Category: ARCHIVE (information may not be current!)

Good day to all! Summer is here.   We hope all have found their own way to deal with the heat.  It is here to stay, but the summer rains will cool us in the afternoons. ELIMINATE THE OPPORTUNITY Over the last several weeks, we have become more aware of break-ins.  In some of those break-ins, security measures may have been ignored.  With summer comes the influx of vacationers and the criminal element that follows them.  In the majority of cases we know that the criminal element is just looking for opportunity.  We encourage everyone once again to review your security measures and make sure your home is protected. There are many security tips detailed here on our website, beachareanews.com.  You should also review the updated police phone numbers and measures to take should you experience a break in.  All of that information is on our Security Brochure!  Download and print it, and keep it handy. WATCH THE WEATHER We are now in Hurricane Season.  We have been blessed over the past years with some mild storms, but avoided major direct hits.  The past does not predict the future in this case!  Ensure you have reviewed what steps you will take in case of this emergency, including your exit plan from the beach areas. Stay safe, stay cool, and stay positive for our great community. Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch, David Nevers The BeachAreaNews Team

              Sunrise Through the Temple of the Seven Dolls, Dzibilchaltun

IN OUR SPRING EQUINOX ISSUE:

• Call for Interest: Yucatan 911 Center Tour
• Notes from the 19 March Merida US Consulate Town Hall Meeting
• RESULTS from the 2018-19 BeachAreaNews Expat Survey
________________________________________

Call for Interest: Yucatan 911 Center Tour

In 2018, a contingency from the beach was invited by the State of Yucatan to visit their 911 Call and Monitoring Center in north Merida. (Read a brief article on our visit in Yucatan Expat Life.)

The State has invited us once again! To do the tour they need at least 10 people, with a maximum of 20. The tour will have to be arranged before Semana Santa (when things get much busier). If you are interested in being a part of this activity, please Email team@beachareanews.com no later than April 1 2019.
________________________________________

Notes from the March 19 Merida US Consulate Town Hall Meeting

More than ninety US citizens visiting or living in our beach area came to La Cola del Cocodrilo in Progreso on 19 March to hear a presentation by representatives brought together by the US Consulate in Merida and to ask questions . After a welcome from Beach Area News team member Bob Rentz, new US Consul General Courtney Beale introduced herself and the other presenters:

• Lic. Enrique Alcocer Bastro, Proteccion Civil, State of Yucatan
• Chris Keenan, Regional Security Officer, US Consulate Merida
• Natalia Almaguer, American Citizens Services Chief, US Consulate Merida
• Ing. Maria Alejandra Aguilar Molina, Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) Merida
• Hilda de Hoyas, Social Security Administration Federal Benefits Unit, Mexico City
• Juan Alejandro, Guerrero, Social Security Administration Federal Benefits Unit, Mexico City

More information about services is available on the US State Department Website:

• US Embassy (Mexico city): https://mx.usembassy.gov
• US Citizen Services (provided by the Embassy and/or Consulates): https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
• Merida Consulate: https://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/merida/

American Citizens Services Chief Natalia Almaguer described the services provided by the Consulate. These include the routine services like Passport Renewal, reporting a birth to a US citizen while in Mexico, and Notary service. There are also special services, for example, creating a Consular Report when a US citizen dies, and coordinating actions when a US citizen goes missing.
The Consulate hours are 7:30AM to 4:30PM. There is a Duty Officer available 24/7 at (999) 942-5700.
The Consulate also has offices in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Natalia emphasized that the Consulate is a liaison between the US and local public/private entities. It does not take actions that are the responsibility of Mexican government agencies.

Security Officer Chris Keenan primarily pointed out this his office is responsible for the safety of Consulate staff and visitors to the building. He spoke about the perception that foreigners are targeted for theft and other crimes. “We are perceived as being more wealthy,” said Mr. Keenan. But we are targeted because of the view that we have more to steal, NOT because we’re from the US or Canada.
Mr. Keenan advised the attendees to report crimes to the Consulate at (999) 942-5700 after doing so to the Mexican authorities (e.g., the Fiscalia). The Consulate can advise you about steps that might happen in the process (for example, a pre-trial meeting you must attend for the prosecution to continue); the Consulate also keeps data on crimes to back requests for additional services.

Hilda de Hoyas from the Social Security Administration Federal Benefits Unit informed the audience that around 96,000 Americans receive benefits from the SSA in Mexico. Their Mexico City office is available for information, questions and applications for Social Security and Medicare; Email fbu.mexico.city@ssa.gov

Maria Alejandra Aguilar Molina (known simply as “Alejandra” by the crowd, who gave her a rousing ovation because of her many years providing excellent services in the INM Progreso office) talked about the services of INM, the Instituto Nacional de Migración. She is now in the office in Merida, but the Progreso office staff is there to help with around 30 different processes involving residency applications, address changes and extensions. She suggested visiting the INM Progreso office at the very beginning of any process to learn first hand exactly what documents you will need and what procedures to follow.

Lic. Enrique Alcocer Bastro spoke about the responsibilities of the Proteccion Civil office of the State of Yucatan. They coordinate response to natural disasters such as fires (fire season is from December 1 to May 31) and hurricanes (storm season is from June 1 to November 30). Proteccion Civil sets up emergency shelters and coordinates activities of other agencies, like the Bomberos and Police. Should an emergency require you to move to a shelter, they can help you communicate with family members about your situation.

