Cozumel News June 23, 2024: This Week’s Flight Arrivals, Cruise ship Arrivals, Cozumel Hotel Occupancy, USA Citizens Absentee Ballots, New Taxi Guide & Controversy, 2024 Hurricane Predictions and more!
Cover Photo: Thank you, friend Michael Caine, for this week’s Cozumel Photo!
Cozumel Flight Arrivals Week of June 24 – 30 2024
Cruise Ship Arrivals Week of June 24 – 30 2024
Cozumel Hotel Occupancy
New Taxi Guide & Controversy
Below is a list of Taxi bases and telephone numbers. There is a new App called eiby taxi that can be downloaded on Google Play or the App Store. My son is now available Monday – Friday after 2 p.m. and all day and evenings Saturdays and Sunday. Bartolo (987 876 1199!
A note on the Taxi controversy
I have seen some negative posts about taxi service on the island. I have had bad experiences both here and in Playa del Carmen. However, the number of courteous, friendly and helpful drivers far exceeds the bad apples. I use taxis more than most, I have had no vehicle aside from my wheelchair for years now.
In addition, I don’t have the option of walking long distances, even a block is a challenge. I must pay for a Van because of the chair and size of the family if they are coming along.
Due to recent medical challenges, I have had to regularly ride taxis in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. There are fares for locals in the colonies outside of the tourist zones, and then there are fares for the tourist zones.
The Geographic Divide
I pay these fares when I stay with my friends at Hotel Cozumel every year. It does not matter if I live here, these fares are comparable to charges in tourist areas in other cities and even other countries. I tip accordingly.
I have learned some facts over the years by working with Cozumel Tours by Cab, having friends that drive cabs here, and in Vera Cruz.
Food for thought
Everything is ruled by the syndicate. It costs a lot of money to join the syndicate, and a fee is paid on a regular basis like any other union.
Cab drivers must take a turn weekly at designated taxi stands. (Chedraui, Mega, Sam’s, Ferry, a hotel, etc.). Ever had an empty taxi drive right by? Well, they must drop off their fare and return to their designated stand without fail to get back in line.
They are not allowed to pick up at any other place that day. Someone else is assigned to that area that day and you would be penalized!
Expenses
Now the cost, the induction fee is $20,000 with easily another ten to fifteen thousand pesos in licenses, fees, and exams.
There are only so many taxi plates (licenses) available and older members hold multiple plates. These plates are rented to drivers. The same goes for the vehicle itself, many are renting the taxi they drive.
The going rate to rent is $35 each for the plates and vehicle. Therefore, right off the top, your first $70 USD goes to the owner. You must return the vehicle full of gas and professionally cleaned at the end of your shift.
Airbnb’s
We have an overabundance of Airbnb’s that have sprouted all over the island making matters more confusing. Airbnb is a hotel, and local rates do not apply! Owners, please stop advertising that your renters get local rates. It is setting up the taxi driver and the renter for a confrontation.
DID YOU KNOW…?
The ancient Mayans considered the Island 
of Cozumel the home 
of Ixchel, the Goddess of love 
and fertility, so numerous temples were erected in her honor throughout its territory. #cozumelpueblomagico#cozumel-la-isla-sagrada-de-ixchel
Cozumel News June 23, 2024, continued
Advertise your business, events, or organization, FREE of charge in our The Cozumel Sun Group. I only ask that you limit your advertising to weekly. Repeated advertising turns people away!
USA Citizens Absentee Ballots
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
To vote in the November 2024 election, U.S. citizens overseas must have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2024. Whether you are a first-time voter or have received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, you must complete an FPCA each calendar year to ensure you can participate in elections as an overseas absentee voter.
You can drop off your completed voting forms and ballots Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, addressed to your local election officials, during the following hours:
Hours
U.S. Embassy Mexico City: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez: 8:00 am – 4:00pm
U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara: 8:00 – 4:30 pm
U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
U.S. Consulate General Matamoros: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
U.S. Consulate General Merida: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
U.S. Consulate General Monterrey: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
U.S. Consulate General Nogales: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
U.S. Consulate General Tijuana: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Even if you have never voted while overseas before, the process is easy.
Process:
1. Request your ballot.
Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). You must complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2024, to ensure you receive your ballot for the 2024 elections. Submitting the FPCA allows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted. All local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.
You can complete the FPCA online at FVAP.gov. The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state. We encourage you to request your blank ballots be delivered electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state). Include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option. Return the FPCA per the instructions on the website. The online voting assistant will tell you if your state allows the FPCA to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original ink signature. If you must return a paper version, please follow the same instructions below for returning your ballot.
2. Receive and complete your ballot.
States are required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office and generally send ballots at least 30 days before primary elections. For most states, you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery online.
