Mexican authorities beef up security in beach city of Puerto Penasco to combat tourist fears

Mexican authorities beef up security in beach town

PHOENIX — Authorities in the Mexican beach city of Puerto Penasco have beefed up security in hopes of easing visitor fears of drug-cartel violence during the Fourth of July weekend.

A security checkpoint has been set up on the outskirts of the city known to many Americans as Rocky Point. Police also redoubled patrols along Highway 8, the main route used by U.S. tourists, The Arizona Republic reported.

Volunteers known as Green Angels also will cruise the highway.

Fears about Mexico’s cartel violence have damaged Puerto Penasco’s economy. The city’s police chief was wounded in an ambush last month, and a fire fight Thursday near the border town of Nogales left 21 people dead.

Authorities and business leaders came up with the new security plan last week and say the precautions will remain in place indefinitely.