Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Isla Mujeres News & Events Tuesday, March 29


 
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Tuesday, March 29--NO SHOTS FIRED AT CANCUN AIRPORT--SOMEONE RUSHING TO THEIR GATE KNOCKED OVER THREE HEAVY SIGNS
Yesterday's panic in Terminal 3 of the Cancun airport was due to a false alarm from a misinterpretation of a loud noise that occurred when three 'totem-type' signs fell over, which weighing about 50 kilos (110 lbs) each. They were inadvertently pushed over by someone rushing to a gate.
The statement released by ASUR (Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste), who operate the airport, also clarified that the various versions of what happened, which were "all unfounded", caused the activation of protocols for emergencies and evacuation, in order to safeguard the integrity and safety of those using the airport, the workers, and aircraft. It concluded by saying that any type of risk which would prohibit the terminal from continuing to operate normally was ruled out.

 
 
Monday, March 28--(Preliminary Report) There are conflicting reports about the noises that broke the usual Monday routine at Terminal 3 of the Cancun International Airport, and set off a panic among tourists and employees, who ran out in search of shelter, as shown on various videos being shared online. The authorities received an emergency call about gunshots, but have not found anyone wounded, no cartridges, nor other indications of gunfire.
The Quintana Roo Prosecutor's Office (La Fiscalรญa) said that possibly a baggage claim machine exploded, and they were awaiting confirmation from the National Guard. The state Secretary of Security reported via Twitter that "there are no injuries, percussion cartridges or indications that confirm the fact (of shots fired)." In another statement, authorities confirmed that the incident, of which there are multiple versions, is being addressed, adding, "There are no signs of detonations or explosions in any area of the airport."   There's video with this article.
 
 
From the Governor: Following up on the events at the Cancun Airport, I am informing you that the Federal Authorities have completed all the inspections and investigations at the scene, which were all negative for gunshots. The airport operator, ASUR (Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste) issued this statement about it:
       C.O.E.--Emergency Operations Center, Cancun International Airport
     The Emergency Operations Center of Cancun International Airport reports that at 11:23 am, an alert was issued of 3 (in Terminal 3), of an incident, in which there were multiple versions about what was happening, which was handled; the established security protocols were applied, among the COE, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency, the National Guard, the Navy, and ASUR, as well as other authorities, to follow up on the events and to initiate investigations to find the causes of what happened; no signs existed indicating any gunshots were fired nor of any explosions in any area of the airport.
Operations in Terminal 3 were momentarily suspended to ensure safety of the passengers, who were never at risk, and operations resumed minutes later.
     The security forces are currently carrying out investigations to determine what provoked or caused the alert among the passengers and the service staff.
     As soon as we have more information about what happened today, it will be reported.
 

 
 Monday, March 28 -- Neighbors put out a fire in colonia La Gloria, which was caused by a hose in bad condition connected to a 20 kilo tank of butane (sic..presumably propane), and moments later personnel with Civil Protection and the firefighters arrived and took charge of the situation. They reported there was no damage nor injuries, except a woman had a 'nervous crisis' and was stabilized by Red Cross personnel. The residents of the street Paseo de la Aves were also given a 'susto' (fright/scare). Screenshots from video by Noti Isla Mujeres...
 


 
 
Sunday, March 27..Description from video in Spanish posted by Noti Isla Mujeres....The reporter explains that various palapas are on fire at Dolphin Discovery, in Sac Bajo, where the firemen of Civil Protection are fighting the flames. He said there were some small explosions inside, and there is white smoke and black smoke as different things burn. At 5 minutes, after the pump cuts out, a new flame begins shooting up (left, roof) and he verifies with a firefighter that it is gas (propane). Then an Aguakan water truck arrives, and the reporter pans the camera to the right, noting that there is a great deal of black smoke coming from the kitchen area, which is on fire. He pans back to the gas fire, noting how dangerous it is, and forceful, and that the nearby cables pose additional danger. He says the firefighters continue working to extinguish the flames in the interior of Dolphin Discovery.  LINK   


Below are the flames from the area of the two stationary propane tanks
 
 Drone photos of the Dolphin Discovery fire, photo credit to David Amayas

 This reporter says the flames shooting in the air at left from the roof are from two stationary propane tanks. He notes there is a water truck from the Navy, as well as the Aguakan water truck. The fire has consumed nearly all of the palapas of Dolphin Discovery in Sac Bajo. He estimates that practically everything in the interior has been consumed by flames. He believes the fire is under control in the interior, noting that flames are still shooting from the propane tanks, at left. (In this video, you can see the palm branches moving in the wind...the winds caused the flames to spread quickly.) LINK   
 
 
 Screenshot from a video of the Dolphin Discovery fire from the sea (posted by Noti Isla Mujeres). There were no injuries to humans & the marine animals are fine as well.
 

