Should You Claim The Home Office Deduction?

 

More and more people have been looking beyond the normal nine to five and making their own way in the world, creating an income they can rely on, one that is directly tied to their skills and abilities. Since people are working remotely due to COVID-19, this accelerated this trend.

Working as a freelancer or gig worker can also open up a world of tax savings possibilities. From retirement plans with generous contribution limits to health savings accounts to cover the high cost of private insurance to the ability to write off office supplies and other essentials, this class of workers enjoys some truly phenomenal tax breaks.

One of the most generous of those tax breaks is also one of the most misunderstood. The home office deduction has been around for decades, but many freelancers and members of the gig economy are still afraid to take it.

The idea that simply taking the home office deduction will trigger an audit is outdated but rooted in historical fact. In past decades, the home office deduction was widely regarded as a tax dodge, and the IRS often took a dim view of it.

Times have changed, however, and these days the home office deduction is no more likely to trigger an audit than any other business deduction. So should you take the home office deduction, and how can you tell if you are eligible? Here are some basic guidelines to go by.

Note: If you do find yourself under audit and owe the IRS money for back taxes, don’t try to fix it on your own! Reach out to our tax resolution firm and we’ll help you negotiate with the IRS and get tax relief. Contact – Ramon Ortega CPA.

Exclusive Use

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your home office must be used exclusively for your business. Many freelancers and small business owners block off a section of their home and use it exclusively for their business, and that typically qualifies them for the home office deduction.

You do not have to give up large portions of your home to claim the home office deduction. Even a part of one room could qualify as long as it is distinct and separate from the rest of the area. You could, for instance, partition off a section of a spare bedroom and claim it as a home office.

Regular Use

In order to qualify as a home office, the space you claim must be used regularly as part of your business. If you block off a room or set of rooms, you cannot go back and forth between business and personal use.

If you plan to claim the home office deduction, it is a good idea to keep records of how the space is used. Keeping a log of the hours you spend there and the business activities you perform can help you back up the deduction if the IRS comes calling.

Primary Place of Business

The last part of the qualification process is the nature of the business and how the home office supports it. In order to qualify for the home office deduction, the space you designate must serve as your primary place of business.

That means your home office is where you meet with clients, where you perform your work and where you complete your business-related paperwork. If you rent space outside your home or regularly meet with clients somewhere else, you may not be able to justify the home office deduction in the event of an audit.

The nature of your business matters as well. If you work as a freelance writer or website designer, the IRS will probably not question your home office deduction. But if your primary source of freelance income is driving for Uber or Lyft, the tax agency may question the legitimacy of your home office.

Solid Recordkeeping is Essential

You should not be afraid to take the home office deduction if you are eligible for it, but you should be ready to back up your claim if the IRS comes calling. Solid recordkeeping is a must for freelancers and gig workers claiming a home office deduction, and those records should be highly detailed and readily available.

Keeping a daily log of your freelance and gig work activities is a good start. You can keep this log manually or electronically, but it should be up to date and complete. If you are diligent with your recordkeeping and eligible for the home office deduction, even a full-fledged audit could be no big deal.

The home office deduction is widely misunderstood and underutilized, especially in the age of gig work and widespread freelancing. If you are eligible for this generous deduction, you should definitely take it. Working for yourself is hard work, and every tax break you can get will make your efforts more valuable.

OWE BACK TAXES?

If you’re going to owe money to the IRS after filing your return, It’s important to note that only experienced firms like ours are able to handle tax debt cases since negotiating with the IRS requires specialized skills that often fall outside of the scope of most conventional accounting, tax, and tax law firms.

Our firm specializes in tax problem resolution. We have CPAs who can represent you before the IRS. We serve clients virtually so don’t hesitate to reach out.  If you want an expert tax resolution specialist who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, reach out to our firm and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem. www.wesolveyourirsdebt.com.

Ramon Ortega CPA

Office in Weston, FL
1555 Bonaventure Blvd., Suite 1028
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Pedro Albizu Campos

Pedro Albizu Campos (1891 - 1965) was a Puerto Rican attorney, social activist, and politician known for his work in the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico. He was the first Puerto Rican Harvard graduate, where much of his nationalist and independence ideals developed. Albizu Campos is a symbol of Puerto Rican liberation from colonialism and inspired many to fight for independence.

