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Palm Beach Considers Shutting Down Mar-a-Lago Club

 August 15, 2024
Palm Beach County is at a crossroads as officials contemplate the potential closure of former President Donald Trump's famed Mar-a-Lago club.

City officials in Palm Beach are weighing the closure of Mar-a-Lago amid required road closures for Trump's security detail, which have led to extensive local traffic and safety concerns, as Newsmax reports.

Origin Of Road Closures

On July 20, the Secret Service decided to close the road in front of Mar-a-Lago to strengthen security after an assassination attempt on Trump on July 13.

This closure has since triggered a slew of concerns among local residents and officials, as the club is a pivotal venue for Palm Beach's bustling social season each fall.

Mayor Danielle Moore and other council members have voiced apprehensions about the logistical challenges posed by the closure.

Moore has been particularly vocal, emphasizing the impracticality of operating the club under current conditions. "In my mind, if the road is closed, the Mar-a-Lago Club is closed," she stated.

Impact On Local Traffic and Safety

The closed section of South Ocean Boulevard, now only accessible to emergency vehicles and those with proper identification has disrupted the daily routines of many Palm Beach residents.

The road is a critical artery, and its closure until at least Nov.  5 -- coinciding with the general election -- poses significant daily challenges.

The town's management, led by Town Manager Kirk Blouin, has expressed frustration with the Secret Service's lack of communication. Blouin revealed that the town might not receive a response to their legal inquiry concerning the road closure, sent on July 22.

Legal And Administrative Options Explored

The Palm Beach Council has tasked town staff with exploring all available options to address the closure's impact. This includes potentially revoking Mar-a-Lago’s operational permissions if deemed necessary to ensure public safety and compliance with local laws.

Historically, Mar-a-Lago has operated under a declaration-of-use agreement since its opening in 1993, which designated it as a private social club within a residential zone.

This agreement, along with another reached in 2021 regarding Trump’s residency, could influence the council's decision regarding the club's future.

Controversy Surrounds Mar-A-Lago's Operations

Moore has questioned the feasibility of admitting hundreds of guests to the club while access is so severely restricted. "There's no way in God's green earth that they can bring 350 people into that club. It's completely illogical that you've got a road closed and then you're going to let 350 strangers into your club," she remarked during a recent council meeting.

Moreover, the town council holds the authority to revoke Mar-a-Lago's occupational license if any violations of the aforementioned agreements are discovered. This drastic step could be influenced by ongoing health and safety concerns previously raised by neighbors.

Security Incidents Heighten Concerns

The seriousness of the security threats to the area was underscored on July 31, when a Chinese citizen was arrested after attempting to enter Mar-a-Lago, alleging to have documents linking China to the July 13 assassination attempt.

This incident has only added to the complexities facing town officials as they navigate the intertwined issues of national security and local governance.

In conclusion, the ongoing road closure at Mar-a-Lago represents more than a simple traffic inconvenience; it is a matter of significant legal and social impact for Palm Beach.

The town council is caught between ensuring the safety of a former president and maintaining the quality of life for its residents, all under the watchful eyes of national security forces. With numerous legal and logistical challenges ahead, the future of Mar-a-Lago hangs in a delicate balance.