 
     Sunday afternoon, following the fire at Dolphin Discovery that began around noon, personnel with Civil Protection & the Firefighters, as well as with the Navy and Public Security, continued to work in response to the fire that consumed at least four palapas.
      The Civil Protection Director, Guillermo Morales Lopez, explained that staff were still working at the scene because there were two stationary propane tanks they needed to neutralize. Flames had damaged some of the pipes, causing gas leaks, therefore they were still working and continuing to restrict access to the area, located in Sac Bajo. Assistance was given by the water trucks of Aguakan, as well as the fire truck and water truck of the Navy, which remained on site.
       He said that while the flames had been controlled, there was still a strong odor of gas, coming from leaks in some of the pipes, therefore the firefighters continued to spray water on the ashes.
Mr. Morales explained that the wind played a determining factor in this fire, because it caused the flames to advance very quickly. He said an in-depth investigation into the cause of the fire would be conducted, but at that time, the priority was addressing the issue of the stationery tanks. They had requested assistance from the specialists of ZGas company.
       In the early evening, Mayor Atenea Gomez Ricalde announced that the fire was 100% controlled, including the gas leaks. She said there were no injuries, no loss of human life, and the marine animals were safe.
      She expressed her gratitude to the personnel of ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ผ́๐—ป ๐—–๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—น ๐˜† ๐—•๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜€ (Civil Protection & Firefighters) and ๐——๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ผ́๐—ป ๐—š๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ด๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐˜‚́๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ ๐˜† ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ฎ́๐—ป๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜๐—ผ ๐— ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—น (municipal Police & Traffic Police Departments), who in coordination with the ๐—”๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ฒ́๐˜…๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ผ (Navy) worked to suffocate the flames. She said she appreciated everyone who helped and thanked them for their solidarity, including those with Aguakan , Zeta Gas Sureste , Isla Mujeres Palace , Zoรซtry Villa Rolandi , Ultramar Ferry y ๐—–๐—™๐—˜, who joined in responding to today's emergency call. She expressed her solidarity with all the workers of Dolphin Discovery. She said we'll be awaiting the results of the investigation by the authorities.

 
 
 Aerial photos posted by TV Isla Mujeres...

 Monday, March 28-- Screenshots from video by Isla Mujeres al Momento...Cleaning up on Monday...
 



 
 Sunday, March 27---Description for video in Spanish of people cleaning up sargasso at the beach, with tourists in the background, and an interview with the Mayor in the foreground.....Cleaning the downtown beaches began at 5am today, after there was an atypical arrival of sargasso. The Mayor brought her children to help, as well as the Directors of the municipal departments and agencies, who are setting an example for other islanders. She reminds the residents and business owners that the island's beautiful beaches benefit everyone and we should all pitch in to help. She said there will be a big effort tomorrow from 6am to 10am, and invited everyone to join. Screenshot from Noti Isla Mujeres video.

 
March 26... Yesterday's electrical outage on the island was caused by theft of cable at the Cancun Substation, according to CFE's (Federal Electrical Commission) Social Media Communication Director for the Peninsular Zone, and reported by the municipal Secretary General, Hugo Sanchez Montalvo. (There was also a cable down on Guerrero downtown, affecting that area, as well as a suspension scheduled for one hour for the island and part of the Continental Zone, starting at 4p.)
 
 
 
 March 26-- Noti Isla Mujeres notes that while on one hand Aguakan commemorates World Water Day, on the other, they are contaminating the ocean and beach. The video shows wastewater overflowing thru a manhole in the vicinity of Guru and Lotus, near the Playa Riรญto part of North Beach, down the sandy end of the road to the beach and water. This is where the truck was pumping in the photo below. Screenshots from video by Noti Isla Mujeres...
 





 
 
Photo credit Noti Isla Mujeres
 
 
Saturday, March 26-- This afternoon, Aguakan was attending to water outages on the island. Photo credit- Noti Isla Mujeres. (That truck is probably pumping wastewater, which is frequently done at that location.)

