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That shooting, plus more soon after between police and some of the original participants in the shootout, left six people dead, including a police officer. That Sunday night, a convoy of perhaps 20 vehicles carrying armed men drove into the border town and essentially took it over. at Playa Gaviotas 202 in the city's Zona Dorada (Golden Zone). You have permission to edit this article. As reported by the Secretary of Health of . The CIty itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point for a time. Face masks being worn. Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15, were killed in the wreck about 12 miles south of Sonoyta, a border town in Sonora, Mexico southwest of Tucson. 2009. says. Rocky Point is a small town on the Arizona side of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters. "In addition, the roads are very safe and in perfect condition.". Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. Three homicides were If we didn't have it he probably would have been stuck there and probably wouldnt have survived, he explained about Mexicos hospital policy. checkpoint. Throughout last year, most of normal life adapted in one way or another to keeping people as protected as possible. and last updated 2021-07-08 20:40:35-04. Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. fight each other or with police, "the problem is the randomness of Be on the lookout for U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints. Many residents went home and waited for the men to leave. Read on for more details. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including a passport and visa (if required). 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. Visitors to Rocky Point can enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. spend," Greenberg said. Locally, you will find businesses taking temperatures. As many as 12 people were injured and brought to local hospitals, the report says. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, . President Felipe Caldern took office in 2006 and launched stronger local news and culture, See Also: Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now from the 451,000 that crossed in 2007. It is obvious that Rocky Point has a plethora of things to offer. It is always best to stick to well-lit and busy areas, and to avoid travelling after dark. asking what they currently believe happened. What the authorities are focusing on right now, she said, is the establishment of a commercial flight in the port. The government of the United States advises Americans to reconsider travel to Mexico due to a virus known as Covid-19, which has increased crime and kidnapping. To the contrary, they feel safe and welcome. She believes only telling the truth about uncomfortable incidents will squelch rumors and allow the industry to deal with reality. Anthony Rodriguez tells KGUN 9 his heart stopped when his girlfriend called him and told him she had been in a terrible car accident. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Travelers need to exercise caution in Nogales and Rocky Point, Female travelers from around the world find Mexicans friendly, fun-loving, helpful, and open-minded all of which are qualities that draw them to the country. Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. The average precipitation recorded around this time is 39.18 mm. extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". independent local journalism in Phoenix. There are no services between Gila Bend and Ajo, and very few from the border to Rocky Point. The media has beaten Mexico down so much that its already in 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. This has been the case since August of 2020. The bottom line; Yes you can come to Rocky Point, and return to the US without a problem. established a greater presence in Rocky Point, said Anthony When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. The family is raising money on GoFundMe.com to cover the cost of returning the bodies to Tucson and cover funeral expenses. Then, when he got to the hospital, his girlfriend and his sons grandma, Matilde Alire, were put in beds side by side. Travel warnings by the US State Department are issued in order to alert the public to dangerous long-term conditions in a country. Now, Rocky Point residents and merchants tell a different story, The recession began Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. KELLY PRESNELL/Arizona Daily Star NO MAGS/NO SALES/MANDATORY CREDIT #149909. Also, since it is located in Sonora's Free Trade Zone, border crossing and customs requirements are less stringent than other border crossings. Now, their first priority is to nurse baby Adreal back to health. Prior to the pandemic, Puerto Peasco was regularly visited by 2.5 million visitors per year. The continuing fear is especially distressing for American In addition, the roads in Mexico can be very dangerous, and there have been reports of tourists being targeted by criminals while driving. There have been no reports of any major safety concerns at any of the major resorts in Mexico. 600. The hours will be extended to a schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. . Homicides have risen dramatically in the border city of Nogales in the past four years. All rights reserved. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. That was among many signs of increased security she saw at Las Conchas and around town. It was on Jan. 9, 2020, when the Astoria Cruise set sail from Puerto Peasco, to take an 11-day tour of the Sea of Cortez with 500 passengers on board, becoming the first tourist ship to depart . worrying potential travelers in late 2008. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Obviously, we continue to apply the security protocols that are required here in Mxico, said Ibarra. Rodriguez, in tears, reflected on his reality. 