After the presentations there were some questions from the audience. Some of general interest are included here:

• Can Social Security (SS) death benefits be sent to a spouse who is a Mexican citizen?  YES, but with requirements/restrictions; contact the FBU.
• Can SS payments go to a Mexican bank account?  YES, they need the CLABE. This long number is on your statement, or get it from your bank.
• I did not get my annual address confirmation statement from the SSA. What’s wrong?  You are ONLY sent this form if SSA has only a Mexico mailing address on file for you, and in that case it is up to you to watch out for it. They can send you this form by Email so you can have it ready to send every year. If you have a USA mailing address on file with the SSA, the form will not be sent to you and no annual confirmation is required.
• How do I vote in US elections?  Voting residency requirements and procedurles vary from state to state. The information for every state is at the Federal Voter Assistance Program Website.
• Is it OK to carry only a copy of my Mexican residency card with me, and leave the original safe at home?  NO, you must carry the original at all times.
• If you miss your Temporary Residency renewal date, do you have to start the process over?  YES, but you do have a 60-day grace period after the expiration.

After the information and question and answer period, representatives from the Consulate, INM, and the Federal Benefits Unit held one-on-one meetings with some attendees to address more sensitive issues. The individuals involved were extremely thankful for this special attention to their concerns.  We believe this contact continues to grow the strong connections between our Beach Area community residents and the support organizations.

Local resident David Wright attended the meeting; read his more detailed write up on his Life in Progreso site.

THANK YOU to the US Consulate for bringing this event together for us!
________________________________________

RESULTS from the 2018-19 BeachAreaNews Expat Census Survey

Our BeachAreaNews Expat Census was opened in October, and closed last Friday. We received a total of 785 responses! We know there are many more extranjeros than that who visit and live here, but the data is still very interesting. We told you in our invitations that it would take about 1 minute; SurveyMonkey tells us the average time was 57 seconds. Please remember that these results only reflect data received from those who filled out the survey. We cannot make any claims about what this data represents except as it relates to those individuals who submitted the survey.

We have more number-crunching to do, but here are the highlights for each question:

1) How much time are you here on the Yucatan Coast each year?

49% of respondents (“The Expats”) live here at least 6 months, followed by 44% of “The Snowbirds” here 1 to 5 months. Only a small number of respondents come for a short vacation visit. (Of course, we did not get cruise ship visitors responding to our survey.)

2) Where do you live at the beach?

This bar graph really shows Progreso to be the ‘Big Apple” at the beach, with 31% of respondents living there. And more of the respondents live in Chuburna/Chelem (37%) than in the much longer strip from Chicxulub to Telchac (28%).

3) Do you own, rent or something else?

55% of respondents own our homes, while 43% rent. A bit more number-crunching revealed that 57% of the Homeowners have Permanent Resident visas, while 82% of Renters are here on Tourist visas. (See Question 5 for the “Status” data.)

4) Where are you from?

No big surprise here: 60% of respondents are from Canada and 38% from the USA. (Keep in mind that Americans have warm places within their country where they can go; Canadians are choosing to fly right over the States and land here instead!) The last two percent come from everywhere else.

5) What is your immigration status?

The largest contingent of respondents (47%) is here on Tourist visas, then Permanent Resident status at 34% and Temporary at 16%. Mexico is very generous with Tourist visas, allowing the 180-day stay that works perfectly for Snowbirds.

THANK YOU to everyone who responded to our survey! We’ll be sharing the summary results with the area agencies that serve the area in order to help them understand us better and improve their services.

To you Snowbirds, Buen Viaje! Have a great summer!

The BeachAreaNews Team
Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers

Copyright © 2019 Beach Area News, All rights reserved.

 

IN THIS ISSUE:
• US Consulate Meeting March 19
• Walking Safely
• Carnaval in Progreso
• Coming up in our next Newsletter

US CONSULATE MEETING COMING TO PROGRESO MARCH 19
Beach Area News is pleased to be working with the US Consulate in Merida to host an informational meeting for US citizens living in our beach communities. Here is the invitation from the Consulate:

U.S. Consulate General Merida, Mexico
Message for U.S. Citizens: Town Hall Meeting in Progreso
Tuesday, March 19, 2019

The U.S. Consulate General in Merida invites all U.S. citizens to join us for a Town Hall event on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 in Progreso at 2:00 p.m. at La Cola del Cocodrilo Restaurant located on Calle 40 x 23 y 25. At this meeting Consulate staff will provide information on services provided by the Consulate.

The agenda for this year’s event is as follows:

• Message from Consul General Courtney Beale
• Remarks by American Citizen Services Chief Natalia Almaguer
• Remarks by Regional Security Officer Chris Keenan
• Remarks from Social Security Administration Officials from Embassy Mexico City
• Remarks from Mexican Immigration Officials (INM)
• Remarks from Mexican Civil Protection Officials (Proteccion Civil)
• General questions and comments from U.S. citizens attending the Town Hall

Please come and bring questions about issues that are important to you. Staff will be available after the remarks to answer individual questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please note that we will not provide any consular services at the town hall.

