Jacó Mayor’s Red Zone Plan Sets Off Backlash Across Costa Rica

Garabito Mayor Francisco González's proposal to create a "red zone" in Jacó for concentrated sex work, nightlife, and regulated drug use has sparked widespread opposition across Costa Rica. Critics, including lawmakers and various government bodies, argue that such a plan could lead to increased crime and negative impacts on tourism, the country's economic backbone. This initiative underscores a larger debate about how to balance economic development with social and moral norms, raising questions about the future of Costa Rican tourism and urban planning.