This week’s Flashback Friday takes us back to a much quieter San Pedro, when this modest wooden building served as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, located beachside in downtown San Pedro, directly in front of what is today the San Pedro Town Council.

This was the first Adventist church established on Ambergris Caye, and for many years it was the only one serving the island’s Adventist community. Like so many buildings from old San Pedro, its simple wooden construction, sandy surroundings and open waterfront setting remind us of a time when the town was smaller, neighborhoods were close-knit, and places of worship played an important role in bringing families together.

Adventist Church Today

As San Pedro grew, so did the Adventist community. Today, three active Seventh-day Adventist churches serve congregations across the island, a remarkable change from the days when everyone gathered at this little church by the sea.

The building may belong to another chapter of San Pedro’s history, but photographs like this preserve the story of where a growing faith community on Ambergris Caye first called home.

Do you remember this old church, or perhaps attended services here? Share your memories with us.

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Tropic Air has announced that it will close its Punta Gorda station effective November 1, 2026, bringing an end to its air service to the Toledo District after years of maintaining the route despite continued financial losses. The Belizean airline announced the decision on Wednesday, September 30, saying that a review of the Punta Gorda station’s operational performance, combined with the current economic and business climate, determined that continuing the service was no longer commercially viable.

According to Tropic Air, the airline had been absorbing losses associated with its Punta Gorda operations for some time in an effort to maintain an important air connection with southern Belize. However, uncertainty surrounding the long-term outlook of Belize’s domestic aviation industry has made it increasingly difficult for the company to continue doing so.

“We do not take this decision lightly. For many years, we were proud to be the only airline serving Punta Gorda, and we did so at great expense. We are grateful to the community for its support throughout the many years,” said Tropic Air CEO Max Greif.

Tropic Air Sites Factors for Decision

Greif added that the present business environment, along with uncertainty surrounding proposed changes to Belize’s domestic aviation infrastructure, has affected the airline’s ability to continue carrying the financial burden of the route.

“Unfortunately, the current business environment, together with the uncertainty created by proposed changes to Belize’s domestic aviation infrastructure, no longer allows us to continue absorbing losses that we had previously accepted in order to maintain this service,” he stated.

The closure will represent a significant change in transportation options for Punta Gorda and the wider Toledo District, particularly for residents, businesses and tourism operators who have relied on domestic air service for quicker access to other parts of the country.

Tropic Air acknowledged the importance of that connectivity and said it understands the impact the decision will have on passengers, local businesses and tourism partners. The company also expressed gratitude to the Punta Gorda community for supporting the airline throughout its years of service.

The airline further recognized its Punta Gorda employees, thanking the team for their dedication, professionalism and years of service to passengers and the wider community.

The decision comes at a time when the future of Belize’s domestic aviation sector is facing increased discussion, particularly regarding infrastructure, operating costs and the sustainability of domestic routes. For smaller destinations such as Punta Gorda, maintaining regular air service can be particularly challenging when passenger volumes are insufficient to cover the costs associated with operating the route.

For Tropic Air, the company says the closure is ultimately part of making responsible operational decisions necessary to protect the airline’s long-term stability.

Passengers who already have reservations affected by the November 1 closure are being asked to contact Tropic Air’s Customer Care Department. The airline says affected passengers will be assisted with confirmed rebooking or refund arrangements.

While Tropic Air will continue operating its wider domestic and international network, the Punta Gorda closure marks the loss of an important air link for southern Belize and raises broader questions about the future accessibility and connectivity of the Toledo District as Belize’s domestic aviation landscape continues to evolve.

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Belize may be internationally famous for its Caribbean coastline, tropical islands and spectacular barrier reef, but a new tourism recognition is putting the spotlight on a completely different side of our country: our mountains, jungles, waterfalls and incredible inland adventures.

Belize has been named the #2 Best Mountain Destination in Central America in Tripscout’s first annual Mountain Destination Awards, placing the country among the region’s leading destinations for travelers looking for nature, hiking and outdoor adventure. The recognition is particularly significant because it was not determined by a panel of travel experts or judges, but through the online engagement destinations are generating among travelers.

Mountain Destination, More that Beaches and Reef

For many international travelers, the image of Belize is understandably dominated by the Caribbean Sea, the Great Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye and the Belize Barrier Reef. But travel a few hours inland and an entirely different Belize emerges. The Maya Mountains stretch for more than 115 kilometers through the country, surrounded by rainforest, pine forests, rivers, caves, waterfalls, archaeological sites and protected areas. It is this remarkable diversity that is increasingly capturing the attention of travelers online.