Pedro Albizu Campos was born September 12, 1891 in Barrio Tenerías, a rural sector in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He had a difficult upbringing as his mother was a daughter of slaves who died when he was young, and his Basque merchant father neglected him throughout his childhood.

Nevertheless, Albizu Campos went to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Vermont with a scholarship. In 1913, he transferred to Harvard University to continue his degree while also majoring in literature. Albizu Campos' time at Harvard was filled with many extracurricular activities that provided insight to him in his fight for Puerto Rican independence.

Albizu Campos started his public activism during his university years. He was involved with issues regarding Latin America and is known to have been influenced by Rabindranath Tagore, a visiting Hindu poet, and Éamon De Valera, an Irish revolutionary leader. The last was important as the Irish revolutionary movement held similarities with the Puerto Rican colonial struggle. Albizu Campos supported the Irish independence movement fully through council organization, conferences, and debates. In 1922, he would consult in the drafting of the Constitution of the Irish Free State.

Albizu Campos also entered the ROTC while at Harvard, where he studied Military Science. He believed that military organization was necessary for Puerto Ricans to obtain a defensive structure. He volunteered in World War I and was sent to Puerto Rico as he had requested, and there he gained the rank of First Lieutenant and organized a company of Home Guards (a volunteer unit). After his discharge in 1919, he returned to Harvard to complete his studies.

By 1921, he had completed his Chemical Engineer major, obtained a degree in Philosophy and Letters, Military Science, and gained enough credits to receive a Law Degree. Thus, becoming the first Puerto Rican to graduate from Harvard.

Despite all his accolades, his university experience was mired by economic struggle and racial discrimination. To cover his living expenses and part of his tuition, he had to work as a tutor, teacher, and newspaper writer. Albizu Campos was supposed to graduate in 1921 with his law school class with the highest honors, but a professor delayed his exams. He had to take them in Puerto Rico in 1922 and finally received his diploma in 1923. He was fluent in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, and Portuguese, skills that opened doors for him in the U.S. government, but Albizu Campos rejected them for Puerto Rico.

His new political era was marked by his presidential selection in the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party in 1930. With the electoral elections in sight for November 1932, the party centered its views on securing positions that were determined by public votes. They had public meetings, rallies, published their own newspapers, and Albizu Campos campaigned on the radio. However, by the end of 1931, Nationalist writings and broadcasts were censored on the Island. In the end, the Nationalist Party only succeeded in obtaining five thousand votes.

The 1930s was the decade that Albizu Campos solidified himself as a supporter of worker's rights. From farmer strikes, high gasoline prices and low-quality flour protests, and ultimately the halt of the sugar industry, he always achieved the demands.

By 1934, the police force in Puerto Rico was militarized to stop the organization of the Nationalist Party and Albizu Campos. In 1935, four Nationalists died when policemen opened fire on their vehicle outside the campus of the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras.

Following the Río Piedras Massacre, two Nationalists assassinated Colonel Riggs in 1936, which ended in the arrest and charge of seditious conspiracy of Albizu Campos. He and eight other Nationalists were sent to Atlanta Penitentiary in 1937. Albizu Campos' health would begin to deteriorate during this first arrest.

After a decade in prison, he returned to Puerto Rico to oppose the commonwealth status. He was arrested again after organized attacks reached President Truman in Blair House in Washington, D.C. Albizu Campos was sentenced to 80 years in prison but was pardoned by Governor Luis Muñoz Marín in 1953. It was revoked a year later when Nationalists attacked the U.S. House of Representatives.

While in prison, Albizu Campos' health was rapidly deteriorating until he suffered a stroke in 1956. During this time, he alleged being poisoned by radiation. This would be confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1994, who said to have conducted human radiation experiments on prisoners.

Albizu Campos' political torture was denounced internationally by governments in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Spain. At the same time, protests had erupted throughout Latin America, Europe, and Asia, fearing his death in prison.

Governor Luis Muñoz Marín would pardon Pedro Albizu Campos for the last time on November 15, 1964. Albizu Campos passed away in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 21, 1965. More than 100,000 people followed the procession from the Ateneo Puertoriqueño to the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery in Old San Juan.