 
 
 
Friday, March 25 --  The Civil Protection Department is offering a discount to small businesses for the electrical inspection document required to renew their business licenses. (Municipal business licenses are required for tourism rentals, including "B & B's".) This discount is available for those in the "Low Risk" category.
    The Director, Guillermo Morales, explained that in accordance with instructions from the Mayor, the Civil Protection regulations were amended for the convenience of small businesses in the Low Risk category. He estimates that of the 800 to 900 businesses on the island, 80% are in this category. The qualifications for "Low Risk" status are: A constructed area of 100 meters or less, a population of less than 20 people, and its inventory of dangerous materials cannot exceed 6 and fuel cannot exceed 60 kilos or liters.
      He said the format of three pages is available, and for completion of the Civil Protection paperwork, the requested five documents should be attached. (Civil Protection supplies a list of qualified inspectors. It's my understanding that the required documents include Dictamens from the Electrical inspection (and Gas inspection if they have propane tanks), Certificates from the First Aid and Fire Safety Classes, and current Receipts for Fire Extinguisher renewals or purchases. Documentation is now required for businesses with swimming pools, including B & B's. There's also a Civil Protection Internal Program inspection, to ensure all the requirements were completed satisfactorily, including signage indicating the location of extinguishers, the first aid box and the emergency exit routes.)
Mr. Morales called upon the community to cooperate, and for small businesses to have the required municipal procedures in order to prevent possible accidents. Photo credit--Noti Isla Mujeres


 
Friday, March 25 -- To provide better service for tourists and residents, the public bathrooms downtown will be open from 9am to 9pm, and the bathrooms at Punta Sur will be open from 7:30 to 6:30. The cost is 10 pesos.

 
Friday, March 25-- The photo op "Isla Mujeres" sign behind the Casa de la Cultura is nearly repaired, after it required maintenance due to the bases rusting from the sea-air. Five of the letters were temporarily removed and are back.

 
 March 23, Wednesday...Tourists in an 'inebriated state', driving a golf cart from the "Pelicanos" rental agency (#12), were making a U-Turn when their cart tipped over. (You can hear the woman saying they didn't hit or 'wreck' anyone.) The cart was taken to the impound yard and the tourists were taken for a medical assessment by doctors and a determination of responsibilities. Screenshot from Noti Isla Mujeres video.
 

 
Friday, March 25-- Isla Mujeres beaches remain free of sargasso, which the Governor notes varies among the state's playas at this time of year. The geographical orientation of the island causes less sargasso to arrive to the islands swimming beaches like Playa Norte and Playa Centro. The ZOFEMAT crew works on the beach early each day, cleaning away litter, raking, sifting and removing any sargasso that washes up. Occasionally, the winds and currents shift, requiring use of the available machinery and more workers.
Graphic credit-Red de Monitorio del Sargazo de Quintana Roo


 
Thursday night -- Cold Front #38 arrived with winds and rain. Screenshot from video by Noti Isla Mujeres. 

 
Friday, March 25---Residents of colonia Salina Chica reported a traffic accident on Martinez Ross avenue near the dog grooming business "Pelos" when a golf cart hit 3 parked scooters, reportedly because its brakes failed. It belongs to the rental agency "Prisma" (#28). No one was hurt, which the report notes is very fortunate because there are two schools in the area, as well as a large amount of pedestrian traffic most of the time. The driver and cart were taken to the police station to determine responsibilities. (Although it's not mentioned, rest assured that representatives of the rental agency were also called to the police station.)  Photo credit--Noti Isla Mujeres

 
 
Thursday, March 24.... The state Semaforo remains in Green status in both zones of the state thru April 3rd. (Q Roo is also Green on the national system).The infection rate continues to decline and there are zero patients intubated for C19. We're reminded to wear face masks in enclosed areas and crowds. (People serving the public are also required to wear them.)

 
 
     An Art & Culture Fair will be held outside the Casa de la Cultura Thursday, April 7th thru Sunday, April 10th featuring Artisans, Dance, Music, Paintings, Workshops, Murals, Entertainment, Fun, Food, and much more...
To participate, register at the Casa de la Cultura Mon-Fri, 9a-4p.
 

