After getting a bad rap a few years ago when several tourists were robber and murdered, the city has slowly started to clean itself up. While there is still a high crime rate as long as you exercise common sense you will be fine. Some basic points to this are:
stay out of dangerous neighborhoods after dark not sure where you are? stay in the tourist / busy areas
lock your valuables in your trunk if you have to leave them in your car
don't leave money / valuables in your hotel room outside of the safe
Insects are another item to be worried about.
Make sure to wear DEET or lemon eucalyptus essential oil to keep the hordes of mosquitoes at bay especially during the summer. If you are allergic to them like me then pack some antihistamines as well!
Other insects to watch for are gnats, no-see-um, chigger (red bug), tick (mostly in wooded areas), and red ants.
When it comes to the water, watch out for jellyfish. Blue Man O' war's are known to show up, steer clear as their sting is extremely painful (even if they are dead on the beach). If you do get stung seek medical attention and use white vinegar to dull the pain.