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Researched and Written by: Arantxa Quiñones is a translator and nonfiction writer based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more of her work or to Contact her, please check out her Upwork Profile.

Scholars study why so many died after Puerto Rico hurricane

 

In this Sept. 28, 2017 file photo, destroyed communities are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. Researchers said on April 22, 2021, they are launching a survey of the causes of deaths following the Category 4 storm to clear up questions about a death toll that analysts so far have attributed to factors such as power outages, building failures, and damaged roads. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Researchers said Thursday they are launching a survey of the causes of deaths in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria to clear up questions about why the toll of the 2017 Category 4 storm was so high.

Studies by George Washington University found an estimated 2,975 excess deaths in the six months in Puerto Rico following Maria — far above the initial official death counts reported by a government that struggled to keep track of those dying, including many elderly in nursing homes without power.

The university’s new study, in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico, will survey nearly 1,700 people who might have information on those who died and why. Analysts have suggested that power outages, building failures and damaged roads contributed to increased deaths after the storm.

The university said results of the survey will be accompanied by recommendations on how to improve building codes and other standards that could prevent future deaths or injuries.

Caguas Puerto Rico

In the Central Mountain Range 20 miles south of San Juan lies Caguas Puerto Rico. Known as the “Center and Heart of Puerto Rico,” it is one of the most modern cities on the island and is a major hub of commerce, arts, and entertainment. The city, founded in 1775, is strategically located at the crossroads of the main highways connecting the different regions of the island and is approximately 30 minutes by car from both the east and north coastlines.

Caguas offers an amazing variety of modern activities while maintaining a charming small town feel. In July, the city celebrates its patron saint festival - the Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Sra. del Carmen. This religious and cultural celebration is a unique way to experience the city through live entertainment, regional food, and offerings from local artisans.

The heart of the city is the Santiago R. Palmer Recreational Plaza, bordered by Muñoz Rivera, Betances, Corchado and Ruiz Belvis streets. Considered one of the most beautiful recreational Plazas on the island, the square features fountains, sculptures, a floral clock, and an aviary housing exquisite macaws. From Friday to Sunday, there is a free carousel for the kids and after 4:00 pm on Saturdays, the plaza lights up with live music, dance performances, and other entertainment fun for the whole family.

The city also has many museums showcasing Puerto Rican culture from the past and present. One of the most popular museums here is the Caguas Museum of History, housed in a building that was once the town’s City Hall. The museum presents the story of Caguas throughout time through five exhibits that include stone artifacts, skeletal remains, and ceramics.

The Museum of Popular Art and the Hermino Torres Grillo Tobacco Museum are also fun places to visit. The art museum displays a wide variety of folk art from skilled artisans, including traditional figurines, religious figures, musical instruments, and toys. At the tobacco museum, visitors can explore replicas of old tobacco ranches and get an artisanal cigar crafted by local artisans.

The Caguas Botanical and Cultural Center William Miranda Marín offers an in-depth look at the agriculture of Puerto Rico. The botanical center covers 60 acres of land featuring gardens, the remains of a 19th-century sugar plantation, and the remains of a large indigenous village. Guided tours are available or visitors can explore on their own on the walking trails. There is also a Drive-In Park cinema experience, an Archaeological Museum, and paddle boating on the lake.

The Arts Promenade is another popular attraction in the city. This outdoor space showcases local artists and their works along with food stations offering creative presentations of local and international cuisines. On the third Saturday of every month, an art fair is held that features theatrical performances, dance performances, live music performances, and artistic installations. The last Friday of every month is the Al Fresco Music and Culinary Festival, which features creole food from a variety of different food stands, food trucks, and kiosks.

Caguas Puerto Rico is also a great place to find inspiring natural wonders. Located close by is the Carite State Forest, a rainforest of unparalleled beauty. This nature reserve encompasses an area of 6,000 acres with several mountains nearby, including Cerro La Santa, which stands at 3,000 feet. Many companies offer ecotourism tours and nature adventures here, like river hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling through cascading waterfalls. This area is also a great birding area, with fifty different species of birds inhabiting the vicinity.