 
 
Tuesday, March 22--The photo op "Isla Mujeres" sign behind the Casa de la Cultura is temporarily missing some letters because the bases rusted in the sea air and the City is repairing the sign.  Screenshot from video by Noti Isla Mujeres (shared on Isla Mujeres News & Events)


 
 Monday, March 21--Today is an official holiday in Mexico....Benito's Birthday! Benito Juarez was the 28th president, beginning in 1858 (during the Reform War) until he died in office 24 years later, from a heart attack. He was Mexico's first indigenous president, and is the only individual Mexican honored with a national public and patriotic holiday.
    Juarez began his career as a lawyer in 1834 in his native state of Oaxaca, representing indigenous villagers. He served as a judge, a prosecutor and in the state and federal legislatures, before he was elected Governor of Oaxaca in 1847. His objections to the corrupt military dictatorship of Santa Anna led to his exile in New Orleans in 1853 for a year and a half, where he collaborated with other liberal Mexican (and Cuban) exiles.
    With Santa Anna's resignation, he returned to Mexico, becoming part of a provisional government, with the start of "La Reforma" period. He drafted the "Juarez Law" declaring all citizens equal before the law and restricting the privileges of the Catholic Church and the Mexican Army, which went into effect in 1855. He signed a treaty with the US in 1859, giving the US extensive rights to Mexico's Isthmus of Tehuantepec, for an interoceanic railway and canal, but the US Senate wouldn't ratify it.
    The French invaded in 1861, and he was "President in internal exile", while Emperor Maximilian ruled Mexico. He returned to full power in 1867, after the French were ousted, and he ordered the Emperor's execution.
     Benito Juรกrez is remembered as being a progressive reformer dedicated to democracy, equal rights for his nation's indigenous peoples, reduction of power of the Catholic Church, and defense of national sovereignty. His administration replaced a semi-feudal social system with a more market-driven one, until Porfirio Diaz's regime returned Mexico to a system of centralized autocracy and economic exploitation.
    The beaches, ferries and roads will probably be busier than your average Monday, since this is a long weekend with governmental offices, banks & such taking a holiday (while tourist-related businesses will be open.)


 
Monday, March 21... Large amounts of sargasso are expected in the Mexican Caribbean in the next few weeks, when the amounts coming to the shores of Quintana Roo are expected to increase significantly. This monitoring NGO explains that this arrival is seasonal & says "We'll keep you posted!". The Governor's Thursday night videos with the C-19 updates also include sargasso reports from the Navy.
Isla Mujeres (the island part) is one of the least affected because its swimming beaches aren't on its windward coast. Note that the island is blue/without and the mainland part of the municipality is green/very low amounts.
Small amounts that arrive are removed by the Zofemat crews who clean North Beach early each day, and when larger amounts arrive, more people and equipment are available.
 
Map for Sunday, March 20...(graphic credit...Red de Monitoreo de Sargazo de Quintana Roo
 
 
   This blog is brought to you by....

MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale neighborhood of  Bachilleres, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
Free amenities include hammocks, portable beach chairs, beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers, shared bikes, BBQ grill, and safes.  Panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & the white sand backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea.  Downtown is  ~ a mile away; we're on all four bus routes or  flag a $3 taxi. Off street parking. In the quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres sleep to the sounds of the sea.$275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe,  Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery.  Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.

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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
 LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

LINK to US National Hurricane Center 





 

Monday, March 21, 2022

Isla Mujeres News & Events Monday, March 21

 


 
~Please visit our sponsors~
email: info@mvcisla.com

 Sites we host:
Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook 

Isla Mujeres History on Facebook & Website  

 
 
 
 
In a video, the Governor said he is pleased to announce that as of tomorrow, Tuesday March 22nd, face masks will be voluntary in open air spaces, but they continue to be required inside and on public transportation. He explained that they won't be required when exercising, going to the beach or walking in the streets. He specified that they remain mandatory on public transportation and in closed-in areas like offices, supermarkets, banks, and in places were people congregate like mercados and tinaguis (flea markets/farmers markets).
People who provide services to the public in hotels and restaurants are still required to wear them, as well as educators, medical personal, and other service providers. Hours will be increased for businesses for more and better customer service.
This change will be dependent on the behavior of Covid, which they will continue to monitor, particularly during Semana Santa (Easter week) and in regard to various outbreaks that we still see in the world, which could reach Quintana Roo again. We know that face masks provide us with protection. Any time you think you might get exposed, wear it!
 
