Trump expected in Palm Beach

Airport prepares for president’s visit

After two weeks on the job, President Donald Trump is expected to make a White House getaway this weekend to Palm Beach. Palm Beach International Airport is preparing for a presidential visit on Friday, airport officials said Monday.

The Federal Aviation Authority notified the airport that flight restrictions timed with presidential visits are expected to be in effect from Friday through Monday.

The airport in West Palm Beach is less than three miles from Trump’s Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago. This would be Trump’s first post-inauguration trip to Palm Beach.

When Trump is in town, nonemergency aircraft are required to stay at least a mile away from the president’s 18-acre oceanfront estate, which doubles as his part-time Florida residence and a private club.

Mar-a-Lago on Saturday night hosts the annual Red Cross Ball, which is one of the highlights of the Palm Beach social scene.

Event organizers could not be reached Monday to comment on whether the president is expected to attend.

Trump made several visits to Palm Beach while running for office and after the election spent time during the holidays at Mar-a-Lago, before moving into the White House.

But this weekend could be the first time locals experience the international media attention and other effects of playing host to Trump as president.

Security measures could mean traffic detours and delays on Palm Beach roads.

Fishermen and other boaters used to cruising past Mar-a-Lago in the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway may have to stay farther away from shore while Trump is in town.

Commercial flights can continue at Palm Beach International Airport during Trump’s visits, but there may be flight delays when Trump is at the airport and altered flight paths to avoid Mar-a-Lago.

General aviation flights, including flight training and sightseeing planes are not allowed within 30 nautical miles of Mar-aLago, according to Palm Beach County. That means Lantana Airport at times will be temporarily closed, said Bruce Pelly, Palm Beach County director of airports.

During presidential visits, corporate jets and other private aircraft traveling to Palm Beach International or Lantana Airport are required to first land and be screened by the Transportation Security Administration at designated “gateway” airports, such as Orlando International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

A Trump visit could also trigger local protests: Since inauguration day, protests have broken out across the country in response to Trump’s early actions as president — from controversial Cabinet appointees to an executive order blocking travelers from several predominantly Muslim countries.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s Office and local police will be collaborating with the U.S. Secret Service and other federal agencies to provide security during presidential visits.

For the Sheriff’s Office, that help involves providing manpower and vehicles at local expense, with the hopes of eventually getting federal reimbursement, according to spokeswoman Teri Barbera.

Trump became a Palm Beach fixture after buying the Mar-a-Lago estate in 1985.

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