Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, 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 and Banderas Bay area news, plus some of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Puerto Vallarta to Get New, Fully Equipped Lifeguard Towers

During the August 20th celebration of El Día Nacional del Bombero (National Firemen's Day) in Puerto Vallarta, the Deputy Director of Civil Protection and Fire, Sergio Ramirez Lopez, announced that 4.5 million pesos have been authorized for installing fully-equipped lifeguard towers on nine beaches in the municipality. The installation of these lifeguard stands will make Puerto Vallarta the first destination in Mexico and Latin America to have this type of infrastructure. While they probably won't be as colorful as the famous lifeguard stands on Miami's South Beach (pictured here) the new towers will be an important management tool which will provide safer beaches for visitors, making Puerto Vallarta the example in this area. The municipal official explained that the project has already been authorized by the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (ZOFEMAT).

Big Cats Airlifted from Mexico to U.S. Sanctuary

Mexican environmental authorities loaded eight lions, two lynxes, a puma and a coyote aboard two military planes for a trip to a Colorado wildlife sanctuary on Wednesday, after the animals were found mistreated or abandoned. The flight aboard two Mexican Navy transport aircraft was the second installment in an airlift that will eventually take about two dozen animals to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado. Biologist Ignacio Millan said it was the first time Mexico's Navy had participated in the animal relocation effort. Millan said that nine tigers still remain to be transferred to the 720-acre sanctuary, where animals can roam. Mexico's recently enacted ban on exotic animal performances in circuses is expected to increase the number of animals that are either abandoned or left in bad conditions, because many circus owners say they can't afford to maintain non-performing animals.

OEPV Opens Registration for Children's Introduction to Music Classes

Children thrive on music. It's one of the best vehicles for learning in early childhood development. Psychologists, neuroscientists, and experts in early childhood development have demonstrated that music does more for children than bring them joy; it helps their brain cells make the connections needed for virtually every kind of intelligence. When young children are consistently engaged by music in an age-appropriate, socially accepting environment, they benefit at many levels, including the development of cognitive, social, emotional, emotive, motor and language skills, and the ability to read and write. Because music is such an important part of a child's education, in April the Orchestra School of Puerto Vallarta (OEPV) began teaching introduction to music classes to children 7-9 years of age. On Monday, August 31, 2015 they will open registration for two new groups. Classes will be led by Musical Educator Javier Nunez, who studied music at the Provincial Conservatory of Tucumán, Argentina. Different levels of classes will be offered, and students will be evaluated to determine the appropriate level for each individual child. Upon completion of the course, the children will learn to play an instrument in the school orchestra. For more information or to reserve your child's place (space is limited), call (322) 224-5671 or visit the OEPV on Facebook.

Mexico Factory Exports Surge in July

Mexico's factory-made exports rose in July by the most in six years after uneven growth in the first half of 2015, data showed on Thursday, while a slump in consumer imports suggested a rebound in domestic demand may be flagging. Manufactured exports rose 6.5 percent in July compared with June, rising for the second month in a row, the national statistics agency said in a statement. It was the biggest month-on-month rise since August 2009, data showed. Mexico exports mostly manufactured goods like cars and televisions and about three-fourths are sent to the United States. The data showed non-oil consumer imports fell in July by 5 percent from June in their steepest drop since May 2012. According to an article on Reuters, rising retail sales helped the economy in the second quarter, but economists warn spending could wilt after a splurge ahead of national elections this summer.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• Last Chance to Shop at Friday Marsol Market

• No Way José Kicks Off Season 7 at La Cantina

• 2015 Mundo Golf Tour at Vidanta Golf Course