3. Return your completed ballot.
While some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically, others do not. If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials, you can do so free of charge at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Place your ballot in a postage-paid return envelope, or in an envelope bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage, and address it to the relevant local election officials.
Research candidates and issues.
Please see the FVAP links page for resources you can use to research candidates and issues. FVAP regularly sends information about election dates and deadlines through their Voting Alerts. Email vote@fvap.gov to subscribe or follow FVAP on Facebook or Twitter.
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov. If you have questions about the process of voting while overseas or need voting assistance, contact the Voting Assistance Officer at the embassy or consulate closest to you:
Cozumel News June 23, 2024 continued
Aurita’s Cozumel Corner
How About that rain!
Loved that much needed rain, but flooding, not so much! My garden is coming back to life. Another good thing about the rain this week, it enabled us to find leaks, and other necessary repairs in our home. I hope everyone is busy taking immediate steps to get their homes prepared. Note of warning, stock up on repellants! The rain will bring mosquitos and related life threatening illnesses!
2024 Hurricane Predictions
A sobering outlook:
The Colorado State University’s tropical meteorology project team is forecasting 23 storms, 11 of which will become hurricanes and five of which will reach Category 3 status or stronger.
Get Ready!
If you are new to the island, the Cozumel Sun has a guide to preparing for hurricanes and severe storms. It is in the section Cozumel Guide, “Preparation for Hurricane & Tropical Storm Season.”
Other Reminders:
Do not forget to get cash, the ATMs will be out of order as will digitally card terminals. Get your laundry done, it might be a while before you can. Know where to shelter your pets.
Lend a Hand
Many locals in Cozumel live hand to mouth because of the nature of their work. There are jobs that come to a stop when it rains. This includes those that cook/bake in their homes and sell door to door. When this happens, they are forced to use the supplies on hand to feed their family. Now after the storm they have no money to buy the staples needed to make the food to sell.
Rain Season Recommendations
Do not liter. Maintain front of your home clean (sidewalk & gutter) Do not throw grease or corrosive substances down the drain. Place waste in containers.
An Urgent Call for Assistance from Liz Toth
Friends, I have had a very unexpected crisis and a near miss. Three days here at Clínica San Miguel, although excellent services and doctor, they have gone out of my price range.
I am usually trying to help others, so it is difficult and humbling to request for me. I will get through this and hope to start working again next year with my new training.
However, this expense knocks me out of the park. It also puts me in danger. If your heart is offering help, I send heartfelt gratitude to each person.
I love living in Cozumel and have known so many kind hearts here. Thank you. It has come to my attention that sending donations to me at PayPal works better. Liz.toth@gmail.com
Thanking you all in advance,
Liz Toth
Cozumel News June 23, 2024 continued
Next Meetups
July 9th Tuesday 5.30 Music 
Bingo for Casa Ben supporting their feeding several times weekly the poor or forgotten in Cozumel. We are going local as the meetup is at a favorite Cantina in Centro Los Boyas on 5 between 20y15. Come hear their moving story of tragedy that turned into service to others in Cozumel!los Boyas in typical caninta way will have lots of cheap beer and some local cocktails and free Botanas (appetizers) all local food. So if you ever wondered what a cantina was like Join Meetup July in the Cantina all local! Great food and cheap drinks!
No other band or music other than our music bingo
And July 23rd at 5.30 at Los Boyas Cantina we will be learning how to make the traditional maya tamales in banana leaves and after be able to purchase and consume! This is our ongoing purpose of introducing the culture of Cozumel! As well as just chat and network. We are open to more suggestions if you have any, please send private message. Or WhatsApp 9871054708 Cyndi Seale-PhillipsArcelia Hernandez
Cozumel Sun Community Programs
We collect medicine for the free clinic. In addition, we accept garage sale items for the poor and for the free clinic that holds garage sales to support their programs. We have had remarkable success distributing Medical Equipment and Supplies to people in need. We accept cash donations to help with our support for local families in need.
OUR NEW ADDRESS
#213 Calle 13 between 10 and 10 bis. We are usually at home to receive donations, but text or call 987 118 4453. The business number is still the same 987 869 3119 as is the US number 760 718 2588.
The Cozumel Sun Book Exchange
The CS Book Exchange is now part of Cozumel’s Public Library. The “Biblioteca de Cozumel” is on 30th Avenida and Calle 8 in Colonia Centro. It sits right next to Ebeneezer Church and kiddie Corner from Soriana. The hours are currently from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday Through Friday.
Medical Equipment
In Medical Equipment, we are down to one pair of crutches and our loaner nebulizer. All the wheelchairs we had in stock were donated to locals in need. We need to replace the loaner wheelchair; it is an ongoing necessity in both the local and expat community.
The Community Store
The Community Store is running via internet. In stock we have school, office, and art supplies. Grandson Julian is still providing the services of printing, copying, laminating and book binding.
