I planned our trip to AC back in March and started research of history, government, geography, etc as I do any place we go. So many searches led me right back to this web site that I registered so I could search within the site. I have seen very few posts asking for information that was already asked and answered (some more than once) so there was little point in posting a question - so hats off to all that participate in this site. And those that have passed on (I would love to have met Herman Smith)
The forum has a few liberals like Bing (Gotta be a public sector type) and Clover, conservatives like CaptJeff, Pug, and AZBob, cynics like Marty, and a lot of apathetic types.
Playa Blanca
What I realized was that if one stays more than walking distance north of the bridge a boat is the only transportation for a family to go to SP. Playa Blanca had a boat and captain, Tacio Badillo, who is a first rate fishing captain, snorkel guide (former dive master) and has lived here his entire life. He knew every creature in the water. We went to Hol Chan Thursday May 31 and Tacio most likely saved a tourist from drowning, taking her under tow from her "guide" - the outgoing tide was swift at the time.
But Tacio also served as a guide in SP, at Caulker (Saw a manatee SE of the split), etc. A short phrase in Spanglish and we were never bothered by anyone and treated well wherever we went with him.

It was fantastic to be in your world for the week. I sympathize with those of you who love this place and struggle for a balance to keep its charm while trying to modernize.
I fear for the future of tourism here because of governmental corruption and rapidly increasing crime that is not deterred by a judicial system. Close to home, New Orleans and surrounding area is 1.2 million pop and had 68 murders as of May 15. Belize is a country of 300,000 and just topped 60.
Can AC remain insulated?
But tomorrow morning (unless its raining) you get to wake up and look at this paradise and be with some wonderful people on this island -
This is my wife and my 15th caribbean island and one that we will come back to visit.
Thanks again for the assist.
Happy not to make trip report of the places I ate at for every meal.

/Thanks so much for sharing. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

Cajun, glad you found paradise and will be coming back. The road North of the bridge was a huge challenge 3 weeks ago when I was there, but folks have come together and the new Mayor will get something done.

Glad to have have a fellow Cajun around. Me Che' I'm from Raceland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A 100 years ago!!!

Are you sure about the "hundred" years ago ? Seems longer to me