Palm Beach Officials May Close Mar-a-Lago Due to Road Issues
- Palm Beach officials may close Mar-a-Lago due to ongoing road closure disputes near Trump's estate.
- Residents frustrated by 24-hour road closures impacting traffic flow in the area.
- Mayor states if road is closed, then the club should also close for safety reasons.
The closure of South Ocean Boulevard, adjacent to former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, has been in effect for nearly a month following a July 13 assassination attempt on Trump. The Secret Service implemented the road closure to enhance security, but it has raised significant safety concerns among local residents regarding access for first responders and daily traffic. As the social season approaches and the 2024 election nears, Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore indicated that the resort may have to remain closed due to the ongoing road restrictions. Mayor Moore emphasized the impracticality of hosting large events at Mar-a-Lago while the road remains shut, stating, “There’s no way in God’s green earth that they can bring 350 people into that club.” The closure, which is expected to last through the November 5 election, has disrupted local traffic patterns, forcing delivery drivers to navigate longer routes. Palm Beach Fire Rescue Chief Sean Baker described the situation as a “gauntlet” for emergency services, while residents have expressed feelings of insecurity during this period. In response to the ongoing situation, the Palm Beach Council has directed town staff to investigate potential legal actions regarding the road closure. Town attorney Joanne O’Conner has reached out to the Secret Service to clarify the legal basis for the extended closure, which remains in place even when Trump is not present. The road closure is part of a broader security strategy that includes increased law enforcement presence at Trump’s other properties. The Mar-a-Lago estate, which has faced financial challenges, was transformed into a private club to generate revenue through membership fees. However, the ongoing road closure and potential violations of zoning agreements could jeopardize its operational status. The property’s estimated value ranges from $426 million to $612 million, but the attorney general’s office has yet to file a judgment against Trump in Palm Beach.