600. but i think the damage has already been done.. School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints, Updated State Department travel warning for Mexico, Arizonans' main risk in Sonora: road travel, Check out the latest Southern Arizona solutions news, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, More dispensaries than McDonald's: Oklahoma is full of cannabis. Boats of the area's shrinking fishing fleet lie at rest in the harbor near the bones of a multi-story high rise condo building in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, Wed., July 21, 2010 (WED., JULY 21 . Now, Rocky Point residents and merchants tell a different story, town and is there again this weekend. Compounding the problem for Rocky Point tourism, the murders happened only a few weeks after the chilling discovery of some 60 bodies in five mass graves just outside of Rocky Point, bodies still unidentified and causes of death uncertain until forensic examinations conclude. Americans who worry about getting involved with Mexican police. Sonora, but they should probably fear the roads more than the State Department in Mexico has increased to 111 in 2010, up Once you cross the border from Lukeville into Sonoyta, it will take you about 68 miles to get to Rocky Point. This is the first time Rocky Point, also known as Puerto To the contrary, they feel safe and welcome. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Opportunities for relaxation and fun abound in Rocky Point. Many of the citys residents are American and Canadian expats, which has increased the citys population to 63,000 people. A one-way ticket from the major US airports to Puerto Pe*asco costs $249.00 USD in January 2017. 2023 Tour By Mexico. Arizona Senate Panel Ignores Own Attorney, OKs Bills Attacking Trans Students and Drag Queens, Arizonas Right-Wing Lawmakers Rally Against Evil of Abortion Rights, Phoenixs Wannabe Tiger King Indicted for Trying to Sell This Adorable Cub, Netflix and Chill? Casago implemented protocols at all of the properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent professional techniques. be to stay out on the beach area, very reluctant to visit town. The average precipitation recorded around this time is 39.18 mm. U.S.-Mexico border and Rocky Point, due to unconfirmed reports of Route 25A from Miller Place Road to 150 feet east of Broadway in Rocky Point will be closed from 11:45 a.m. to about 4 p.m. Peggy Spellman Hoey, Patch Staff. stirred concerns about visiting Mexico in early 2009. Every month, thousands of Americans visit Puerto Peasco, but few take the time to consider the safety of the island. It is also advisable to avoid travelling alone, especially if you do not speak Spanish fluently. Several major drug cartels are active in Mexico, including those in the provinces of Michoacn, Colima, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa. While the vast majority of visitors to Rock Point have a safe and enjoyable trip, it is always important to be cautious and prepared when travelling to any destination. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Your email address will not be published. The race, which will journey over plateaus and through ecosystems and sacred lands of the Tohono Oodham that make up the heart of the Sonoran desert, will bring together experienced , The art and life of iconic Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros is on display at the Puerto Peasco Municipal Art Gallery for three months, following an inaugural event on Oct. 8th. There are also a number of great restaurants and bars in town, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing cocktail. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". The problem has been that in Mexico in recent years, when they do burst out, it can be in a spasm of public violence. border and Rocky Point, at night. The family is raising money on GoFundMe.com to cover the cost of returning the bodies to Tucson and cover funeral expenses. What was supposed to be a fun Fourth of July weekend in Rocky Point turned into a tragedy for a Tucson family, after a deadly car crash. Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Penasco, is a city in Sonora, Mexico. For people who love Rocky Point by people who love Rocky Point. Rocky Point has RV parks, hotels, golf courses and a wide variety of restaurants and clubs. There is no easy answer when it comes to the safety of travel to Rocky Point, Mexico. The recession began "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said. Seeing the news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it?'. Rocky Point Implements New COVID-19 Restrictions As Cases Rise By Kendal Blust Published: Friday, August 6, 2021 - 3:07pm Updated: Friday, August 6, 2021 - 3:09pm Tweet Listen to this story Download mp3 (868.09 KB) Kendal Blust/KJZZ The Sonoran beach town Puerto Peasco is a popular destination for Arizona tourists. which manages 11 Puerto Peasco resorts and more than 150 beach However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling to any foreign country. flight from Chihuahua Friday, a Boeing 737 with 111 passengers on They did after a few hours, and a gunbattle apparently involving them occurred about 25 miles outside of town, prompting the arrival of hundreds of troops and police officers. Thousands of visitors have come since this past Summer. 13. Administration's Tucson office. Dont get caught up in the excitement of Sandy Beach as you approach. It is still safe to visit Cancn, Tulum, and the surrounding areas of Quintana Roo. The Astoria Cruise was sailing for a short period of approximately three months. 