=====
WALKING SAFELY

There was a disturbing incident of indecent exposure by a male that occurred along the Calle 5 beach road in Chuburna between Calles 196 and 2A that our readers should be aware of. This incident happened the first week of March at approximately 9:15 in the morning. This is the first incident reported in this specific area.

A man in a red Kia Rio sedan pulled alongside a woman out for a walk. He got out of his car and exposed himself. She did her best to avoid him, and eventually found a group of construction workers; she stood with them awhile and he left.

This incident has been reported to the authorities. They informed us that sexual harassment (of which indecent exposure is an example) is a crime in Mexico. Specific evidence such as photos of the person, photos and/or the license number of the car is required for them to investigate the case.

Remember these safety tips when walking:
• Always carry your cellphone
• If possible, have a partner walk with you (or a dog)
• Avoid walking in isolated areas by yourself
• Be aware of your surroundings

===========
CARNAVAL IN PROGRESO

The Extranjeros “ELVIS” double-decker bus participated in the huge Carnaval afternoon parades on Sunday and Tuesday. The crowds smiled, laughed and waved at the expats on board. The Sunday parade also featured nearly twenty kids from the Ayalem School in Merida, who danced joyfully out front of the bus most of the way down the Malecon!

According to Progreso Director of Tourism Manuel Rosado, the police estimate of Sunday’s crowd was 200,000, the biggest ever. Carnaval is definitely growing in Progreso!

We have a few photos to share with you, many more are posted in social media including the Facebook Yucatan Beach Friends group.

The sign on the side of our Extranjeros bus

Elvis the King waves to the crowd

The Ayalem School kids leading the way

Bob Rentz (as Elvis) and Speranza Avram on the bus during the Sunday parade

COMING UP IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

• The final report from our Expat Census! If you’ve not yet taken the one-minute, 5-question anonymous survey to be counted among the visitors and residents of the beach area, please go to our SurveyMonkey page right now! We will close entries Friday March 15.
• Highlights from the US Consulate Town Hall March 19.
• …and other items of interest to the beach area

See you next time!
The Beach Area News Team
Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers

Copyright © 2019 Beach Area News, All rights reserved.

State and Local Government Meets With Expats

On January 15, several representatives of the government of Yucatan came to Progreso for an informative meeting on the services their departments are offering to improve everyone’s lives here at the beach. The gathering was held at the La Cola del Cocodrilo Restaurant in Progreso.

The meeting was sponsored by the Coordination of International Affairs of the Office of the Governor of Yucatan. Presenting at the meeting were (translated titles may not be exactly accurate translations, but are descriptive):
• C. Ariadne Morales Acevedo, Director of International Affairs, State of Yucatan
• Lic. Olivia Bakker Gómez, Liaison for the Foreigners Attention Window at the State of Yucatan
• Comandante Jorge Albert Camargo, Operations Director for the Integration Center for Public Safety, Secretary of Public Security (SSP), State of Yucatan
• Comandante Luis Várguez Chacón, Operations Director for the Coastal Zone, SSP, State of Yucatan
• Comandante Emilio Caamal Gutiérrez, Director, Progeso Municipal Police
• Lic. Luis Chan Correa, Fiscalia Specialist of Justice for Adolescents
• Lic. Juan José Góngora Puerto, Fiscalia Officer for the Crime Prevention in the City of Progreso
• Lic. Manuel Rosado Heredia, Director of Tourism and Commerce, City of Progreso

The representatives brought a Powerpoint presentation; the following information has been pulled from the slides:

OBJECTIVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS OFFICE:
To design programs, projects and actions aimed at promoting technical cooperation, resource management, technology transfer, exchange of experiences and, in general, the institutional development of the State of Yucatan, through decentralized international cooperation mechanisms.

OFFICE FUNCTIONS
• To be the link between the Governor’s Office and foreign institutions, such as governments and NGO´s
• To provide thecnical support to the Secretariats on issues related to their internationalization
• To provide assistance with the logistics and techinical support for the Governor’s international trips
• To be the link between the Governor’s Office and the foreign community living in Yucatan

FOREIGNERS ATTENTION WINDOW
A new service of the International Affairs Office.
FUNCTIONS:
• To provide information, assistance and support to foreign citizens
• Our role is to give advice to foreigners in order to link them with the corresponding authority in specific issues

CURRENT PROJECTS:

WEBSITE 
–Link to our Office from the Official website of the Government of Yucatan: www.yucatan.gob.mx UNDER CONSTRUCTION
–Assistance by email: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

BILLBOARDS
PURPOSE: To promote the Foreigner’s Attention Window
LOCATIONS: At strategic places in Progreso and Mérida, and at 5 State Police stations in the coast area

CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: Edificio Admnisitrativo Siglo XXI, 4th floor
Calle 20-A No. 284-B x 3-B, Colonia Xcumpich, Mérida.
Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Phone number: (999) 920 39 47 Ext. 47257
Email: olivia.bakker@yucatan.gob.mx

==================

Following the presentation, the representatives took written questions from the audience members. These questions covered several issues of safety and security. Nearly all of these issues are covered on various pages of BeachAreaNews.com, as well as in the downloadable leaflet “Your Safety and Security.”

A few new issues were raised and are summarized below:

Who can do alcohol breath testing on the federal highways?
Only State and Federal police, NOT Municipal police.

