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| This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. HERE is a timelapse version, that you can set to slow or fast (fps-frames per second). It takes a few seconds to load. |
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
In accordance with the electoral laws, the municipal Facebook site has suspended the release of information as of March 29, until after the election.
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This is an aerial photo and a diagram from the Environmental Impact Statement that was approved in 2016 by SEMARNAT (Secretary of the Environment & Natural Resources) showing the location of a project to construct bungalows in the Federal Zone off Playa Norte, by Mia Hotel. The link to the EIS is below, which is in Spanish, but includes a variety graphics and photos, including the toilets that flush with sink water, and the anchors.
The EIS says the bungalows won't have AC & claims they'll be "considerably more economical than hotels" for families with kids or friends traveling together. The "Bungalos Reef Club" are planned on the west side of the MIA pier (not the bridge), off the islet of Yanque, in the el Riito area.
Construction materials began arriving on Monday, and there was a very negative response on social media, including a petition against them that currently has over 300 signatures.
Both the Mayor and the Director of Urban Development made statements to the press explaining that the City has not approved any permits, but that SEMARNAT has. Senatorial candidate and islander Julian Ricalde Magana also published a statement about the importance of defending this area and opposing this development.
The Mayor said a construction license was issued under the previous administration on Sept. 20, 2016, but it was revoked on Oct. 25, 2016. He said all available legal actions will be taken to stop this project.
City Alderman Roberto Martinez Aragon filed a complaint against the project.with PROFEPA, Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente).
Although recent news reports say the project involves 23 bungalows, this Environmental Impact Statement says 33 are planned, at a cost of 18 million pesos (~1 million dollars).
The EIS says the buildings would have a useful life of 20 years, with maintenance. (Tho it appears they'd be susceptible to hurricanes, and since we haven't had one in a dozen years, it seems likely that one will occur in the next two decades, imo.)
It says the single story bungalows would be built over the water, with wooden posts and thatch roofs, with toilets that recycle sink water for flushing, as well as no AC (!!), LED lights, and some solar lighting. It claims they will be "considerably more economical than hotels" and an excellent option for families with children or small groups of friends, who prefer more private, home-like accommodations.
The EIS says they plan to construct 32 secondary bungalows of 72 square meters (775 sq ft) each, consisting of a guest room, bathroom with Jacuzzi, wading pool, sun deck, stairs, and docking ramp. There will be a main bungalow of 200 square meters (2153 sq ft) with three bedrooms, a hallway, a bathroom with Jacuzzi, wading pool, sun deck, ladder, and docking ramp.
A wooden pier will provide access, and all construction will be anchored in the sea. (There's a lot of info about the anchors). They will be connected to the municipal wastewater system that already services the area, which is connected with the treatment plant operated by Aguakan.
The site is located outside of any officially designated Protected Areas.The area in the Federal Zone is devoid of vegetation, with only sand deposits from the sea, where currently the predominant activities are tourists enjoying the sun and sand. The marine area is in its natural state and is currently used for water activities and for nautical activities by small boats.
http://apps1.semarnat.gob.mx/…/estud…/2015/23QR2015TD056.pdf
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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)
The City installed new signs in two locations downtown on the main street of Rueda Medina. PHOTO
More than 480 workers affiliated with the CROC labor union received free medical care through the program PrevenIMSS LINK
Navy rescued two people aboard the sailboat "Messy Monique" LINK
After receiving a call that two people aboard the sailboat "Messy Monique" needed assistance because they had suffered mechanical problems, the Navy located the boat 8 nautical miles (12 kilometers) from Isla Mujeres with two Americans on board. The Naval "Defender" type vessel which found them provided a tow back to the Isla Mujeres pier, and the boaters left by their own means, in good health.
April 18, 2018 TVIM reported: Planning to begin work on MIA bungalows on Monday LINK
The first materials began to arrive for construction of the first seven bungalows designed for the MIA hotel, a project that attempted to start in October 2016, but was 'reprogrammed ('se reprogramó), even though all the permits and environmental impact were done.
One of the workers for the project said that materials began to arrive that will be used for the first seven of 23 bungalows that are planned for the project. He said the first bungalows could be ready by October, and the others would be ready next year.
