Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around the Republic, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Mexico headlines, some Vallarta news and community announcements, and a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

U.S. Consular Services at the IFC on February 18th

For the convenience of American expats and visitors living in Puerto Vallarta, the U.S. Consular Agent of Vallarta-Nayarit, Kelly Trainor, has arranged a special trip from the Nuevo Vallarta offices to the International Friendship Club in Downtown/Old Town Vallarta on Wednesday, February 18th. From 10:00 until 11:00 Notary services for Healthcare and Final Disposition Affidavits for U.S. Citizens will be available. This affidavit is helpful for single people or same-sex couples who are not married in Mexico. Married couples do not need this affidavit. IMPORTANT: You must email the Consular Agency at consularagentpvr(at)prodigy.net.mx beforehand and request that they send you the affidavit. Document must be completely filled out, with no scratch outs, and brought with you to the IFC on February 18. Two witnesses must attend to sign in person and they'll need to bring their original passports and a copy with them. Cost is $50 USD or $750 Pesos (correct change required). Beginning at 11:00, various Consular services, including passport renewals and replacing lost or stolen passports will be offered. No appointments, first come, first served. You must arrive by 12 NOON to receive a number and be served during this visit! For more information, email consularagentpvr(at)prodigy.net.mx or call (322) 222-0069.

Mexico Probes Officials Who Authorized Dragon Mart

Mexican prosecutors are calling for an investigation of environmental authorities who approved a huge trade center intended to showcase Chinese products near the resort city of Cancun. The federal prosecutor's office for environmental protection asked the Environment Department to investigate past and present officials for "improperly exempting" the project from environmental impact requirements. The office said Tuesday that the Environment Department's own officials had violated appropriate procedure in granting permits and was seeking to have them nullified. The huge exhibition and housing complex is known as Dragon Mart Cancun. In January, authorities declared the project "totally shuttered" over failure to comply with corrective measures and the removal of vegetation related to construction. Prosecutors said the site just south of Cancun is in a forested, coastal ecosystem and a bird refuge.

Saving Lives Paddle Board Event

Many of our uniformed Lifeguards are 100% volunteers. They need training, buoys, uniforms, fins and updated First Aid kits. We need to replace the dilapidated towers with new towers that have storage space, walkie talkies, beach signs, etc., and Sea-Doos, ATV's and a trailer are much needed! On February 14th, 2015 Dana Doncaster will be Paddle Boarding from San Pancho to the Nuevo Vallarta Marina to bring awareness and raise funds for our Volunteer Bomberos/Lifeguards. This will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. You are welcome to see him off or congratulate him at the finish, or join him on this journey! This outreach for awareness will support our Volunteers and our Full Time Lifeguards/Bomberos. Show your support by following Saving Lives on Facebook or Twitter. If you'd like to help raise $40,000 pesos in the next year to support the Volunteer Bomberos, click HERE to donate now.

Cricket Adds Unlimited Calls, Texts to Mexico

Cricket Wireless recently added unlimited calling and messaging from the United States to Mexico on its $50 and $60 all-in plans. Kicking in on Feb. 11, customers on Cricket's Smart, Pro and Advanced plans can make unlimited mobile-to-mobile and landline calls to Mexico. The service will not be available to Cricket customers with legacy CDMA plans. Right now, Cricket’s three plans offer 5GB of data for $50, 10GB for $60 and a limited time offer of 20GB for $60. All plans receive a $5 monthly discount when subscribers sign up for auto-pay. Cricket’s new offer comes after its parent company AT&T bought two separate wireless providers in Mexico. AT&T recently added unlimited calling to Mexico to its $5 per month World Connect Value plan.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• June Rosen Lopez Valentine's Jewelry Party

• Skydiving in Riviera Nayarit: 'Beach Boogie 2015'

• Celebrate Valentine's Day at 'Tu Casa en Vallarta'