The main road near former President Donald Trump’s residence in Florida has been closed for nearly a month, with limited access available. This closure could impact the operation of the Mar-a-Lago resort as the social season starts and the 2024 election draws closer.
Following an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania on July 13, the Secret Service closed South Ocean Boulevard a week later. Concerns about safety have been raised by local residents, including for first responders, caregivers, regular traffic, and the potential for further violence near Trump’s home.
Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore suggested that if South Ocean Boulevard remains closed during the social season, it would essentially mean that Trump’s resort would need to shut down.
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort is seen in Palm Beach, Florida. (REUTERS/Marco Bello)
The closure of the road on July 20 was implemented to ensure the safety of the club and the former president. The closure is expected to remain in place until the November 5 election.
During a town council meeting, Council Member Julie Araskog inquired about the road’s status once the social season picks up in the fall.
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“In my view, if the road is closed, then the Mar-a-Lago Club should also be closed,” replied the mayor. “It makes no sense to have a closed road and then allow 350 strangers into your club.”
Security stands on the perimeter of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home, Monday, April 3, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. Trump is traveling to New York for his Tuesday arraignment on charges related to hush money payments. ((AP Photo/Evan Vucci))
The mayor, along with council members, town staff, and residents at the meeting, all agreed that they wish no harm to come to Trump and that politics are not a factor in their decision-making, as reported by the Palm Beach Post.
“However, you can’t have it both ways, boys and girls,” Moore emphasized. “Either the club is open or it’s not.”
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The current closure affects the road near Mar-a-Lago around the clock at least until the election, regardless of Trump’s presence. When Trump was president, the road near the club was only closed when he was in town.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) hold a press conference at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on April 12, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. They spoke about  “election integrity,” which has been one of the former president’s top issues. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The closure has caused inconvenience for locals and tourists trying to navigate the island. Delivery drivers face longer routes, turning a 10-minute trip into an hour-long one. Emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances, and law enforcement units must maneuver around the closures and navigate through traffic.
“There’s a serpentine, there’s a gauntlet that we have to run,” explained Palm Beach Fire Rescue Chief Sean Baker during the council meeting.
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Council member Araskog mentioned that residents have expressed concerns about feeling unsafe during this period.
“Our residents don’t feel safe right now,” Araskog expressed.