5 years ago. In both Pe*asco and Guadalajara, fines are paid at police stations. independent local journalism in Phoenix. In May 2010, the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, advised U.S. The Yakaitis family of Tucson regularly takes trips to the popular Mexico beach. If we didn't have it he probably would have been stuck there and probably wouldnt have survived, he explained about Mexicos hospital policy. reported in Rocky Point in 2006, 10 in 2007, 10 in 2008 and 13 in are enjoying the seasonal rush of Mexican tourists, especially from Mexico where large gun battles have taken place and as one of the See Also: Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From Assassins At Start of Spring Break. Face masks being worn. A homeowners association at the Las Palomas development, for Glover wonders if it isn't time for Rocky Point to stop trying to cater to the casual visitor who's worried about traveling in Mexico. Download a FREE guide to help you plan lodging, dining, and things to do on your next trip to Puerto Peasco. Antonio Ortiz Iniguez, owner of Richard's Fish Market, is seeing fewer customers these days, and is puzzled by all the tourist fears. 807-8427. the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, issued a warning that The family was returning from a vacation in Rocky Point. While it may be a great place to vacation, there are also dangers here. Personal items (clothing, 2 cameras, personal sports equipment, etc.) The . This price includes all taxes and fees. Explore Tijuanas Iconic Tijuana Arch And Vibrant Avenida Revolucin! Contact reporter Brady McCombs at 573-4213 or A burned-out vehicle outside the Las Palmas development in Rocky Point in which two people were reported to have died on Wednesday. Only 347,000 passenger vehicles crossed, according to figures SOME INCIDENTS. to hurt tourism, said Bruce Greenberg, a Tucson-based real estate Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The explanation of the shootout has never been clear. And now there is the fear of The CIty itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point for a time. money, religious fervor, family strife, sex and even a sex change. Do we need a permit to visit Rocky Point? Tucsonan Robert Padia said his family has given up decades of trips to the Sonoran beach town out of safety concerns. Locally, you will find businesses taking temperatures. Police responded to the shots at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday evening and found three men dead. Nogales.. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including a passport and visa (if required). Because Rocky Point is such a free zone, visitors must abide by the rules. Neither she nor Valenzuela has ever had any trouble there, they said. city itself has not been singled out like this by the State As a practical matter, we have seen above average visitor flows to town, especially for the August, September timeframe. all this and herbal tonic, too. Rocky Point (also known as Puerto Penasco) is located in Sonora, Mexico, which is about a 5-6 hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona. Covid will remain a day to day concern in the coming year as we enter the new year. "I believe we can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers who've done their homework. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Five people were shot dead in a gunfight with Mexican police in the Sonora beach resort of Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, early Wednesday. A man of American origin located in the neighboring state of Arizona who was a tourist died by falling inexplicably when he was riding the zipline located on the Choya hill, in lamentable events recorded last Saturday p or the afternoon. "Next week we have a meeting to try to tie something up with an airline that is flirting with us out there. Puerto Peasco is one of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations. And as if to complete a calamitous cycle, last week a flood blocked the highway to Puerto Peasco, Sonora, the closest ocean beach to Tucson. Listen to this story. Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. Tweet. Roman Koch, Jr., 13, survived, thanks to a man who rushed to help after the wreck, said Rainee Luna, the boy's aunt and sister of Roman Koch, Sr. Mexico for 10 years and considers it safe enough to take his Arizona travelers have long considered Rocky Point, the closest Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. But that doesn't mean they aren't going on - just that they rarely burst into the open. Tucsonans Jan Tate and her fiance Joseph Valenzuela arrived Wednesday afternoon for a short stay but are planning to spend much of the year there as time goes on. Keep your belongings close to you at all times and do not leave them unguarded in public areas. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. 7-year-old son with him on his frequent trips. Plan your route in advance and make sure you have a map of the area. The University of Arizona's dean of students reiterated those recommendations in a message to students last month. Sonora, slowly taking advantage of a 2004 Mexican law allowing Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion. The Puerto Peasco Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)6 non-profit membership organization founded in May of 2002 for the purpose of promoting Puerto Peasco as a unique travel destination. That alert told travelers requirement that Americans bring passports when traveling to Rather, travelers to Rocky Point should cross the border at Lukeville, Ariz. and take the highway from Sonoyta, Sonora, to the beach. A scene from Puerto Peasco, Mexico, after Wednesday's shootout that left five people dead. You have permission to edit this article. Thousands of people have visited the park since the summer. She's been coming to Rocky Point since the early 1980s, and every year spends time on homebuilding projects with a missionary group from Pantano Christian