Salinas, Puerto Rico
Salinas, Puerto Rico | |
|---|---|
 Flag Coat of arms of Salinas, Puerto Rico Coat of arms | |
| Nickname(s): "El Pueblo del Mojo Isleño", "Cuna del Mojito Isleño", "Los Peces Voladores", "Los Marlins" | |
| Anthem: "Salinas" | |
 Location of Salinas in Puerto Rico | |
| Country | United States |
| Territory | Puerto Rico |
| Founded | July 22, 1851 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Hon. Karilyn Bonilla Colón (PPD) |
| • Senatorial dist. | 6 - Guayama |
| • Representative dist. | 30 |
| Area | |
• Total | 69.7 sq mi (180.4 km2) |
| Population (2010) | |
• Total | 31,078 |
| • Density | 450/sq mi (170/km2) |
| • Racial groups (2000 Census) [1] | 74.6% White 10.6% Black 0.4% American Indian/AN 0.1% Asian 0.1% Native Hawaiian/PI 9.8% Some other race 4.5% Two or more races |
| Demonym | Salinenses |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) |
| Zip code | 00751 |
| Area code | 787-537, 787-824, 787-853 |
| Website | http://www.municipiodesalinaspr.com/ |
Salinas (Spanish pronunciation: [saˈlinas]) is a municipality in the southern part of Puerto Rico located in the southern coast of the island, south of Aibonito and Cayey; southeast of Coamo, east of Santa Isabel; and west of Guayama. Salinas is spread over 7 wards and Salinas Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).
It has long been a fishing spot for Puerto Ricans, known for its beaches, fish variety and the birthplace of the famous "mojito isleño".
Although Salinas doesn't have any commercial airports, there is a military training area there. Camp Santiago, which is Puerto Rico National Guard training center. Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Guard, U.S. Army ROTC, U.S. Army Reserve & the U.S. Army conduct military training at Camp Santiago.
Salinas is also home to Miss Universe 2006, Zuleyka Rivera.
History
Salinas was founded in July 22, 1841 by Don Agustín Colón Pacheco as Mayor, Don Jose Maria Cadavedo as Sargent of Arms, Don Juan Colon as Captain of the Civil Guard and five hacendados which were Don Antonio Semidey, Don Antonio Morelli, Don Francisco Secola, Don Julio Delannoy and Don Jose Antonio Torres.
Geography
- Gorges: The Callao, La Palma y Majada and Pasto Viejo.
- Lagoons: Mar Negro and Punta Arctias.
- Rivers: Río Jájome, Río Jueyes, Río Lapa and Río Nigua (Río Salina).
- Mountains: Cerro Las Tetas.
Cityscape
Barrios
- Aguirre (Aguirre Central, Coquí,San Felipe, Las Mareas,Playita)
- Lapa (Monte Grande, Coco,Parcelas Vazquez, Naranjo,Vertedero, Sabana Llana)
- Palmas
- Quebrada Yeguas (Bo. Plena)
- Río Jueyes (Las 80,Playa)
- Salinas Pueblo (Pueblo)
Economy
Agriculture
- Salinas is one of the main agricultural producers on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. It has large banana and papaya farms in its Coco and Aguirre barrios. The "Las 80" barrio is one of the main producers of beef in the south, counting with La Hacienda Las Carolinas which supplies Ganaderia Santiago, a slaughter house, with meat. Salinas also is headquarters for Canto Alegre, a company which specializes in poultry. This company supplies most of Puerto Rico's supermarkets with fresh poultry.
Business
- Apparel, commercial fishing.
Industry
- Aguirre Sugar Cane Mill, the last operational sugar cane mill in Puerto Rico, Aguirre Central closed its doors in 1993;
Electrical and electronic machinery, plastics, sunglasses.
Tourism
Landmarks and places of interest
- Albergue Olímpico (Olympic Hostel)
- Aguirre Forest
- Antigua Central Aguirre (Sugar Cane Mill)
- Camp Santiago
- Sports Museum
- Playa Salinas
Culture
Festivals and events
- Abey Carnival - February
- Abey - Cacique (Chief) of yucayeque-(village) in the area of Abeyno Salinas, Puerto Rico.
- Pescao Festival - June
- Matron Celebration - September
- Festival Del Mojo Isleño
Demographics
| Race - Salinas, Puerto Rico - 2000 Census[2] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Population | % of Total |
| White | 4,645 | 74.6% |
| Black/African American | 647 | 10.6% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 29 | 0.4% |
| Asian | 8 | 0.1% |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 2 | 0.1% |
| Some other race | 599 | 9.8% |
| Two or more races | 211 | 4.5% |
Government
All municipalities in Puerto Rico are administered by a mayor, elected every four years. Karilyn Bonilla Colón (of the Popular Democratic Party) was elected as mayor at the 2012 general election, succeeding Carlos Rodríguez Mateo.
The city belongs to the Puerto Rico Senatorial district VI, which is represented by two Senators. In 2012, Miguel Pereira Castillo and Angel M. Rodríguez were elected as District Senators.[3]
Symbols
Flag
On a green rectangular field, five white isosceles triangles equal in size, placed in the center of the flag and forming a row that covers the extent of the background. The green represents the land and the triangles hills of salt from which the name of the town is derived.
Coat of Arms
The shield uses the traditional colors of the town; green and silver. The salt knolls indicate in graphical form the name of the town: Salinas. The fish refer to the fishing. The sugar cane leaves that surround the shield, symbolize the sugar cane plantations.
See also
References
External links
Map and Directory of Salinas, PR http://www.MapandDirectory.com