Puerto Aventuras Moves Closer to Municipal Status

Mayor Gilberto Gómez emphasized that essential services such as a secondary school, expanded healthcare facilities, and a centralized public market remain critical needs. Currently, Puerto Aventuras lacks sufficient educational facilities to serve its youth fully, necessitating travel to neighboring areas for schooling. Similarly, residents have expressed the need for a family medicine unit to provide basic healthcare locally and reduce reliance on facilities in Playa del Carmen.

Mayor Gómez shared that the desire for municipal status is strong among residents, driven by the vision of increased self-determination and improved local services. Although Puerto Aventuras has a designated market, he acknowledged that it is insufficient for the current population, which has surpassed 40,000. A larger, well-equipped marketplace is essential to accommodate daily needs and stimulate local commerce.

As Puerto Aventuras nears its second anniversary as a designated alcaldia on January 1, the community reflects on the progress made and the challenges ahead. Former Municipal President Lili Campos previously suggested the municipality proposal, underscoring the area’s rapid growth and development.

A New Candidate Emerges

In a recent press conference, Damaris Ortega, a 36-year-old hospitality worker, announced her candidacy for mayor of Puerto Aventuras. Ortega expressed her motivation as a response to the community’s pressing issues, such as lack of public services, healthcare, and education.

“What drives me to make this decision is the current situation in Puerto Aventuras,” she said, highlighting the needs of local, hardworking residents. Ortega’s family supports her decision, and she’s determined to address these challenges, especially given the population of 45,000, who currently only have one IMSS clinic.

Carmen Cruz Zúñiga, a former Puerto Aventuras delegate, accused current mayor Gilberto Gómez Martínez of enabling illegal land invasions and warned that she holds him accountable if anything happens to Ortega.

Ortega acknowledged that some individuals have exploited local needs for personal gain. The election for the new mayor is scheduled for early December, with the new administration set to take office on December 15.

• Damaris Ortega Calacich: Candidate for mayor
• José Concepción Tun Presenda: First councilor
• Hugo Ernesto Montejo Dzib: Second councilor
• María Carmen Cruz: Third councilor
• Leonides Correa Ángeles: Treasurer
• Yesenia Ramoz López: Substitute for first councilor
• Natividad De Los Santos Hernández: Substitute for third councilor
• Kevin Jared Hernández Sosa: Substitute for treasurer

The gated community is the heart of Puerto Aventuras’ tourism and residential appeal. It includes the marina, resorts, golf course, shops, and dining establishments. This area is well-maintained, with private security, manicured landscaping, and amenities that appeal to tourists, expats, and residents seeking a resort-like atmosphere. Visitors and residents here enjoy a walkable community with easy access to water activities, golf, and a variety of international dining options, creating a self-contained environment that caters to both leisure and luxury.

The poblado and Puerto Maya, where most of the workers, families, and local residents live are located on the west side of Highway 307. There are fewer tourist amenities here but rather businesses and services that support the day-to-day needs of the local community. This area includes schools, local markets, and affordable housing, providing a stark contrast to the gated community’s resort lifestyle.

However, the poblado and Puerto Maya face infrastructure and service challenges, including the need for expanded healthcare, educational facilities, and other essential services to support its growing population.

These two areas represent different aspects of Puerto Aventuras: one as a destination and lifestyle choice, the other as the local backbone supporting its development and sustainability.