Church. calm," said fish vendor Marco Antonio Vargas while sitting on a tub has been mentioned before as a site of frequent shootouts, but the You need to take your valid passport or permit with you this applies to every person traveling with you. . Peascos 2010 population was 2,597, according to the 2010 Puerto Rican census. While Sonora is generally considered to be one of the safer states in Mexico, there is still a risk of crime and violence, especially in the larger cities. condominiums were built along Sandy Beach, the miles-long beach 2009. where that takes place.". A convenient drive from the Arizona border, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, is nestled against the inviting blue waters of the Gulf of California. Department. List of rental units within Covid Free Reward Group. PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern Currently, the state of Sonora is set at yellow, which means that outdoor public spaces are opened on a regular basis, and indoor public spaces can be opened with reduced capacity. You can reach Rocky Point in a matter of hours by car from Phoenix, Arizona. For American visitors, the troubles in Sonoyta are liable to go unnoticed as they drive through the town in 10 minutes and are smelling the sea air in Rocky Point an hour later. foreign travel, said Marie Zener, who spent July 4 weekend in the place to visit, he said. Then a small pair of earthquakes. Only in Sonora can a simplified vehicle registration program be used for travel only within the state. You may come into contact with the same bad apple in the UK just as you do in the United States so take care to be aware, cautious, and dependable. Phoenix's independent source of Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, is common in tourist areas, so it is important to keep your valuables safe and out of sight. There were 130 homicides. East of Sonoyta and from Caborca north, including the towns of A 45-year-old man was found dead near railroad tracks, police said. can be brought into Mexico with you. Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. His son, Adreal Mateo Rodriguez, was airlifted to Diamond Childrens Medical Center after being ejected from his car seat (and out of the car). Re: Corrupt Police in Rocky Point. Getting past the familiarity of American soil to the sometimes seedy atmosphere of Mexico wouldnt be the first thing youd think of when you crossed the border. In fact, the authorities represent another obstacle to hesitant David Hvidsten was dismayed by the emptiness of the RV park, where they were staying next to Tate and Valenzuela. For many who live in and visit this beach town, there's no relationship between the image painted by news accounts of violence and drug-war conflict and the reality they experience. The number of passenger-vehicle crossings at the Lukeville Port Now, they find themselves buried in medical bills. Those interested in obtaining more information about the hotels, events and activities can download the tourist guide, or they can visit the website www.cometorockypoint.com. https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/, Your email address will not be published. In a video posted on the social networks can be seen two gunmen running before the startled people, one has a rifle and the other a pistol, Join the New Times community and help support Business has declined as a result. On your drive, plan your visits to the bathroom or stopping for resources. Luna said the family had made time during the trip to spread the ashes of her and Roman Koch, Sr.'s father in the ocean. crime. If yes, how? in early July. Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. cities that have experienced daytime public shootouts. Puerto Peasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a beautiful sandy beach located on the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico. This has been the case since August of 2020. Chihuahua, the state east of Sonora, and one of the hotbeds of drug-war violence. Microbuses are also available for a fee to transport people around town (usually for workers). In Mxico, health authorities use a tool called Epidemiological Risk Traffic Light to monitor the severity of the viral infection by means of color: red (maximum), orange (high), yellow (medium) and green (low). human trafficking trades, and can be extremely dangerous for Thats ony if you are flying. Center for Child Therapy and Attention opens its doors. It was a very short season, and due to the pandemic, a scheduled return date has yet to be announced. Arizona residents may be right to worry about traveling in Rocky Point Weather in October: An excellent season to visit Rocky Point, the average temperature falls around 58. However, last week, the U.S. Consulate confirmed that the Fears about security in Rocky Point surged in 2009 and 2010, as general concern about drug-war violence in Mexico hit home with a few incidents in the beach town or Sonoyta, the . In the past year there Rodriguez says his son is doing well, and was discharged Wednesday afternoon. That being said, Rocky Point has been relatively peaceful in recent years and many visitors enjoy their stays without incident. It happened Sunday about halfway between Sonoyta and Rocky Point. Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity, the warning Rocky Point Shootout Killed a Cartel Boss, Mexican Officials Say -- But His Body's Missing Ray Stern December 20, 2013 9:19AM Gonzalo Inzunza Inzunza, a top lieutenant in the Sinaloa cartel,. . Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. The current warning only affects a small percentage of the country, and the majority of Mexico is still safe to visit. Once again, this does not specifically address Rocky Points crossing rules. 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