SECURITY TIPS:
• Call 911 if you see a suspicious person on your street, especially someone you see repeatedly walking up and down, possibly looking for times that homewoners leave the house each day.
• If you employ local people, such as repairmen or contractors, in your home, ask for their ID and take a photo or copy of their ID cards.
• Note that the police patrol the beach both on and offshore. They are always wearing reflective jackets or vests, and always use flashlights. If you see someone out there without these two things, call 911.
• There is information on BeachAreaNews.com about how to call 911 and reach a bilingual operator. Regardless, you can save valuable minutes if you know a few words of Spanish: the type of emergency you have (medical, fire or police) and your address (including the Colonia).
What if I don’t know my Colonia?
Most expats within the City of Progreso live in Centro (Calle 72 to 96) or Ismael Garcia (Calle 36 to 72). If you live in the villages, that name is enough. but also include “ciudad de Progreso” in your address. (There is a Colonia Chuburna in Merida; you don’t want any confusion.) Other clues are your CFE bill and the street signs around you. Ask your neighbors or your landlord, or a police officer.
• PEPPER SPRAY is legal ONLY IN YOUR HOME. It is NOT legal to carry pepper spray with you!
• If you have a car accident, call 911 and then call your insurance company. DO NOT move your car.

Do we ever tip the police?
NO. No police officer is ever allowed to accept money. If you are ever asked for money, note the officer’s name, badge number and car/truck number. Take photos if you can. You can call 911 from the scene and report this. It is important to get the name and badge number of the officer to make this work. Read what to do in case of a traffic stop on Beach Area News.

How do I report serious littering or garbage dumping?
Progreso has some tough new garbage/littering laws and enforcement. Although the city has hired new Ecology Officers especially for this, ANY police officer can enforce the garbage/litter laws, and it is OK to call 911 for this. If you can take a photo of someone throwing trash (like out of the window of their house) they can arrest.

What do I do if I witness any other ecological issue (for instance, damage to turtle habitat)?
Call 911 and ask for the police.

IN OTHER BEACH NEWS:
The Yucatan Department of Sustainable Development and the City of Progreso will present a morning of birdwatching and an Eco Rally on Friday, February 1. Details in the graphic below.

 

Enjoy the winter warmth!
Your Beach Area News Team:
Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers

 

Important Happenings in January!Happy New Year!  The team at Beach Area News wishes you and your family a healthy and productive 2019! This edition of Beach Area News covers the following topics:

• An invitation to a meeting to learn more about state and local government services available to expats and snowbirds here in the Yucatan coast
• A message from the United States Consulate regarding services available from their office in Merida during the current partial US government shutdown
• Information on how you can get involved in an expat/snowbird float during this year’s Carnaval parades in Progreso
•  One more reminder to stand up and be counted in our Expat Census Survey!

January 15 Presentation by our Local and State Governments

Join us on Tuesday, January 15 at 3 pm to hear presentations from the Yucatan State Office of Foreign Affairs, Yucatan State and Municipal security forces and the City of Progreso about what services they have available for foreign residents and visitors. The meeting will be held in Progreso at the restaurant La Cola del Cocodrilo, Calle 40 x Calle 23 and 25. Please let us know you will be coming by clicking on this evite link: http://evite.me/JKNzPbMUnt

At the meeting, you will hear from the Director of the Yucatan State Office of Foreign Affairs Ariadne Morales Acevedo about the Foreign Service Window, a “one-stop shop” available to help foreign residents interact with the Yucatan State Government. In addition, the Yucatan Chief of Security Comandante Carmago, as well as the Municipal Police Chief Comandante Caamal will be at the meeting. They will provide information on services provided by the state and local police and updates on how to report a crime. Finally, City of Progreso Tourism and Commerce Director Manuel Rosado, our liaison with the Mayor’s office, will provide information on the services provided by his department.

Please note: There will not be time at this meeting to address individual problems or concerns regarding government services. Please write down any specific items you would like the city or state to address–such as garbage pick-up problems, road repair issues or specific security concerns in your neighborhood–and bring them to the meeting along with your contact information. This written information will be provided to the appropriate individual who will follow-up directly with you regarding your individual issue or concern. Thank you for your understanding!

US Consulate Offering Only Essential Services During Partial US Government Shutdown

Unfortunately, the town hall meeting with the US Consulate office that was also scheduled to be held on January 15 has been postponed until further notice. The Consulate staff has informed us that at this time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico continue to provide routine and emergency consular services during the lapse in appropriations resulting in a partial federal government shutdown. If you are scheduled for passport, visa, or other consular services please keep your appointment. Please see their Website for contact information:
https://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/

Progreso Carnaval Parades

The City of Progreso is offering to help expats and snowbirds organize a float for this year’s Carnaval parades! A number of individuals have already volunteered to help design, build, and decorate a float, and others have volunteered to be on the floats during the parade.

This year’s Carnaval theme is Las Vegas: Show, Magic and Fantasy. The parades will take place on March 1, 2, 3, and 5. If you are interested in being part of a group effort to help build and/or decorate the float, or to be part of the parade itself, please send an email to team@beachareanews.com including your phone number and we will add you to the volunteer list. You will receive information about an organizational meeting to be held later in January to kick-off the float building process.