It is recalled, that since the beginning of this project, there has been conflicting opinions, and some islanders are opposed to it. The new project of "Búngalos Reef Club" will officially start on Monday, when more material and personnel are expected to arrive to construct these structures over the sea.
It is important to note that in 2016, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) approved the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA), endorsing the construction of 23 bungalows in North Beach, for the company "Círculo Creativo Villahermosa, S.A. de C.V, who planned the construction of 23 bungalows with an investment of over 18 million pesos.
More than 100 agencies interested in the "Isla Mujeres" brand LINK
The City had a successful experience the the International Tourism Fair that was recently held in Mazatlan. Jesús Castillo Magaña, Director of Tourism and Commerce of Isla Mujeres, said more than 100 international agencies are interested in this tourist destination, including Italy, Korea, Japan, China, Germany and others. The goal is to promote this vacation destination and attract the greatest number of visitors during the upcoming holiday periods.
He said that for the first time, the two hotel organizations participated together, Isla Mujeres Hotel Association (HIM) and Isla Mujeres Small Hotels Fascinante Association, and there was participation by entrepreneurs focused on underwater activities.
The representation of Isla Mujeres in the Tourism Tianguis of Mazatlan 2018, is part of the promotional plans of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo (CPTQR), which includes the destinations in the state such as: Holbóx, Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Mayan Riviera, Cozumel Tulum, The Mayan Zone, Bacalar, Mahahuál and Chetumal.
The importance of this national event in Mazatlan, which is considered the most important of its kind in the country, is that it brings together hotel entrepreneurs, travel agents, tour operators, convention planners, and specialized media in the tourist industry from more than 80 countries of the world.
It is noted that the state government launched its innovative Visitor Location System, "Guest Assist" at this event.
April 18, 2018. TVIM video: Mayor of Isla Mujeres: We are going to undertake a legal fight to stop the construction of Bungalows
Juan Carrillo clarified points about the construction of the bungalows at the MIA hotel VIDEO
In the video, the Mayor responds to the concerns being expressed on social media about this project. He shows the license for construction from Sept. 20, 2016, under the previous administration, and the revocation of that license in Oct. 25, 2016. There is an authorization by the federal environmental agency SEMARNAT. He says they will undertake a legal battle to stop the construction of these bungalows, that the islanders are united in opposition to this and it is a social issue for the families and children, and of course the tourists who visit from all over the world, to avoid affecting that location. He says they will work together, using all legal recourse to preserve this area and prevent construction of the bungalows. He said this should not be a political issue, that it concerns all the islanders.
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Noti IM reports: THERE ARE NO MUNICIPAL PERMITS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUNGALOWS AT PLAYA NORTE• The municipal government stressed that it will undertake the corresponding legal actions to stop this project(Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, April 18, 2018) .- Given the strong rumors issued regarding the construction of a project called "Bungalows Reef Club", the Director General of Urban Development and Environment of Isla Mujeres, Nivardo Fernández Martínez , responded that no license has been issued by the current administration for this project.
Mr. Fernández Martínez explained that this is a project of the company 'Círculo Creativo Villahermosa S.A. de CV ', and consists of 22 bungalows to be built over the waters off Playa Norte, which is considered one of the most beautiful areas of Isla Mujeres, having been recognized twice as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches, according to the Trip Advisor site.
The official said, "We are committed to the protection our natural resources and preserving the heritage of the islanders. The previous administration granted a construction permit, which during this administration was revoked to avoid generating any damage to our beaches."
He concluded by noting that although the Ministry of Environmenta; and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) authorized the construction of "Bungalos Reef Club", the current administration will begin a legal battle to stop the project.
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IM Noticias reports that City alderman Roberto Martinez Aragon has filed a complaint against the project for construction of 23 bungalows with PROFEPA, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente).He said that it is clear that we, as islanders, must take actions to protect the marine ecosystem of Isla Mujeres, which will be inherited by our grandchildren from us.