Places such as the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve offer landscapes that can almost make you forget you’re in tropical Belize. Pine forests give way to granite formations, natural swimming areas such as Rio On Pools and spectacular waterfalls.

Then there is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where the challenging Victoria Peak rises approximately 1,120 meters above sea level. For those looking for something a little less strenuous, Belize’s protected areas provide numerous trails through forests teeming with wildlife.

The country’s mountain regions are home to jaguars, pumas, tapirs and hundreds of bird species, while ancient Maya sites and caves add another dimension to the experience. A hike through Belize isn’t always simply a walk through nature. Very often, it is also a journey through thousands of years of Maya history. That combination is one of Belize’s greatest tourism strengths.

Social Media Travelers Are Taking Notice

What makes Tripscout’s recognition interesting is how the award was determined. Rather than traditional judging, the Mountain Destination Awards are powered by Tripscout’s Social IQ data, tracking social-media engagement involving more than 1,100 mountain destinations worldwide. According to information released with the award, the 2026 rankings are based on social-media performance during the calendar year to date.

Tripscout has increasingly used this type of data to measure how effectively destinations connect with potential travelers online. Its broader destination awards similarly use algorithms to evaluate social-media performance rather than relying on editorial selections. Tripscout describes itself as one of the world’s largest social travel guides, with a network reaching tens of millions of followers across its travel-focused social channels. That matters in today’s tourism industry.

Travel inspiration has moved dramatically toward Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and other digital platforms. Long before many travelers book a ticket, they’re watching videos of waterfalls, saving photographs of jungle lodges, sharing hiking reels and adding destinations to their virtual bucket lists. And Belize certainly photographs well!

One Small Country, Two Completely Different Vacations
Perhaps this recognition also highlights something we sometimes take for granted as Belizeans: how much diversity exists within such a small country. A visitor can wake up surrounded by the Maya Mountains and rainforest, hike through the jungle or explore an ancient Maya site in the morning, and within a relatively short journey find themselves looking across the Caribbean Sea.

They can spend part of their vacation hiking, cave tubing, birding and exploring waterfalls in western or southern Belize, then travel to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia or another coastal destination for snorkeling, diving, fishing and some beach time. Few destinations can offer that dramatic change of scenery without requiring another international flight.

It also gives Belize an opportunity to continue promoting itself as much more than a traditional sun-and-sea destination. Travelers are increasingly searching for experiences, adventure, nature and meaningful connections to the places they visit, and Belize has all of these packed into just 8,867 square miles. Belize’s growing international recognition also comes as Central America continues attracting increased traveler interest, particularly for nature-rich destinations.

For those of us living on Ambergris Caye, we proudly promote our reef, beaches, diving and island lifestyle every day. But sometimes it is nice to be reminded that beyond our beautiful Caribbean waters lies another spectacular Belize waiting to be explored.

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Twenty-five years is quite the milestone for any business, but when you consider just how much San Pedro has changed since 2001, the story of Pampered Paws becomes even more special. What started as a small pet grooming shop has grown alongside our island community, adapting to a San Pedro that is much larger today and to a growing population of pet owners who consider their dogs not simply pets, but very much part of the family.

Today, Pampered Paws celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of grooming, caring for, training and, most importantly, loving the dogs of Ambergris Caye.

Owner Kathy Marin remembers opening her little shop in 2001 as one of the pioneers of professional pet grooming in Belize. She still remembers the customers who walked through the door on that very first day, including Karen Waight Canul, who brought in her dogs for flea baths and, incredibly, remains a customer 25 years later. Kathy even kept the first $5 bill given to her by her friend Fiona Elliott for the first purchase at the new shop. Those little memories say a lot about a business that has become part of the San Pedro community.

“If my business was a human, I would have a 25-year-old kid,” Kathy joked as she reflected on the anniversary. “How quickly time passes when you are having fun.”

And there has certainly been plenty of growth during those years.

Pampered Paws Growing Along With San Pedro

When Pampered Paws opened, San Pedro was a very different place. Our population was much smaller, there were fewer businesses and services available, and the idea of doggie daycare, professional dog training and specialized pet care was certainly not as common as it is today.

But just as San Pedro grew, so did Pampered Paws. A couple of years after opening her grooming shop, Kathy expanded into dog walking and doggie daycare and boarding. By 2003, she had become a Certified Dog Trainer. Today, Pampered Paws offers an impressive range of services including grooming, behavior training, daycare, overnight boarding, power walks, shadowing experiences and other specialized services designed around the needs of dogs and their owners.