Carnaval events in Progreso will be starting on February 21 – here is a link to the complete calendar of Carnaval events: http://beachareanews.com/?p=207

Have you been counted in our Census Survey?

We’re still trying to get the best number we can of how many foreign expats and visitors are here at the beach! Even if you are only here for a short time, please take a minute to fill our our very brief online survey! Your responses are absolutely anonymous; we do not ask for your name, Email address or anything else. Please have every adult in your household take the survey separately; it really does take only a minute to complete.

Just click this link, check those little boxes and you’re done:
http://tinyurl.com/expatsurvey2018

Thanks! Enjoy the great weather and all of the many events happening during this glorious winter season!

Your Beach Area News Team:
Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers

This newsletter provides information on two upcoming events you might find of interest. But first, take a look at this great press release describing the Snowbird/Expat Welcome Party held on Dec. 19. It does a great job summarizing who attended and the messages the Yucatan State and City governments have for foreigners living or visiting here: http://beachareanews.com/?p=204The first event of interest is a planning meeting  to help organize an expat Carnaval float (with dancers!) for this year’s Carnaval parades. The meeting will be hosted by Manuel Rosado, Director of Tourism and Commerce for the City of Progreso on January 3 starting at 4 pm and will be held at the Progreso Cultural Center on Calle 25 and  Calle 80 in Progreso. Manuel suggested this idea on the Yucatan Beach Friends Facebook page and several individuals expressed interest in getting something organized.   It’s been a while since there was an expat float at Carnaval! It’s a fun community event, so we encourage you to come to the meeting to help make this idea a reality. Here is a link to this year’s preliminary Carnaval schedule, provided by the City of Progreso, and posted on the Beach Area News website: http://beachareanews.com/?p=207 The second event is a pair of meetings of interest to the expat community that will be held on January 15.   Beginning at 2 pm, representatives from the US Consulate office in Merida, including the new US Consul General Courtney Beale, will be available to provide information about the services offered by the US Consulate for US citizens living and working in the Yucatan. Beginning at 3 pm and ending at 4 pm,  representatives from the State of Yucatan Office of Foreign Affairs (who co-hosted the Expat/Snowbird Welcome Party) will provide information about the services their office provides, including their Foreign Service Window. The Foreign Service Window is a “one-stop shop” available to help foreign residents interact with the Yucatan State Government. In addition, the Yucatan Chief of Security Comandante Albert Carmago, as well as the Municipal Police Chief Comandante Caamal will be at the meeting. They will offer information on services provided by the state and local police and updates on how to report a crime. Finally, City of Progreso Director of Tourism and Commerce Manuel Rosado, who is our liaison with the Mayor, will share information on the services of his office. Please note:  There will not be time at this meeting to address individual problems or complaints regarding government services. Please write down any specific items you would like the city or state to address, such as garbage pick-up problems, road repair issues or specific security concerns in your neighborhood and bring them to the meeting along with your contact information. This written information will be provided to the appropriate individual who will follow-up directly with you regarding your individual issue or concern. Thank you for your understanding! Both meetings will be held in Progreso at the restaurant La Cola del Cocodrilo on Calle 40 between Calle 23 and 25. An electronic invitation will be sent out after the first of the year to our mailing list and through the Yucatan Beach Friends Facebook group. We wish everyone a Happy New Year y Prospero Año Nuevo! The Beach Area News Team: Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers

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CARNAVAL IN PROGRESO!
FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 9 2019

This schedule was posted 29 December 2018 and will be updated as new information is released by the City of Progreso.

“LAS VEGAS: SHOW, MAGIC Y FANTASY 2019”
CARNIVAL OF PROGRESO 2019

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

– THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019
BURNING OF THE EVIL HUMOR AND THE PASEO DE GALLO
PLACE: BEGINS AT MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019
CORONATION OF THE SOVEREIGNS OF CARNIVAL, CHILDREN AND GOVERNOR
PLACE: AT THE MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2019
CROWNING OF THE KINGS OF THE THIRD AGE AND SPECIAL KINGS
PLACE: AT THE MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019
PARADE OF SCHOOL STUDENTS (LEVEL: SECONDARY, PREPARATORY)
PLACE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 18:30 HRS.

TRADITIONAL CORSO WALK
PLACE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019
FANTASY AND MASKS WALK
ROUTE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 20:00 HRS.
MEETING POINT: MUNICIPAL PALACE

COMPARISTS COMPETITION
PLACE: PROGRESO CULTURAL CENTER
TIME: 21:00 HRS

– SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019
SUNDAY PARADE
ROUTE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 12: 00HRS
MEETING POINT: MUNICIPAL PALACE

– MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019
REGIONAL NIGHT (VAQUERIA YUCATECA)
PLACE: MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:30 HRS

– TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019
WALK AND BATTLE OF FLOWERS
ROUTE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TIME: 12:00 HRS
MEETING POINT: MUNICIPAL PALACE

– WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019
BURNING OF JUAN CARNIVAL
PLACE: MUNICIPAL PALACE
TIME: 20:00 HRS

– SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019
CARNIVAL REVIEW
PLACE: AUDITORIO MORELOS
TIME: 5:00 P.M.