Other attractions in the area include the Casino Real - the largest casino in Puerto Rico, the 18-hole Caguas Real Golf & Country Club, and the Caribbean Criollo Center for Science and Technology, which hosts an interactive space, scientific laboratories, and an IMAX theater where documentaries and short films are regularly shown. Visitors can also taste 12 different types of sangría at the Sangría Factory tasting room or taste 18 flavors of F.O.K. Beer at the F.O.K. Brewing Company.

No matter what type of adventure you are looking for, you can find it in Caguas.

La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience

 

WNYC Studios
and
Futuro Studios present

 

“La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience”: a seven-part podcast series

Boricua.com is very proud to offer this podcast series. This podcast series presents information and background on some of the most important issues and events in Puerto Rico, some sad, some glad and some con mucho orgullo. Each week we will be promoting a new episode. We really enjoyed listening and we hope you enjoy them as well.

WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios present “La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience”: a seven-part podcast series.
Available in English and Spanish.

Un podcast de siete episodios que combina elementos narrativos y del periodismo investigativo para revelar y reflexionar sobre cómo “la brega” ha definido muchos aspectos de la vida en Puerto Rico.

Creado por un equipo de periodistas, productores, músicos y artistas boricuas; presentado por Alana Casanova-Burgess

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Episode 1. ¿Qué es la brega?

En este primer episodio, Alana Casanova-Burgess nos comparte un ejemplo para explicar que significa para los boricuas “bregar”. Para eso platica con Cheo Santiago, creador y mantenedor de la cuenta de redes sociales “Adopta un Hoyo” y con el escritor y profesor emérito de Princeton Arcadio Díaz Quiñones, quien hace unos veinte años escribió un ensayo muy influyente, “De Cómo y Cuándo Bregar”, donde usa la frase como un lente para entender mejor la experiencia boricua.
Entre hoyos, protestas y metáforas, Alana va encontrando cuanto se guarda en la brega, sus limitaciones y como la esperanza de un mejor Puerto Rico se asoma entre todo eso.

Episode 1. What is La brega?

In the first episode, host Alana Casanova-Burgess sets out to define la brega and to examine what it is. A brega implies a difficulty or challenge that for one reason or another cannot be solved or corrected. You just have to adapt. One such issue that is examined, is the potholes in Puerto Rico roads. This seemingly simple-to-fix issue is a real problem for Puerto Rican drivers and some of the solutions examined are not really solutions at all.  Amidst potholes, protests and metaphors, Alana finds all the meanings that lie within “la brega”, how it sometimes asks too much of boricuas, and how the word has an innate sense of hope. Enjoy this first episode by clicking the podcast link below.

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Cast and Crew

Alana Casanova-Burgess, Host
Marlon Bishop, Executive Producer
Ezequiel Rodríguez Andino, Producer

For a full list of the cast and crew that worked on this project - Meet the Team

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Aguadilla Puerto Rico

 On Puerto Rico’s northwestern tip is the town of Aguadilla, nicknamed El Nuevo Jardín del Atlántico (the new garden of the Atlantic). The city was founded by Luis de Córdova in 1775 and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, making it an excellent port and strategic location.

The U.S. Air Force’s Ramey Base was located here for nearly fifty years and a still-active part of the base is the home of the Coast Guard’s Borinquen Air Station. The base’s aerial facilities have become part of the Rafael Hernandez International Airport and its barracks have been turned into the Faro Inn Suites hotel.

The town center, known as Plaza de Recreo, is home to many delicious restaurants and unique shops. The city's patron saint festival, the Fiestas Patronales de San Carlos Borremeo, is held here each October. Other notable festivals include Velorio de Reyes, a religious ceremony held in January, and the Festival del Atún, a festival celebrating tuna fishing held in July.

One of the most interesting attractions in the city is the Museo de Arte, which exhibits a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and other works from Puerto Rican artists. Another is the Las Cascadas Water Park, which holds the title of biggest modern aquatic theme park in the Caribbean. The only ice skating complex in the Caribbean is also located here.

The 18-hole course at Punta Borinquen Golf Club is another popular attraction in the area. This now-public golf course was built on an ocean outcrop for President Dwight D. Eisenhower around 1940. The views here at sunset are amazing and sometimes, you can see whales frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean below.