It is another great example of a local entrepreneur recognizing how our community was changing and allowing her business to evolve with it.

As more families moved to Ambergris Caye and our attitudes toward pets evolved, the demand for quality animal care increased as well. Our dogs have become spoiled members of the family, and yes, many of us are probably guilty of pampering them a little too much. Then again, that’s exactly where the name Pampered Paws fits perfectly. What started as an island service has also grown far beyond San Pedro. Kathy says customers now travel or reach out to her for dog training from Placencia, Cayo, Corozal, Belmopan, Belize City and Caye Caulker.

25 Years and Still Loving Going to Work

Perhaps the nicest part of Kathy’s anniversary message is that after 25 years, she says she still genuinely enjoys going to work every day. “I feel so lucky and grateful to do what I love,” she shared. “As they say, if you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life.”

She also credits the many staff members who have become part of the Pampered Paws family over the years, describing those relationships and memories as priceless. But above everything else, Kathy says it is her love for dogs that has kept her going.

“They have made me into a better person, and made me some of the best friends through my work with them,” she said. “Dogs are truly unconditional love.”

Twenty-five years of any business tells a story of perseverance, but 25 years in San Pedro tells an even bigger story. Businesses here have weathered hurricanes, economic ups and downs, the COVID pandemic and the incredible transformation of Ambergris Caye from a small island community into Belize’s busiest tourism destination.

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Sometimes it’s the simplest photographs that really make you stop and realize just how much San Pedro has changed. This beautiful old image of Central Park takes us back to a time when our community was still very much a tiny fishing village. There was no elaborate park, no permanent stage, no bustling businesses surrounding the area and certainly none of the activity we associate with downtown San Pedro today.

Instead, there was sand everywhere, a handful of simple benches facing the Caribbean Sea, the old bell tower standing proudly in the park, and what appears to be just one building along this stretch of beach. It looks so peaceful and serene that it’s almost difficult to imagine this is the same Central Park we know today.

Central Park has undergone countless transformations over the decades, but one thing has never really changed. It has always been at the heart of San Pedro, a place where people gather, socialize, celebrate and simply sit for a while to enjoy the Caribbean breeze.

Looking at photographs like this makes me appreciate how far our little community has come, but they also make me nostalgic for the simplicity of old San Pedro. Just sand, sea, a few benches and plenty of Caribbean breeze. What a beautiful time it must have been.

Central Park Today

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Sometimes a simple photograph can bring back memories you haven’t thought about in years. I recently came across a post from the Lara family showing Don Tuly Lara sitting down and patiently weaving a fishing net by hand. I immediately thought about my uncle, Wilber Marin, and the many times I sat and watched him knit and repair the cast nets he used during his fishing days.

As a child, I was fascinated by it. My uncle made it look so easy, his hands moving almost automatically as he tied knot after knot and slowly created this perfectly measured mesh. He was constantly patching an old net or making a new one, and I remember being amazed that something so intricate could be created with nothing more than string, a couple of simple handmade tools, patience, and an incredible amount of skill.

My father, Angel Nuñez, also knew how to make fishing nets. He learned from his father, as most young men growing up in the fishing village of San Pedro were expected to do. But Dad eventually became a teacher and dedicated his life to education, so I never really saw him making nets while I was growing up.

Years later, however, he wrote about the tradition in one of his 25 Years Ago columns, and his words perfectly captured just how important this skill once was to San Pedro families. “Today I want to touch on the art of making fishing nets, which is an art every fisherman in the past had to learn and teach it to their children too and pass it to a new generation.”

Dad remembered learning from his own father how to “knit” a net, creating one mesh after another until an entire fishing net gradually took shape. What I especially love about his recollection is that net making wasn’t always the work of one person. It could become a family activity.

When his father became tired or bored, he would put the net aside and someone else in the family might continue where he left off. Sons, daughters and even Mom could participate. There was also something very practical behind all that family bonding. These nets represented food on the table and income for the household. As Dad recalled, part of the excitement came from imagining the delicious fish that would eventually be caught in those interlocking strands.

Fishing Nets Helped Build San Pedro

A Skill That Helped Build San Pedro – It’s easy to forget today just how important fishing was to the economy and everyday life of old San Pedro. Before tourism became our dominant industry, the sea provided livelihoods for countless island families. Fishermen didn’t simply jump into a boat with equipment purchased online or shipped in from somewhere else. Much of what they needed required knowledge that had been handed down through generations.