=========================================
ORIGINAL SPANISH:

“LAS VEGAS, SHOW , MAGIA Y FANTASIA 2019”
CARNAVAL DE PROGRESO 2019

CALENDARIO DE ACTIVIDADES

– JUEVES 21 DE FEBRERO DEL 2019
QUEMA DEL MAL HUMOR Y PASEO DE GALLO
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– SÁBADO 23 DE FEBRERO DEL 2019
CORONACIÓN DE LOS SOBERANOS DEL CARNAVAL, INFANTIL Y GOBERNADOR
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– DOMINGO 24 DE FEBRERO DEL 2019
CORONACIÓN DE LOS REYES DE LA TERCERA EDAD Y REYES ESPECIALES
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL (PARQUE MORELOS)
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– VIERNES 1 DE MARZO DEL 2019
DESFILE DE COMPARSAS ESCOLARES ( NIVEL: SECUNDARIAS, PREPARATORIAS )
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 18:30 HRS.

PASEO DE CORSO TRADICIONAL
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– SÁBADO 2 DE MARZO DEL 2019
PASEO DE FANTASÍA Y MÁSCARAS
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 20:00 HRS.
PUNTO DE REUNIÓN: PALACIO MUNICIPAL

CONCURSO DE COMPARSAS
LUGAR: CASA DE LA CULTURA DE PROGRESO
HORA: 21:00 HRS

– DOMINGO 3 DE MARZO DEL 2019
PASEO DOMINICAL
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 12:00HRS
PUNTO DE REUNIÓN: PALACIO MUNICIPAL

– LUNES 4 DE MARZO DEL 2019
NOCHE REGIONAL (VAQUERIA YUCATECA)
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:30 HRS

– MARTES 5 DE MARZO DEL 2019
PASEO Y BATALLA DE FLORES
LUGAR: DERROTERO PROGRAMADO
HORA: 12:00 HRS
PUNTO DE REUNIÓN: PALACIO MUNICIPAL

– MIÉRCOLES 6 DE MARZO DEL 2019
QUEMA DE JUAN CARNAVAL
LUGAR: BAJOS DEL PALACIO MUNICIPAL
HORA: 20:00 HRS

– SÁBADO 9 DE MARZO DEL 2019
RESEÑA DEL CARNAVAL
LUGAR: AUDITORIO MORELOS
HORA: 5:00 P.M.

This post is a lightly edited Google translation from a December 25, 2018 article in Yucatan Informa.  You can read the original in Spanish here.

Yucatan:  Open Door and Warm Welcome for Foreign Residents

Progreso, Yucatán, December 25, 2018.– Foreigners from the United States, Canada and Europe who arrived in Yucatan to reside in the territory and settle their homes on the coasts of the state received a warm welcome through a festival full of culture, tradition, music, dance and gastronomy typical of the region.

On behalf of the Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal, the head of the Secretariat of Tourism Development (Sefotur), Michelle Fridman, led the reception ceremony to the 100 new residents called “Snowbirds Fiesta 2018”, where it was noted that they are already part of our home and not just visitors who arrive to spend a season.

Accompanied by the host mayor, Julian Zacarias Curi, the state official reiterated that the State Government is ready to work hand in hand with them to help the transformation of this part of the region, cooperating with their initiatives, their cultural expressions and traditions and at the same time show them the Yucatecan identity to make them feel at home.

In her message, Michelle Fridman pointed out that Yucatán has undertaken efforts to become a bridge and link with other regions and states of the country, mainly with those of the Southeast, but with the new air connections managed and those that the president has already started, the state becomes the gateway to know, live and work in Mexico.

Also, she recalled that in the two and a half months of this administration, it has increased the connectivity of the entity through seven new air routes and work is being done to improve the infrastructure and services of the port to attract more vessels and encourage investment in services, both tourist and residential.

The event was organized by the Coordination of International Affairs of the State Government, chaired by Ariadne Morales Acevedo, and was attended by a hundred foreigners from the United States, Canada and Europe who heard all the services offered to ensure their safety and tranquility, as well as facilitate the realization of the activities that this group of new residents carries out, whether of a private nature or with an altruistic character.

The event, located at the Cultural Center of Puerto Progreso, also had the presence of Commander Jorge Armando Albert Camargo, Operational Director of the Comprehensive Public Safety Centers (Zone 4); of the Subsecretary of Public Security, Alejandro Ríos Covián Silveira; representing the head of the Ministry of Public Security (SSP), Luis Felipe Saidén Ojeda; Manuel Rosado Heredia, director of Tourism and Commerce of the City Council of Progreso; Natalia Almaguer, head of the Department of American Citizens Services of the US Consulate in Merida; and Speranza Avram, representative of the Volunteers of the United States Consulate and of the “Beach Area News” group.

In an interview, Speranza Avram pointed out that she decided to permanently settle on the Yucatan coast four years ago, attracted by the beauty and tranquility of its beaches, by security, by the Yucatecan traditions and the good treatment of the inhabitants of Progreso. She said she was very happy to live in Yucatan, a place she had visited many years ago, until she decided to buy a house and settle permanently.

The attendees enjoyed trova music, jarana dances and tasted baked pork cakes and cold agua fresca. In addition, booths with tourist information and medical, commercial and legal services were set up.

