Progreso Beach Access Restored; Container Blockade Linked to Land Sale Probe

Public access to eastern Progreso beach reopened following removal of containers placed by businessman claiming ownership of street

Public access to a popular beach area in eastern Progreso beach has been fully restored after authorities removed four shipping containers that blocked Calle 40 at 71 on Monday, according to Diario de Yucatán.

The incident has shed light on what appears to be a controversial land sale involving public street space during a previous municipal administration, prompting investigations into potential irregularities in coastal property transactions.

Container Blockade Removed

The containers were placed early Tuesday morning around 4:00 a.m., blocking beach access for residents and visitors. Municipal and state police, along with personnel from the Progreso City Council, responded to emergency calls from residents and organized the removal operation.

By Thursday, the area was completely cleared for public access, with only a closure seal remaining over a buried cistern that had supplied water to an adjacent property. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) placed the seal and cut a water pipe that connected the tank directly to a nearby property, which was sealed by the municipal water authority SMAPAP.

Alleged Irregular Land Sale

The blockade appears connected to the alleged sale of approximately three meters of the five-meter-wide public street by the Progreso City Council through the land registry office to a local businessman. The transaction reportedly occurred during the administration of former mayor Julián Zacarías Curi, with Alí Yamil Dib Muñoz serving as director of the land registry office.

Zacarías Curi served two consecutive terms as mayor from the National Action Party (PAN) before stepping down in February 2024 to run unsuccessfully for federal deputy.

According to reports, the businessman initially sought permission from Dr. Raúl Alvarado, the former MORENA mayoral candidate, to build on the purchased street section. After electoral results were reversed through court decisions and Erik Rihani was declared the winner as Progreso’s new mayor, the businessman also approached Rihani but was denied permission.

Following these rejections, the individual allegedly decided to “seize his purchases” independently by blocking the area with containers.

The incident occurs against the backdrop of a highly contested 2024 mayoral election in Progreso. Initially, MORENA candidate Dr. Raúl Alvarado Naal was declared the winner after a prolonged vote recount, but the Electoral Court of the Judicial Branch of the Federation later reversed this decision, ultimately recognizing PAN candidate Erik Rihani González as the legitimate winner after finding irregularities in five polling stations.

Rihani was officially sworn in as mayor on August 31, 2024, for the 2024-2027 term.

The former land registry director is now under investigation, and other irregularities from the previous administration involving coastal properties are coming to light. The corresponding penalty for the container blockade is expected to be announced soon.

Federal Beach Access Laws

Mexican federal law guarantees public access to beaches through the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (ZOFEMAT), a 20-meter strip of land adjacent to beaches that cannot be privatized. PROFEPA enforces these regulations and can impose fines of 3,000 to 12,000 times the Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA) on property owners who impede beach access.

Recent federal data shows that between 2018 and 2025, over 200 complaints were filed with PROFEPA regarding impacts on coastal vegetation in Yucatán, highlighting ongoing concerns about coastal development and beach access throughout the state.

During a recent visit to Yucatán, SEMARNAT Secretary Alicia Bárcena acknowledged that problems with public beach access closures persist and assured that federal authorities would seek agreements with property owners to facilitate beach access.

Growing Coastal Development Concerns

The Progreso incident reflects broader concerns about coastal development across Yucatán’s coastline. According to municipal authorities, there are more than 2,500 real estate developments along just 16 kilometers of coastline spanning San Bruno, San Benito, and Chabihau.

Environmental researchers have documented the consequences of rapid coastal development, including beach erosion, loss of coastal dunes, and restricted public access to traditionally open areas.

The restoration of beach access in eastern Progreso serves as a reminder that Mexican beaches remain public property under federal law, regardless of adjacent private property ownership. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure continued public access to this popular coastal area.

Based on reporting by Diario de Yucatán