El Parterre is an exquisitely landscaped plaza adorned with gorgeous plant life and statues showcasing the history of the city. It was built around a natural spring used by the Spanish as a fresh water source. Today, the plaza is a beautiful place to relax and watch the world go by.

Aguadilla is also well-known for having the most beaches in Puerto Rico, with nineteen major beaches available for swimming and watersports. Its long coastline and strong waves have made the area a popular location for surfing competitions. The beautiful seaside views are enhanced by dramatic rock formations and lovely coral reefs in crystal-clear waters.

Crash Boat Beach is the most popular beach in the area. It is located on the west coast north of the city and is easily identified by the ship wreck at the far corner of the beach. This palm-fringed beach is known for great surfing, snorkeling, and boating activities. It also has stands selling seafood, snacks and cold drinks, as well as companies offering kayak and paddle board rentals.

Jobos Beach is a large beach with a surf break from its eastern to western end, as well as protected areas for casual swimmers. There are a number of guesthouses, bars, restaurants, and street stands along the shore. Jobos Beach is also home to the most famous blowhole in the area, El Pozo de Jacinto. Here, visitors can see dramatic eruptions of ocean water blast up from a submerged sea cave at the eastern end of the beach.

Borinquen Beach in the Malleza Baja area is the place to find an old lighthouse and underwater relics of airplanes from the nearby Air Force base. The more adventurous may enjoy snorkeling among the reefs and sea caves at the cliff’s base. In addition to the beautiful scenery, this pristine beach also has paved beach access and a parking lot.

Other notable beaches in the area include Playa India El Natural, which is great for scuba diving and snorkeling, and the crescent-shaped Playa Pena Blanca, also called Wishing Well Beach. Survival Beach, Surfer's Beach, Gas Chambers, and Wilderness Beach are considered among the best in the world for surfing.

Aguadilla (ah-gwah-DEE-yah), founded in 1775 by Luis de Córdova, is a city located in the northwestern tip of Puerto Rico bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, north of Aguada, and Moca and west of Isabela. Aguadilla is spread over 15 wards and Aguadilla Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).

[location-weather id="11404"]

Flag The flag is horizontally light blue over yellow with the Coat of Arms with laurels in the center. The flag was designed on 1972 following the recommendations of the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture for the occasion of the 200th Anniversary of the city foundation. It consists of two horizontal bands of equal size, blue the upper one and gold (yellow) the lower one, the predominant colors of the Coat of Arms, being this placed at the center of the flag.
Coat of Arms The shield's arms refer to the history of Aguadilla. The first quarter presents the famous "Ojo de Agua" (Spring of Water) and behind the Jaicoa Mountains. The second quarter shows the image of a "nao" or vessel that stands for the many ships that made seaport in past centuries and with reference to the discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus. (Another contested site of landing). The third quarter illustrates a tower raised from the waters due to the battles at Fuerte de la Concepción (Fort of the Conception), where English and Colombian pirate's attacks were repelled in the XVII and XIX Centuries. The fourth quarter has a five-point star in reference to the many Aguadillan intellectuals that has given prestige to the arts, sciences, writings, military, and legislation; is an expression of light and clarity.
Festivals and events Velorio de Reyes (Three Kings Watch)- January Festival de la Chiringa (Kite Festival) - April Fiestas San Antonio - April Verbena de Corrales - May Festival Playero (Beach Festival) - June Festival del Atún (Tuna Festival) - July Festival de la Música (Music Festival) - July Fiestas Patronales de San Carlos Borremeo - October
Town Colors: Yellow and Blue Patron Saint: San Carlos Borremeo
University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus Si usted es un visitante en busca de detalles sobre los programas y servicios de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Aguadilla (UPRAg), aquí hallará información pertinente y variada sobre nuestra actividad académica, administrativa y de servicios.

Arecibo Puerto Rico

One of the most visited destinations in Puerto Rico is the city of Arecibo on the northern part of the island. The city is the largest by size on the island and is one of the oldest municipalities in the commonwealth. The area was originally settled in 1556 and the town was officially founded in 1616, with Captain Felipe de Beaumont y Navarra chosen to govern the land.