For its part, the Coordination of International Affairs of the State Government reported that its function is to be the link of the State Executive with the outside, give technical support to the secretariats in internationalization matters and provide assistance for the realization of international tours.

At the event, it was explained that the foreign community that arrives to Yucatan–people choosing to come at their own expense–positively impacts the local economy and when this population returns, it creates a very important social bond with the beach community, when performing altruistic activities.

The Coordination of International Affairs Office has a Foreigner Service Window which provides assistance and support to foreign citizens who reside in the Yucatan coast on a temporary or permanent basis. Their role is to put them in contact with the corresponding authority to solve all kinds of problems.

Its mission is to work so that every visitor who comes to the territory is treated with the same kindness and respect with which our fellow citizens are treated It is guaranteed that every effort will be made to make every visitor or resident feel as welcome as they would at home. The Coordination office encourages anyone needing assistance to not hesitate to contact the Foreigner Attention Window for guidance of any kind.

The Foreigner Service Window is physically located in the International Affairs Coordination office, in the Siglo XXI Administrative Building, on the 4th floor, Calle 20-A, No. 284-B x 3-B, Col. Xcumpich. Tel : 999 920 39 47 Ext. 47257. Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Or by Email (in English or Spanish): olivia.bakker@yucatan.gob.mx.

GOOGLE MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/ZXnsfwDyTbN2

Happy Holidays, everyone! Despite several days of windy weather, isn’t it great to be living or visiting at the beach, as opposed to shoveling snow up north?

This Newsletter will cover the following topics:
• Security updates regarding recent home break-ins and police activities
• A reminder about the Dec. 19 Snowbird/Expat Welcome Party and a link for you to RSVP
• Hold the date: January 15 for a meeting to welcome Merida’s new US Consul General and the Yucatan’s new Director of Foreign Affairs
• Update on the Expat census survey – have you been counted yet?
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Security Updates:

Over the past month, we have heard about three home break-ins that occurred in the Chelem/Churburna area. In only one of these cases, the homeowners went to the Fiscalia to report the crime and as a result, the robbers in this case were apprehended and put in jail.

If you are the victim of a crime, the only way to help the police apprehend criminals is to go to the Fiscalia office in Progreso and report the incident. Information on how to do this is included in the Beach Area News security brochure, located here on the Beach Area News website. Please note that if you require a translator one will be provided by the Fiscalia, but you may need to reschedule your visit. (If a translator is required, only the translator provided by the Fiscalia is acceptable.)

The police have informed us that they have at least one English-speaking officer on duty at all times. Here are their names and the cell phone number that they are using. (We suggest placing these names and the number in your Contacts list on your phone.)
• Carlos Fernando Burgos Becerra
• José Sánchez Toledo
Call the officer on duty at Cel: [2019: deleted  old number]

If you have an emergency, it is always best to call 9-1-1 first, in order to activate an immediate response. You can ask for an English speaker on this line, but in addition, if you wish assistance in English and are unable to reach someone at 911, you can call one of the officers above for assistance.
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Over the past few days, there have been at least two incidents of municipal police officers requesting money directly from expats. Information regarding these illegal requests, including photos of the truck number and the officers involved, was provided to the Beach Area News team who alerted the Yucatan State Security Comandante. As a result, two officers were immediately fired and additional individuals were disciplined.

Please remember that state and municipal police officers are never allowed to request or receive money directly. The Yucatan security officials are serious about reducing police requests for money, and we can help them by never offering or paying money to a police officer. Instead, request a ticket from the officer, and if possible, note the number of the truck and the name of the officer; photos are best, and you do have the right to take them. You can send this information to team@beachareanews.com and we will forward the information to the appropriate officials. More information on what to do if an officer requests money and how to pay a ticket is located on our website.

As demonstrated by the recent response of the police leadership, if you report an incident of inappropriate police behavior, action will be taken.

On a related note, here is a brief article about the new Mexico President Lopez Abrador commenting on Yucatan’s status as “one of the safest states in the country.”
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The City of Progreso has distributed a useful list of emergency and other phone numbers that you may wish to have handy. We have posted this list on our website here (that link will download a 1-page PDF file).
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Dec. 19 Snowbird/Expat Welcome Party

The City of Progreso and the State of Yucatan Governor’s Office of Foreign Affairs are hosting a Welcome Party for snowbirds and expats in the Yucatan. Over 140 people have confirmed their participation, but there is room for more! The event will be held on Wednesday, December 19 from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Cultural Center in Progreso. Please take a moment to let us know you will be there by clicking on this link .
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Save the date – January 15: There will be two meetings in Progreso on January 15 to provide information to snowbirds and expats. The first meeting, held from 2 pm to 3 pm will be an opportunity to meet the new US Consul General, Courtney Beale, and members of her staff. Representatives from Mexican Immigration and US Social Security will also participate in this informative meeting.

From 3 pm to 4 pm, the new Yucatan Coordinator of Foreign Affairs Lic. Ariadne Fernanda Morales Acevedo and her staff will provide information on the services provided by her office.  Representatives from Yucatan security will be available as well to answer your questions.