 
 Friday, March 18...Update on the family whose house burned last Sunday in La Gloria, from a press conference at the hospital--
The four members of the family were initially admitted to the Community Hospital on Isla Mujeres, and then transported to Cancun General Hospital. The male and female adults remain hospitalized there in stable condition with burns over 80% and 60% of their bodies, respectively. The two minors, a boy and a girl, were discharged the following day and returned to the island hospital. They suffered first and second degree burns and the older boy had burns to his face and legs, while the younger girl had burns on her legs and thorax. They are receiving daily consultations and the Naval Hospital is providing the supplies required for their treatment. The Community Hospital Director said the children will remain there until they are completely stable to ensure they heal well. The municipal DIF (social service agency) is involved, as well as the Procuraduria de Menor (legal) and Trabajo Social (social work). Their care is being coordinated and they are receiving both physical and psychological attention during their recuperation. The fire was caused by a 10-kilo propane tank exploding, initial reports said this occurred when it fell.
 
 (with FB Video by Noti Isla Mujeres)....The reporter explains that this accident occurred near Soggy Peso and resulted in an injury to this young resident who was on a scooter and hit by a rented golf cart, which was going backwards and driven by foreigners. They are awaiting the arrival of the Red Cross ambulance at the scene, with his family members, the tourists and the municipal police.
 
 
 Thursday night....Both zones of Q Roo remain in Green thru March 27th on the state Semaforo, and our state remains in Green on the federal system as well. Most municipalities are at or near zero reported cases, but Isla Mujeres and Lazaro Cardenas (Holbox) had slight increases. Our municipality is at an average of 0.27 cases daily this past week.
The state Contagion Rate is 0.8 which means cases are declining because when it is less than one, it means each case is infecting less than one other person. The state's Hospital Occupancy rate is less than 2% and there are no C19 patients on ventilators.
The graphs show average cases daily for the entire pandemic, with the recent two weeks in grey. Cancun is in Benito Juarez, Holbox is in Lazaro Cardenas, and Playa del Carmen's in Solidaridad.
 





 


 
 
 This report says that Cuban refugees apparently landed on Playa Media Luna on the eastern side of the island in this small homemade boat during the early hours without being detected by authorities. Photo credit Isla Mujeres al Momento.
 

 
Wed. March 16.... Mayor Atenea Gomez Ricalde said she met with Aguakan managers in response to the ongoing reports of water outages and problems with wastewater overflowing. They said they are committed to addressing the problems by taking immediate actions. The graphic lists actions for the improvement of tap water service:
>Ongoing inspections to maintain the distribution network.
>"Tandeos" will be carried out to pressurize the pipes, as they are regularized for complete service.
>Installation of valves for admission and expulsion of air for good hydraulic function.
>Installation of electro-mechanical equipment at the Elevated Tank to improved pressure in areas of higher elevation.
>Improvement of the distribution network in the colonia neighborhoods.
 
 

 Wed. March 16....Adult residents of all ages needing a dose, including boosters, of Astra Zeneca C-19 vaccine are invited to come to the Bicentennial Dome in La Gloria today or tomorrow, with the required documents. They are also administering Pfizer vaccines tomorrow (Thur, March 17) to teenagers from 14 to 17 years old, who need to bring a parent, as well as their documents.
 
Mon. March 14.... A Canadian tourist lost control of her rented golf cart along the Caribbean coastal road, near Villa la Bella and it flipped. The 46 year old tourist was traveling south and said the wind blew her hat off and she let go of the steering wheel to grab it, and lost control, hitting the curb and flipping. She is a lawyer named Thomasina Dumonceau, and was transported in the ambulance for medical evaluation with Xrays. The cart was #24 from Gomar rentals and was impounded. The rental company representative and her companions went to the Public Security (police) station, with representative of the Tourism department, to determine responsibility for the damages. Photo credit-Isla Mujeres al Momento
 
 

 
 Mon. March 14...Islanders are collecting donations for the family who suffered injuries in a fire yesterday, and lost all their possessions, furniture, etc. There will be an event for their benefit at Tiny Gecko on Thursday, by LOMI (Lean On Me International). Today's update said they were taken to Cancun for specialized treatment and are stable. Photo credit-Noti Isla Mujeres


 Monday, March 14...Yesterday the Isla Mujeres "Langosteros" lost with a score of 4 runs to 8, against the "Broncos", of the municipality of Josรฉ Marรญa Morelos, at a home game here on the island at the Pescador stadium.
 
