Here’s what happened…
Traffic congestion due to the Secret Service’s road closure in front of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate might prompt Palm Beach County officials to consider shutting down the resort entirely.
The road closure, which began following the July 13 attempt on Trump’s life, has stirred concerns about both traffic disruption and security as the club prepares to reopen for Palm Beach’s bustling social season this fall.
On Tuesday, the Palm Beach Council instructed town staff to explore potential responses to the road closure, which has been in effect since July 20. This closure was put in place to enhance security around Mar-a-Lago and its high-profile guest. The Palm Beach Daily News reported that one potential response could involve revoking the club’s operating permit.
Mayor Danielle Moore expressed her frustration, stating, “If the road is closed, then the Mar-a-Lago Club should be closed as well. It doesn’t make sense to have a road closure while allowing 350 people into the club. It’s just not practical.”
The town’s decision to investigate possible legal actions came after Town Manager Kirk Blouin mentioned that Palm Beach might not get a response from the Secret Service regarding a July 22 letter from Town Attorney Joanne O’Connor. In the letter, O’Connor requested clarification on the legal grounds for the road closure and its duration, even when the protectees are not in town.
Palm Beach is considering action based on historical agreements with Mar-a-Lago. The resort was permitted to operate as a private social club in 1993 under a special exception use in a residential zoning district, provided the developer adhered to a declaration-of-use agreement.
In 2021, some local residents referenced this agreement to challenge Trump’s use of Mar-a-Lago as his primary residence, but the then-town attorney clarified that the agreement did not explicitly prohibit Trump from residing at the club.
There is also a declaration-of-use agreement regulating Mar-a-Lago’s operations, which could potentially be grounds for revoking the club’s occupational license if violations are found.
Past discussions among officials have considered whether health and safety concerns raised by neighbors could justify removing the special exception allowing Mar-a-Lago to function as a private club.
South Ocean Boulevard, which separates the club from the Atlantic Ocean, remains closed to all but emergency vehicles, with residents and visitors required to show identification to access the area. The road closure is expected to last at least until the Nov. 5 general election.
Recently, a Chinese national was arrested on July 31 after multiple attempts to breach Mar-a-Lago, claiming to possess documents linking China to the July 13 assassination attempt, according to the Palm Beach Post.