He filed a second complaint alleging excess traffic of boats in the Bay of Isla Mujeres, particularly those providing passenger transport service, which affects the area known as El Farito.He said that the excessive presence of boats, through the kinetic energy of their propellers, raise the marine sediments, which are then deposited on the coral reefs of the Farito area, and impact on the marine ecosystem, which It generates an imbalance.
He ended by saying that we must protect Isla Mujeres for the good of everyone and forour children.
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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Unanimous defense of North Beach
Unánime defensa de Playa Norte] Ver mas
PREVENIMISS will offer medical services to 2000 workers
Prevenimss atenderá a dos mil trabajadores [+] Ver mas
This program, working with the CROC union, continues to grow in coverage, in an effort to try and prevent diseases that are currently common among workers, including services related to hypertension, diabetes, dental health, reproductive health, and nutrition, from the doctors of the IMSS (Mexican Institute of Social Security.
In the next few days, workers will receive medical consultations and reviews, with the intention of learning their health status and providing them with vaccines and necessary analysis, without having to leave their work area.
The cleanup continues of the storm drain system, which is now focused in the colonias, to reduce the impact of rain and potential flooding. These efforts were increased downtown with the heavy rains last week. Residents are reminded to cooperated by avoiding putting plastic bags in the roadway that fall into the drainage networks and cause clogging.
Naval personnel rescued a sailboat that had problems
Elementos de la Quinta Región Naval al rescate de un velero en problemasp.. [+] Ver mas
Cleaning up the storm drain network downtown
Limpieza de la red pluvial del centro histórico. [+] Ver mas
Low season has arrived
Pega la temporada baja[+] Ver mas
April 16 A week after the end of the holiday period, small hotels are reporting occupancy rates of 20 to 30 percent, and some don't expect an improvement until the summer vacation season begins. Most have lowered their rates by 10 to 20 percent, in response to the low demand. At the hotel Caracol, they have two rooms occupied and nearly twenty available. In the lobby they are featuring a promotion for a room for two people for 800 pesos and and additional person for 200 pesos, including wifi and air conditioning.
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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, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, 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 traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, 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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| April Events Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events |
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| April 1 8:21 April 2 9:16 April 3 10:09 April 4 11:02 April 5 11:53 April 29 7:05 April 30 7:59 Painting by Pamela Haase |
Sunday, April 1 Easter
Thursday, April 5 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo. (It hasn't yet been announced when the Thursday Artist Fairs will be discontinued, which could occur in April or May.)
Saturday, April 7 Plogging Day 8:30a Running, jogging, or walking & picking up litter. Route TBA at Plogging Day Isla Mujeres & Action for Isla.
Sunday, April 8 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square 8p Free.
Thursday, April 12 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo. (It hasn't yet been announced when the Thursday Artist Fairs will be discontinued, which could occur in April or May.)
Saturday, April 14 Plogging Day 8:30a Running, jogging, or walking & picking up litter. Route TBA at Plogging Day Isla Mujeres & Action for Isla.
Sunday, April 15 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square 8p Free.
Thursday, April 19 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo. (It hasn't yet been announced when the Thursday Artist Fairs will be discontinued, which could occur in April or May.)
April 20-22, Fri, Sat, Sun. Isla Got Soul music event at The Joint. There's more information about the organization that is benefiting from this event here: https://www.facebook.com/IslaGotSoul/posts/572699899755186
Saturday, April 21 Plogging Day 8:30a Running, jogging, or walking & picking up litter. Route TBA at Plogging Day Isla Mujeres & Action for Isla.
Sunday, April 22 Earth Day Action for Isla usually has clean up events. The past two years divers and snorkelers cleaned under thedowntown piers, and groups picked up trash along the Caribbean beaches.
Sunday, April 22 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square 8p Free.
Thursday, April 26 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo. (It hasn't yet been announced when the Thursday Artist Fairs will be discontinued, which could occur in April or May.)
Saturday, April 28 Plogging Day 8:30a Running, jogging, or walking & picking up litter. Route TBA at Plogging Day Isla Mujeres & Action for Isla.
Sunday, April 29 Noches Magicas performances on the Town Square 8p Free.
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" (it used to be in my blog margin, until Blogger became incompatible with it).
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
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