Alex

Light rain this morning. Doesn't appear to be any damage to the beach or resort. I actually saw a little bit of the sun as it rose. Today should clear up and we can get back to having fun.

Alex

Tropical storm Alex is expected to arrive tonight around midnight. Winds of 50 MPH and lots of rain. At 6:00 PM tonight the water was rising and nearing the top of the pier. High tide expected at midnight.

Sam's Club

Hi to all, we are planning a visit to Sam's club on our next trip. Has anyone taken this trip? I wanted to get some feedback on how easy or difficult it is to bring items back. Do they allow one day visitors or do you need a card? Any feedback is appreciated

Gloria

Employees

Irwin (Tuff-E-Nuff Tour sales) and Marika (Coco Beach supervisor) left Coco Beach Resort on May 19th and returned to Denmark. They will be going to Africa in the late summer to start new jobs. We wish them safe travels and success in their new positions.

Water shortage?

11 inches of rain today and more to come. The cistern is full. Rain has washed away part of the beach.

Guests arriving at 3:00 PM today

Belize Aqua Sports

Coco beach has a new water sports operator. Belize Aqua Sports, owned by John McAfee, has set up shop and are offering a variety of water activities. Hobie cat, water bike, kayak, wind surfer and paddle boats are available for rent.

The pool slide is complete and operating

Banana update

The pod opened and the hands of bananas are starting to spread out and turn upwards.

Exciting News -We are expecting!

As many of you know, a group of owners went on a trip to Punta Gorda in July 2008. Donna brought several Banana plants back to Coco Beach and had them planted. One of the trees grew and grew but didn't bear any fruit. Today Raul showed Kath a huge seed pod of future Bananas.

Tanya's party

BIRTHDAY GIRL & Fernando

Cullen and Birthday Girl, Why does Al have such a big grin?

Janice & Me

The group Mary and Doug

Mary Janine & Al

Maintance Scott and workers fixed Tanya's bike.

Cynthia, new General Manager.

Had a great party for Tanya on her Birthday 4/22/2010. Cullen Walker blessed us with brownies and and Kath with her famouse rum balls. A few new faces in the crowd.

Our fish story

We have a great stay once again at Coco beach, here are a couple of our trophy catches

in tne luxury schooner the "Colorado" For you that don't know that is Al and Janine's boat.

I will have more pictures of Tanya's birthday party(29th) in the next couple of day.

Also will have the back pool 27' slide that is on the testing phase.

Pool Slide

Fernando was working on the pool slide today. It should be operational in a few days.

Construction on the restaurant has stopped. We heard that the construction was making too much noise for the guests and would be restarted in slow season with a completion by next December.

Property Taxes

From the minutes of the March 25, 2010 Ambergris caye Chamber of Commerce meeting:

Mr. Claudio Azueta attended the meeting to answer questions about the property tax increase. He is on the Appeals Board but until the recent announcement on tax increases there have not been any appeals. The property tax rate has not changed but the assessed values have changed. All property will be charged at 1-1/2% of the undeveloped value and if there is a structure, an additional tax of 2-1/2% of the yearly rental value is charged. Essentially this has led to a 3500% increase in the taxes. Many people are upset about this sudden increase in property taxes. Most people feel that the tax rate is very low and an increase would be acceptable but this is an unreasonable hike. It could also allow selective application of the tax. Mr. Azueta recommended that if you feel that your tax has increased unfairly, write a letter to: Chairman of Valuations Appeal Board San Pedro Town and deliver it to the Town Council Office. This tax increase is being shouldered by those that already pay taxes but there is 3-4 Million dollars in uncollected taxes and no penalties have been assessed for non-payment. Most felt that an attempt should be made to collect these taxes before assessing more taxes on those that do pay. It was suggested that if an outside collection agency was hired to collect the taxes owed that it may be more successful than having the Town Council try to collect them. The current law on the books to deal with non-payment of taxes allows the Town Council to inform the owners that taxes are due, then file in court and after 1 year, the property can be seized. So far, some Chamber members had paid their taxes recently but the rate was the same. Claudio knew of others whose rates had gone up the 3500%. The new tax rates will apply to 2010 taxes.

Our taxes have been very low. We may see a change this year.

Construction news

Construction at Coco Beach continues.

Hotel: The reception area is being finished. Doors and cabinets are being installed. Additional office space was added onto the original reception area. There is still a lot of finish work to be done on the rooms and hallways. No word on whether the fourth floor will be added.

Restaurant: Still a ways to go on the restaurant. Roof is just being poured.

Pool: The pool is filled. Work continues on the rock pile. It will be interesting to see the final look of the slide feature.

Dock: Latest word on the activity building is that it will be a Tuff-E-Nuff dive/excursion office.