There are many interesting things to do here. The area encompasses a wide variety of environments, from sand-swept beaches to wooded hills and caves. The rich culture, ancient landmarks, and tropical beaches make this historic port town a great destination for any type of traveler.

The Cultural Center for the city is located at Casa Ulanga, a colonial building built in 1854 that has also been a courthouse and a hospital, among other things. The Cultural Center hosts various festivals and other activities around the year.

One of the most important festivals is the one for the city’s patron saint, St. Phillip the Apostle. A festival is held in his honor each year in May. In addition to the traditional religious processions, the festival also features dances, parades, and a wide variety of local foods.

The Punta Los Morrillos Lighthouse and Historical Park is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Here you can find a museum with exhibits about the buccaneer days, as well as a recreation area featuring a pirate’s island and replicas of early sailing ships. The park also has an aquarium, food vendors, sports facilities, and a mini-water park.

The single-dish radio telescope located at the Arecibo Observatory is the biggest in the world. It is used to collect data for scientists around the globe and has the ability to track celestial objects in different regions of the sky. The observatory is owned and operated by Cornell University and is open to the public for self-guided tours.

Northern Puerto Rico is also a great location for visiting unspoiled natural attractions. Natural structures close to Arecibo include limestone formations, far-reaching cave systems, and underground rivers. The 1,000-acre Cambalache Forest Reserve is near, with vivid birds, amazing flora, and many hiking and biking trails. A couple of areas of the forest are open for camping.

La Cueva del Indio, or The Cave of the Indian, is an interesting archeological site to visit. Located a few miles east of the lighthouse, the cave features drawings on the walls of the Indians that lived in the area, natural arches, and a natural limestone bridge extending over turquoise waters. By the sea cliffs, there are large rocks that ocean waves have formed into natural sculptures over time.

Cueva Ventana, or the window cave, is another interesting place to visit. This large cave overlooks a valley from the top of a cliff and is filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors come for the breath-taking views of the area's beauty.

This is also a great destination for a wide variety of water activities. The coastal area of the city is home to some of the prettiest beaches in Puerto Rico. One of the best beaches here is La Poza del Obispo beach, which sports beautiful golden sand and crystal-clear waters forming a natural pool. The waters here are generally calm, making it a great place for family excursions.

Visitors can also take a free ferry ride across the Dos Bocas Lake, a reservoir near the Río Abajo Forest south of the city. Near the pier, there are a variety of local businesses and restaurants that look charming against the backdrop of tropical foliage and mountain peaks.

Arecibo (ah-re-SEE-boh), settled in 1556, is a municipality in the northern midwest coast of Puerto Rico and located by the Atlantic Ocean, north of Utuado and Ciales; east of Hatillo; and west of Barceloneta, and Florida. Arecibo is spread over 18 wards and Arecibo Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city). Arecibo is located on the north coast of the island of Puerto Rico, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of San Juan, or approximately a 1-hour trip by car.

Nickname: "La Villa del Capitán Correa", "Muy Leal", "Ciudad del Cetí", "Diamante del Norte", "Los Capitanes"
Gentilic: "Arecibeños"

Flag The flag of Arecibo derives its composition and colors from the Shield of the City. It is divided vertically in two qual parts. The left side is blue having a belt that stands for "Captain Correa", a local military hero from Spanish times. The other part is yellow with fifteen blue rhombis with the vertices touching each other and placed in three horizontal rows of five each and five vertical columns of three each.
Festivals and events Bicycle Competitions - January Arecibo Carnival - February Playero Festival - July Folklore Festival - July Craftsman Fair - September Ceti Festival - November Puerto Rico's Flag Centenial - December
Town Colors: Yellow and Blue Patron Saint: San Felipe Apostol Patron Festivities San Felipe Apóstol - May

Arecibo Lighthouse:
This was the last lighthouse built by the Spanish government in 1898. The style of construction is neo-classical with a rectangular shape of 40'4" (12.30 mts) wide by 84'2" (25.64 mts) long, and has attached a hexagonal tower covered by a bronze dome with a working lantern. The original lens was a third order Fresnel, with an 18 mile radius. At the present time it has a 190mm lens with a white flash every 5 seconds

The Arecibo Observatory and Radio Telecopse:
The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Things to Do In Puerto Rico - courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

Fajardo Puerto Rico

 Believed to be founded between 1760 and the mid-1770s, Fajardo, Puerto Rico has grown to become one of the most important cities in the Caribbean. The city, also known as “The City of the Rising Sun”, is on the easternmost tip of Puerto Rico where the sun first rises. It is home to the largest marina in the Caribbean, where visitors can experience sailing, parasailing, and catamaran chartering. Its position makes it a great jump-off point for excursions to nearby islands and the crystal-clear turquoise waters have made snorkeling very popular in the area.