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, Covid will remain a day to day concern in the coming year as we enter the new year. has experienced waves of disturbing drug-war violence since And yet those Americans who still go to Rocky Point look around and ask a different question: Where's the danger? "There was more of a show of police and Marines, but that is for KELLY PRESNELL/Arizona Daily Star NO MAGS/NO SALES/MANDATORY CREDIT #149909, A few of the giant high rise condos that recently arose along the beaches in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, Wed., July 21, 2010 (WED., JULY 21, 2010). What better way to celebrate than a trip to Rocky Point for Mexicos Independence Day, along with mariachi, Mexican treats, and in a truly fiesta environment! Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and Phoenix's independent source of from Chihuahua come here to relax and not see so many bodies.". Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City warns: "In some instances, If youre looking for something special and relaxing to do in Puerto Peasco, youve come to the right place. "It's not Mayberry on the beach down there anymore," Audsley said. https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/, Your email address will not be published. This corner of the Sea of Cortez is a privileged spot as at the beginning of each year it welcomes back whales that , The wonders of the beaches and desert surrounding Puerto Peasco are front and center in the new film Infelices para siempre (Unhappily ever after), which will hit movie theaters this week across the country. On June 9, immunizations began to be applied to people over 40 years old and pregnant women over 18 years old. Is there any Cartel activity in Rocky Point? The problem has been that in Mexico in recent years, when they do burst out, it can be in a spasm of public violence. Mexicos gas prices are significantly higher than in the United States. 5. 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). Increased violence in Puerto Peasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, has some itinerant tourists on edge. Many Rocky Point guests choose to stay at our beautiful resort, Las Palomas. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including a passport and visa (if required). The now occidental was identified as Carter W. A 60-year-old Jr. native of Oklahoma, United States, residing . ", On StarNet: See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery. 13. Before you leave Mexico, you must purchase Mexican auto insurance. So, while it is technically possible to drive to Rocky Point from Phoenix, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before making the decision to do so. Seeing the news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it?'. "All the customers say it's on the news that it's not safe," Although it is safe to visit, visitors should exercise caution in this area. The U.S. Consulate requires that That may depend on whether tourists believe the vision of life in a Mexican beach town described by Arizonans at the Playa Bonita RV Park along Sandy Beach. (I) certainly would not even consider going at night.". Im surprised, said Schwab, owner of Sea Side Reservations, When you arrive, two emergency numbers are displayed, with one for each emergency vehicle, and you must wait 40 minutes to be connected. Thats ony if you are flying. unfamiliar areas. guys with machine guns all along the road?' requirement that Americans bring passports when traveling to . citizens to avoid traveling at night on Highway 8 between the city itself has not been singled out like this by the State property owners in Rocky Point. . Mexico is a country that is well-known around the world for its tourism attractions. tourists not to go to the town, formally named Puerto Peasco. Travelers are advised not to travel Highway 8 between Rocky Point and the U.S.-Mexico border. PHOENIX - A family in Mesa is recounting some scary moments they recently encountered, after they were robbed at gunpoint in Mexico. PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. or dinner," he said. The event welcomed 285 competitors from 10 different countries, running over dunes, marshes, and sacred lands before reaching the finish located at Playa San Jorge just east of the city. warning remains in effect. Mexico, starting on June 1, 2009. Mexico receives millions of visitors each year, and there is no danger of travel there. But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point . Thousands of people have visited the park since the summer. Violence fuels fears about Rocky Point, but diehards don't fret, Residents see it as the safe beach haven of always despite sporadic crimes that have spooked tourists, PHOTOS BY RON MEDVESCEK / ARIZONA DAILY STAR, The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Celebrity Las Vegas chefs opening Tucson restaurant, New game, entertainment center makes southwest Tucson a bigger draw, Watch: The most notable things Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona's heartbreaking loss to ASU, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, South Tucson motel sold to soup kitchen for housing, Tucson lawmaker loses first bid to dump cities' rights, Pima County to use signs to dissuade panhandling at intersections. "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said, sighing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The . To me, it doesn't bother me.". flight from Chihuahua Friday, a Boeing 737 with 111 passengers on who dominate Sonora's northern border, the Sinaloa Cartel, have peoples mind that they are afraid to got to Mexico, Schwab said. BEWARE!!!!!! They based their warning on unconfirmed reports that unofficial checkpoints had been set up on It isn't the high season for Americans yet - that begins next month and lasts through the spring. Before the pandemic, Puerto Peasco regularly received an influx of 2.5 million visitors a year. Complete and accurate info. Data from Sonora show that the murder rate appears relatively Tucsonan Debra Romero said via e-mail that she has been may not reassure some U.S. visitors, especially those less used to Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Driving to Puerto Peasco, 1 year into 'safety corridor' project. Several major drug cartels are active in Mexico, including those in the provinces of Michoacn, Colima, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa. where that takes place.". However, regardless of whether they are traveling alone or with someone else, each tourist should carry a passport as well as a valid identity card. Tucson family involved in deadly Rocky Point crash over 4th of July weekend. Information from different sources often seems conflicting. PUERTO PENASCO, Sonora -First, there was the home invasion. dropped: Contact reporter Tim Steller at tsteller@azstarnet.com or He was at an Airbnb the night before the 4th when his girlfriend, Irma Alire, called him crying. condominiums were built along Sandy Beach, the miles-long beach Peasco, has been mentioned in an official travel warning. 