Both meetings will be held at the La Cola del Cocodrilo Restaurant (the Tail of the Crocodile) on Calle 40 x 23 y 25 in Progreso.  An invitation and more specific agenda information will be distributed after January 1.
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Snowbird and Expat census survey: We are trying to get an accurate count of how many expats and snowbirds are in our area. More than 570 people have completed our census so far — have you? If not, please click this link to answer five simple questions. Your response is completely anonymous! And if you have completed the survey, Thanks! …and be sure to share this info with your expat and snowbird neighbors who may not have seen this information.
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The Beach Area News Team wants to wish everyone a happy holiday season! If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at team@beachareanews.com

The Beach Area News Team
Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, Dave Bloch and David Nevers

 

[Get this Newsletter in your Inbox!  Email your request to team@beachareanews.com]

Beach Area News
September 28,2018

This is the first issue of Beach Area News published using an e-mail list manager called MailChimp. We now have over 420 subscribers so managing our list was getting more complicated!  And because we now have our Website beachareanews.com to store information for reference, we can more fully integrate the newsletter and the Website so that you can find the information you need. 

We’ve also changed our e-mail address to team@beachareanews.com So please drop us a note to comment on our new look!  Thanks!

The Beach Area News Team
Bob Rentz, Speranza Avram, Karen Cloutier, David Nevers, Dave Bloch

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The Beach Area News Team has been busy meeting with local and state officials to learn more about what changes may be in store as a result of the recent elections.  Below is an update on our meetings as well as useful information about what to do in an emergency here at the beach.

State government transition – There will be a new governor for the State of Yucatan beginning October 1. As part of this transition, we met with Ing. Erik Rubio, Coordinator General de Assesores, and his team including Yucatan Director of Foreign Affairs, William Perez Loria, and Lic. Olivia Bakker Gomez, Foreign Affairs Liaison. We thanked them for all of their support over the past few years and to emphasize that we hoped to have the same excellent rapport with the incoming administration.  Also present at the meeting was the State Police Comandante Alberto Carmago and Comandante Luis Varguez Chacon Vargas, who invited us to tour the state’s new 9-1-1 and video monitoring center the following week.  Once the new administration takes office, we will reach out to begin a dialogue with them.

Here is a local news story on this meeting:
http://progresohoy.com/noticias/autoridades-coordinan-esfuerzos-para-garantizar-tranquilidad-de-residentes-extranjeros-10105750/

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Yucatan 9-1-1 Emergency Services Center –  The BAN team toured the state’s 9-1-1 center and were amazed at the amount of sophisticated technology used to help the state of Yucatan remain one of the safest places in Mexico.

9-1-1 operators are available 24 hours per day to handle all emergencies (police, fire or ambulance).  Of special note to English-speaking residents, there is one designated English speaking 9-1-1 operator on duty at all times.  There is also a direct-dial number to that operator for those who do not have a Mexican landline or mobile phone.  For full details on how to use this service, please visit this page at beachareanews.com.

One thing we learned is that regardless of the type of emergency you have, a state or local police officer will always arrive on the scene. This is because they know our neighborhoods best, can arrive faster than any other responder, and can then help coordinate with other first-responders to ensure you get the proper type of emergency service.

In addition to the 9-1-1 system, the Emergency Center operates a network of video surveillance cameras all over the state that monitor traffic into the state and follow-up on suspicious activity. For example, there are 120 cameras along the coast in areas like the port, the Malecon, major intersections, and roundabouts. In that huge room, video is monitored 24/7 on over 100 screens by specially-trained personnel.

We also visited the police investigation center where officers follow up on reported crimes.  We were all very impressed not only by the technology that is being used here but also by the professionalism of the individuals working at the center.

Here is a local Web article on the visit:
https://yucatanexpatlife.com/coastal-expats-in-yucatan-get-a-tour-of-police-facilities-technology/

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Progreso City Meeting – A meeting was held on September 19 with Progreso’s new Mayor Julian Zacarias Curi, Tourism and Commerce Director Lic. Manuel Jesus Rosado Heredia, and Director of Public Safety and Traffic Emilio Raul Caamal Gutierrez.  The Mayor gave us his commitment to provide improved conditions for visitors as well as the expatriate community.  His desire is to increase tourism and provide favorable conditions for those looking to relocate to this area permanently. He told us about the existence of several new lines of communication that will allow individuals to report specific problems (like potholes, broken street lights, and garbage or water issues) to the local government. Currently these are only available in Spanish, but the City is working to make these services bilingual as much as possible.

First, the City has a Facebook page.  Go there and click SEND MESSAGE. Or, you can call the City at 969-103-6005 or WhatsApp to 999-585-1779.  In addition, an interactive kiosk for reporting needed services or repairs was installed at the City Hall building in Progreso.

The Director of Public Safety advised us of the existence of bilingual Tourist Police along the Malecon and he anticipates addition of more bilingual Staff in the near future. Lifeguards are now on duty on the beach and the municipal ambulance is now parked at the Parque de la Paz.

The Director of Tourism and Commerce, Lic. Manuel J. Rosado expressed his desire to meet with members of the community to develop opportunities for growth in the area.  He hosted a meeting for all restaurant and hotel owners this week to present programs and to establish new communication opportunities.

We are encouraged by the commitment of this administration to improving living conditions here, and to have open communications.  We are working with the City to organize a community meeting with expat residents and snowbirds later this year. Stay tuned for further developments.