Making and repairing your own fishing nets was part of being a fisherman.

You had to understand the size of the mesh, how the knots were tied, how the net should open, how much weight was required along the lead line, and how everything worked together once it hit the water. A poorly constructed net wasn’t simply an inconvenience. It could mean coming home without the catch your family depended upon.

That makes seeing 84-year-old Don Tuly Lara continuing this tradition today even more special. The Lara family describes him as perhaps one of the last remaining artisans on Ambergris Caye still practicing the traditional craft. At an age when most people would happily put the tools away, Don Tuly’s hands still remember exactly what to do.

Mesh by mesh, knot by knot.

In the photographs shared by his family, he is weaving a traditional “Hamo,” which will eventually be displayed at the Eco-Museum. I love that; future generations will be able to see the finished net, but I hope they also understand the tremendous amount of knowledge represented by it. It isn’t simply an old fishing net hanging in a museum; it’s a piece of San Pedro.

From Fishing Village to Tourism Mecca
San Pedro has transformed so dramatically that sometimes we forget how quickly it happened. The fishing boats gave way to dive boats and tour boats. Sandy streets became concrete and cobblestone roads. Fishing camps became resorts. Tourism created opportunities our grandparents probably could never have imagined, but along the way some of the skills that defined everyday island life slowly disappeared – net making is one of them.

Commercially manufactured fishing gear made things easier, while fewer young San Pedranos entered traditional fishing. Eventually, there was little reason for a child to sit beside his father or grandfather and learn how to tie hundreds upon hundreds of meshes together, and that’s how traditions disappear.

Not necessarily because somebody decides they aren’t important anymore, but because one generation simply doesn’t have the need or opportunity to teach the next. That’s why these photographs of Don Tuli struck me. They brought me right back to sitting beside my uncle Wilber, watching his hands work and wondering how he knew exactly where every knot belonged. At the time, I didn’t realize I was watching part of our cultural heritage right in front of me.

Don Tuli Lara, my uncle Wilber, my father, my grandfather, and generations of San Pedro fishermen before them carried knowledge that helped sustain this island long before tourism arrived. We should document these traditions while the people who practiced them are still here to tell us how it was done. Take the photographs. Record the videos. Sit down with our elders. Ask them questions. Let children watch them work. Because preserving our history isn’t only about saving old buildings and photographs. Sometimes our history lives in someone’s hands, and in this case, it lives in the patient hands of an 84-year-old fisherman, still tying one knot to another and keeping a beautiful piece of old San Pedro alive.

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San Pedro’s September Celebrations continued in colorful fashion on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with the celebration of Central American Day, bringing together the many cultures that have become an important part of our diverse island community.

Organized by Grupo Centroamericano and sponsored by the San Pedro Town Council, the annual event celebrated the independence anniversaries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico, while giving residents an opportunity to proudly showcase the traditions, music, food, and culture of their homelands.

And if there is one thing that always brings people together in San Pedro, it’s good food!

One of the biggest attractions of Central American Day was the variety of food booths representing the different countries. Residents and visitors had the opportunity to sample traditional dishes, snacks, and drinks, turning the celebration into a delicious little culinary tour of Central America and Mexico without ever having to leave the island.

The festivities also featured plenty of live music and cultural performances, along with a marching band presentation. An important ceremonial moment was the raising of the national flags of the participating countries, proudly recognizing the different nationalities represented within our community.

Significance of Central American Day

Central American Day also carries important historical significance. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, an anniversary celebrated throughout the region. Mexico’s independence celebrations begin with the famous Grito de Dolores, commemorating the call for independence on September 16, 1810, which sparked the struggle that eventually led to Mexican independence in 1821.

Here in San Pedro, however, the celebration has grown into something even more meaningful.

Ambergris Caye is home to people from throughout Belize, Central America, Mexico, and many other parts of the world. Over the years, these families have become our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, friends, and an important part of the fabric of our community. Events such as Central American Day give everyone an opportunity to celebrate where they came from while also celebrating the island we now share.

That is one of the beautiful things about today’s San Pedro. As our town continues to grow and become increasingly multicultural, there is still room for everyone to proudly share their traditions and heritage.

Central American Day was another wonderful addition to our September Celebrations, filled with flags, music, dancing, delicious food, and plenty of national pride. But beyond the festivities, its greatest message was one of unity through cultural diversity.

Different countries, different traditions and different histories, all coming together to celebrate as one San Pedro community.

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