One of the best things about this destination is the breathtaking views. One of the best views is from the observation deck of the El Faro lighthouse, originally built in 1880 as part of the Spanish government’s lighthouse system. The lighthouse has been in continuous operation since 1882 and was restored in the early 1990s by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. On a clear day, visitors to the observation deck can see all the way to distant Caribbean islands.

The city is also a premiere beach destination with 46 beaches spread across its shoreline. The most popular beach in the area is the crescent-shaped Seven Seas beach. Lined with almond and palm trees, the shoreline is ideal for both water activities and relaxation. Seven Seas also has food kiosks, gazebos, camping areas, restrooms, showers, and parking.

Other popular beaches around the area include Playa Colorá, known for its reddish-colored sand abutting the turquoise waters, and Playa Escondida, which has golden sand and mangrove trees. Governor’s Beach is one more highly-popular location and is considered to be one of the area’s most pristine beaches. Another interesting place to see is La Zanja, also called The Ditch. This natural pool is in a secluded location roughly 30 minutes away from Seven Seas on foot and is created by waves from the Atlantic Ocean spilling over a rocky outcrop to fill the pool.

In July, the city holds a celebration in honor of its patron saint, Saint James the Apostle. This religious and cultural celebration, known as the Fiestas Patronales de Santiago Apostol, encompasses a wide range of activities, including live entertainment, parades, amusement rides, games, and offerings from regional restaurants and artisans.

Fajardo is also a great destination for visiting pristine natural reserves. A short distance away is the Cordillera Natural Reserve, a collection of remote keys and cays. The largest key of the reserve is Icacos Island, home to lavish coral reefs, schools of fish, and a variety of other marine creatures. Visitors can also charter a catamaran to go to nearby Cayo Diablo, Cayo Lobos, Cayo Ratones, and Cayo Cucarachas.

The Cabezas de San Juan nature reserve is also a great place for outdoor adventures. Here, visitors can find a bioluminescent bay where they can explore a wide variety of marine life. The dazzling, glow-in-the-dark waters are created by microscopic organisms that light up when agitated. While swimming is prohibited, moving the water by hand is allowed and encouraged. Nighttime trips by kayak are available year-round from local companies.

Fajardo also has daily ferries that travel to the Culebra and Vieques islands east of Puerto Rico. Culebra Island has miles of pristine coastline, making it a popular destination for sailors, beach-goers, and snorkelers. The area was the site of military exercises until 1975 and there are still some old U.S. Army tanks located there.

Vieques Island, seven miles away by ferry, houses the biggest natural wildlife refuge in the Caribbean. Visitors to the island can explore charming colorful towns and naturally landscaped beaches, as well as see Paso Fino horses roaming free. Vieques also holds Mosquito Bay - the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. The island has become a popular location for family vacations, romantic honeymoons, and destination weddings.

Places of Interest

Municipio de Fajardo
Fajardo ocupa el extremo este de Puerto Rico. Limita con las aguas de Océano Atlántico por el norte y el este, con Ceiba por el sur y con Luquillo por el oeste. Fajardo fue el apellido de uno de los primeros colonos de la región que explotó los yacimientos de oro, de los cuales era muy rico el Río de Fajardo.

Balneario Seven Seas
Seven Seas Beach is a white sand public beach located near the town of Fajardo. The clear shallow water is teeming with vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs and is protected by offshore reefs. Trade winds blow across the water. You won't find beaches in Puerto Rico to be far from the beaten path, however, this beach is a little more secluded than many, making it a perfect spot for some vacationers. Seven Seas Beach is still fairly central.