 If you're over 18 it's time to get boosted! C-19 vaccine boosters (and second doses) are being administered 8am to 4pm at the Bicentennial Dome this week to young adults 18-29 (and any residents over 18).  Second doses are also available. Today is ages 18-21, Tues is 22-24, Wed is 25-27 and Thurs is 28-39. Don't skip breakfast & take your usual medications. The booster is Astra Zeneca and it doesn't matter which type your first two doses were. Bring your form from the mivacuna site, your CURP, a current utility bill, vaccine record and official ID. Wear your face masks correctly, maintain social distancing and use disinfectant gel.
 

 Monday morning, March 14...(with video of Sr. Sanchez Montalvo, speaking)-- There was a fire in a home in colonia La Gloria which was extinguished by neighbors and the firefighters. First aid was given to the two adults and two children who suffered burns. A male adult had burns over about 80% of his body and the adult female about 60%, who were transferred to Cancun for specialized care. The two children who had burns were treated at the Community Hospital and the DIF social service agency is attending to them and coordinating their care with any family members. This is Hugo Sanchez Montalvo, Secretary General of the City Council, who said information about the injured is preliminary and the fire was extinguished. The police will secure the building tonight, and tomorrow Civil Protection will inspect it. He said the firefighters told him that the cause was a 10 kilo propane tank that fell. There is video of the scene at Noti Isla Mujeres. LOMI (Lean on Me International) is planning a benefit for the family on Thursday at Tiny Gecko.
 
 
 Sunday afternoon, caption for a video from Punta Sur...He says they've nearly finished the renovations at Punta Sur, which include replacing this structure that was previously made of wood and adding these letters. There is a very nice statue of Ixchel sitting in a crescent moon.

Saturday...Tourists lost control of their rented golf cart near the courthouse and flipped it. Photo credit Noti Isla Mujeres

 
 Sunday, March 12....
Better Public Transport for Students & Residents
The Secretary General of the Isla Mujeres taxi union responded to complaints by residents about long wait-times of up to an hour when taxis pass by without picking them up, because many drivers give preference to tourists. Ariel Rodriguez Peniche, General Secretary of the union "Gustavo Dรญaz Ordaz", said that the drivers should not be selective and should treat everyone equally without discrimination. He said anyone who denies service to the residents will be sanctioned. He asked islanders to report the numbers of cabs who ignore them and encouraged them to take pictures or video. These complaints have increased with students returning to school, who arrive late due to this problem. The schools will be back to full operation, starting on Monday.
The Isleรฑo Bus company is adding two more routes in the morning starting at 6am to provide quality service allowing students to arrive at school on time. The student rate is 5 pesos for students in uniform or carrying their student ID, Monday thru Friday, while school is in session. The company plans to monitor the service to ensure everyone has access to their services.
The routes start from the Convention Center at 6a. Route 1 goes south down the West (Bay/Cancun) side of the isle on Rueda Medina, past the middle school and Chedraui to Mundaca. There it turns east across the isle on Ave. de los Peces, and returns north on Jesus Martinez Ross to Bachilleres and into downtown.
Route 2 also leaves the Convention Center at 6a, and goes south down the East/Caribbean Sea side, and past Bachilleres it jogs east to travel south down the coast on Perimentral / Payo Obispo to Pedro Joaquin Caldwell, where they meet Jesus Martinez Ross, traveling on the cross street Ave de los Peces by Mundaca. Then it returns north onto Rueda Medina traveling along the west side of the isle, past Chedraui and the Middle School, to downtown.
Passengers are reminded that face masks are mandatory, and antibacterial gel is provided, as well as temperature checks.  Pets are allowed on the buses.
 

 
 
 
   This blog is brought to you by....

MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Four rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & fast WIFI. In the upscale neighborhood of  Bachilleres, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
Free amenities include hammocks, portable beach chairs, beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers, shared bikes, BBQ grill, and safes.  Panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & the white sand backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea.  Downtown is  ~ a mile away; we're on all four bus routes or  flag a $3 taxi. Off street parking. In the quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres sleep to the sounds of the sea.$275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk, including Mango Cafe,  Mike's Pizza, Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery.  Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores.

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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
 LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

LINK to US National Hurricane Center