virgin of Caridad del Cobre to the chapel at the Fishermen's camp there departing from the concrete pier at 8am after the Mass at 7am and the procession from the Church of Immaculate Conception. 19th annual edition.
Saturday, Sept. 1 Weekly plogging event to clean up litter, meeting at the park "Hormiguitas Oberas", to continue cleaning at Salina Grande lake 8a-10a.
Sunday, Sept. 2 RESCATE skating event on the hill by Julio Saury grade school 10a-3p, followed by a drone video then
Tuesday, Sept. 4 Last day to register for the lionfish competition
Friday, Sept. 7 Lionfish culinary competition at the Town Square starting at 6pm
Saturday, Sept. 8 Plogging event, 8a-10a, meeting place TBA
Saturday, Sept. 8 Rockabilly Festival from Cancun at Mayan Beach Club starting at 2p
Friday, Sept. 14 Independence Day parade on Rueda Medina from the Naval Base to the Fishermen's monument. Starting around 8a, maybe 9a. Traffic will be detoured to Juarez for a couple hours.
Saturday, Sept. 15 Plogging event, 8a-10a, meeting place TBA
Saturday, Sept. 15 Celebration on the Town Square for Independence with the reading of the Grito by the Mayor who rings the bell. Probably with fireworks, performers, live music & dancing, and crowning of Miss Independencia. Schedule TBA
The bands playing for the Independence celebrations on the Town Square on Saturday night will be Grupo Mojado & Megaboom. Tables are on sale at the Office of Public Relations from 10a to 4p, and there is a phone number & extension for more information. Your entire family is invited to come and celebrate! Grito at 11p, fireworks, then live music & partying all night long.
Sunday, Sept. 16 Independence Day
Monday, Sept. 17 End of the Whale Shark tour season. The licensees and their families usually have a celebration on the weekend after it closes and a Mass to express their gratitude.
Wednesday, Sept. 19 The Mayor's second municipal Report will be given on Sept. 19th at 4pm on the Town Square, according to the caption with this graphic, which says the City Council will have a special session at 4:30 on the Town Square.
Wednesday, Sept. 19 There will be a national earthquake simulation, preceded by a moment of silence for the victims of the 2017 earthquake, and afterwards you are invited to raise your right fist as a symbol of unity and brotherhood among the people of Mexico
Saturday, Sept. 22 Fall Equinox
Thursday, Sept. 27 World Tourism Day There may be an event to commemorate the anniversary of becoming a Pueblo Magico
Saturday, Sept. 29 Plogging event, 8a-10a, meeting place TBA
Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturdays LINK and here's the Accion Isla LINK who are having events associated with project RESCATE.
Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service (Yucatan peninsula is under Satellite GOES Este, I recommend "Animacion")
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
LINK to Tropic Watch (in English)
LINK to NHC in US (in English)
LINK to Tropical Tidbits (in English)
News summary & a couple events today & this weekend:
There will be a national earthquake simulation today, preceded by a moment of silence for the victims of the 2017 earthquake, and afterwards people will raise their right fists as a symbol of unity and brotherhood among the Mexican people.
Yesterday morning, there was a fire drill at Chedraui, as part of the activities for National CIvil Protection Week. Monday there were drills at Garrafon Park & Dolphin Discovery. Safety activities & seminars are taking place in all the schools, and fire drills in some of the hotels. The staff has also been working cleaning the storm drain system in La Gloria, Salina Chica, and other colonias. Residents are reminded not to litter, since this blocks the drains, as well as causing pollution which can affect the sea, as well as the neighborhoods.
A Chinese tourist went skinny dipping on Playa Norte around 6am on Thursday, for exercise, but a thief stole his bag, containing his clothes & keys, leaving him "en pelotas". (pelotas-balls). He grabbed a trash bag until the staff from Buho's showed up, and lent him a pair of shorts. Fortunately his money, passport, etc were locked in his rental car, and the Tourism director brought a locksmith to open it for him & he was able to continue his vacation.
In a related story, at 6am on Saturday, police arrested a man known as "Rex" who is suspected of stealing the tourist's clothing. He was coated in sand at the time of his arrest and apparently has been sleeping on North Beach. There have been complaints on social media accusing him of bothering foreign women. However, if no formal complaints were filed, he would only be held for 36 hours, and released on Sunday evening.
Issac disintegrated down by Hispanola & the weather has been lovely, which was for fortunate for the Independence Day celebrations, that went off without incident.
Today the Mayor will be giving his second annual governmental report & the Governor is scheduled to attend, on the Town Square at 4:30. Tho it looks like some rain may be coming our way.
The turtles have been busier nesting than they were at the beginning of the season, as you can see in the photo from the other morn at MVC B&B's backyard beach.
Members of the PRI political party are conducting a beach clean up today in response the problem of sargasso arriving at North Beach since Monday, as well as at Playa Riíto, in front of Mia hotel. Playa Centro has remained clear and many tourists have been flocking there, while crews work to remove the odorous plants from the other beaches.
The Mayor announced new trash trucks will arrive next month. He also said there will be changes in personnel in City government in October.
The lobster fishermen are camping out at Isla Contoy, and over the three days of fishing last week, the four cooperatives caught a total of two and a half tons of lobster. They have had good weather since the end of June, with no navigational restrictions until recently for a short time, so they have been able to keep the island well stocked with seafood. They are waiting for the stronger winds (from the north) which agitate the seabed and cause the lobster to go on the move, coming out of the hiding places.
On Saturday at 8pm, there will be a basketball game at the court by the Town Square, between the Isla Cahuamas and the team from UADY (Autonomous University of Yucatan). This is a preseason match, with the season scheduled to begin on Oct. 6, when a home game is planned.
Taxi rates won't be increasing this year, although the union submitted a request. The state is planning an analysis in 2019 for the municipalities and their transportation needs, so won't be approving any changes before that. Nationally, legislators from the state are planning to request a decrease in the IVA tax from 16% to 8%, which was increased under the previous administration. However, this is in early stages, legislation-wise & likely to face opposition.
Gasoline costs have risen to 20.1 pesos/liter, which is particularly hard on the taxi drivers who must pay to fill the tank for their shift, as well as paying the owner . Four months ago, gas was 18.55/liter. Coupled with the exchange rate for dollars, this has caused price increases on nearly all goods and services in the past year.
Whale shark tour season ended without incident & the captains, crews, and their families held a celebration, with a Mass to offer thanks. The licensees plan to submit an official request to the authorities asking that the season be changed to June 1 to Oct. 15. They say there are very few whale sharks on May 15th, which causes congestion and concerns about crowding the animals. On the other hand, there are many more at the end of the season, generally.
And in "food news", the island now has a 24 hour cochinita pibil place. It's on Madera, between Juarez & Medina & getting great feedback for being quick, tasty, and affordable. A slowly cooked, very traditional regional dish.....sold as fast food 24 hours! Que Isla-esque!
You can read more about these stories on the blog, which also features the monthly calendar of events, updated daily, generally.: http://aboutislamujeres.blogspot.com/
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