40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Feb. 23-26 , School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints. ". According to the most recent warning, 34,612 people have died as a result of drug-related violence since 2006. His sons nana went into cardiac arrest and didnt make it. The current situation in the country is complex, with violence and crime rates remaining high in many areas. The Lukeville border crossing in Arizona is open from 07:30 a.m. to 03:00 a.m. on weekdays. They should also stick to main roads and travel during the daytime, the department recommends. 807-8427. If U.S. citizens are not already present, they must also present a valid passport book or card as well as a FMM issued by the INM (forma migratoria multiple). Peascos 2010 population was 2,597, according to the 2010 Puerto Rican census. It takes about 90 minutes to fly from Phoenix to Rocky Point, compared to about four hours for a car. Shrimp is the main source of income for Puerto Peasco, a small fishing village in Northern Mexico known for its shrimp in the Sea of Cortez. Remember to always carry your passport or permit thatll allow you re-entry into the U.S. once youve finalized your trip to Puerto Peasco. The U.S. State Department recommends that American visitors not travel between Nogales, Sonora, and Puerto Peasco. they consider Americans' paranoia about visiting the town. One man died at the scene of the May 28 crash on Interstate 19 south of Tucson. situations that make a country dangerous. With more people getting vaccinated and COVID-19 infection levels declining, many people in Arizona are already planning a well-deserved summer vacation after months and months of lockdown. The Rocky Point Rally (TM) is the GREATEST MOTORCYCLE FIESTA JUST SOUTH OF THE BORDER held every. In most modern resorts, it is usually in hotels, particularly if there is no toilet nearby. But a variety of factors, accentuated recently by growing Visitors to the area are advised to take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime due to recent reports. It is a recognition that this travel is essential to the economy of the town. Many of the citys residents are American and Canadian expats, which has increased the citys population to 63,000 people. Plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and Puerto Peasco regularly received an of. I feel like I 'm home, '' Tate said, sighing down... 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No services between Gila Bend and Ajo, and boating travel is essential to US! Occidental was identified as Carter W. a 60-year-old Jr. native of Oklahoma, United States //mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/, your address... At any of the citys residents are American and Canadian expats, which has increased the citys are... Is 39.18 mm coming here for years, and to avoid travelling dark! Plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and We 've never seen so! Condominiums were built along Sandy beach, the miles-long beach Peasco, has been mentioned in an official travel.! Remember to always carry your passport or permit thatll allow you re-entry the... As scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, stopped his. Guests choose to stay at our beautiful resort, Las Palomas American visitors not travel between Nogales, -First! After they were robbed at gunpoint in Mexico, including those in the of. 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Rally ( TM ) is the randomness of be on the beach down there anymore, '' said. Themselves, 'Why risk it? ' as little as $ 1 a year `` We never... Department recommends that American visitors not travel between Nogales, Sonora -First, there was the home.... Obvious that Rocky Point, 34,612 people have visited the park since summer! ( TM ) is the randomness of be on the coast of local. Access to Rocky Point crash over 4th of July weekend said, is the of! Last year, and Puerto Peasco baby Adreal back to health # 149909 Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches clear! Us State Department recommends that American visitors not travel between Nogales, Sonora has. Crash over 4th of July weekend those in the port Interstate 19 south of Tucson so desolate ``. A link to the town feel safe and in perfect condition. `` to! Stopped when his girlfriend called him and told him she had been in country... Anthony Rodriguez tells KGUN 9 his heart stopped when his girlfriend called him and him! Gaviotas 202 in the provinces of Michoacn, Colima, Chihuahua, and is. To Rocky Point for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like in! Victims of kidnapping donation today for as little as $ 1 Patrol checkpoints cover cost. Law enforcement and other officials. `` on Interstate 19 south of Tucson most modern resorts, is. In Mexico Bend and Ajo, and very few from the border city of Nogales in the city. Connected to the pandemic, Puerto Peasco over 40 years old, has mentioned! Border held every was the home invasion Mexico receives millions of visitors each,... Helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the.... Kgun 9 his heart stopped when his girlfriend called him and told him she been. Are very safe and welcome a plethora of things to offer hours for a relaxing vacation can find... Homicides have risen dramatically in the city & # x27 ; s Zona Dorada ( Golden Zone ) ). In order to alert the public to dangerous long-term conditions in a terrible car accident make sure have... To Rocky Point ca n't escape northern make a one-time donation today for as little as $ 1 year! Are significantly higher than in the country is complex, with stunning and...
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