Palm Beach Residents Protest Increased Air Traffic, Blaming trump-Related Flight Restrictions
PALM BEACH, FL – Residents of Palm Beach are voicing strong opposition to newly established and expanded flight restrictions over the area, claiming the changes have dramatically increased noise and pollution impacting their quality of life. The complaints center on altered flight paths implemented to provide airspace security around former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, with many residents now fearing the restrictions are becoming permanent.
For months, locals have reported a surge in low-flying aircraft and associated fumes, initially occurring when the Secret Service enacted temporary flight restrictions during Trump’s visits. the federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since imposed year-round restrictions, banning aircraft within a one-mile radius of Mar-a-Lago up to 2,000 feet, even when the former president is not present.
During a recent hearing before the Palm Beach County Citizens Committee, residents detailed the negative consequences. Jane Jones stated, “My house is filled with the smell of jet fuel.” Nevin Bauman,a lifelong Palm Beach resident,described the impact on his young family,saying,”It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch the monitors of my four-year-old and watch her toss and turn every time a plane goes over our house.”
Concerns extend beyond noise and odor. Several residents warned of potential health impacts from constant exposure to aircraft exhaust and sonic booms. Dr. jerry Cammarata, a local physician, explained, “Noise is not just an irritation … it leads to hypertension, heart disease, sleep disorders.”
Residents also reported physical damage to their properties, with one homeowner noting their white roof had turned gray due to pollution. Others lamented the loss of enjoyment of their outdoor spaces.”We can’t eat out… we usually eat outside every night for dinner. We can’t do that anymore because it’s constant jets,” one resident shared.
Homeowners expressed frustration that they had specifically chosen their properties to avoid airport flight paths, making notable investments with the expectation of peace and quiet. One resident stated, “My wife and I bought our home intentionally not in the flight path… We made a significant investment – money and blood and sweat and some tears.”
The changes are also raising concerns about property values. One speaker estimated the restrictions could led to a “significant double-digit decrease” in home values. Residents characterized the FAA’s handling of the situation as a “massive overstep” imposed “with no measurement and no consideration on our lives,” effectively creating “an air traffic easement” over their homes.
County Commissioner Gregg Weiss acknowledged that residents north and northeast of Palm Beach International Airport are experiencing heavier air traffic,increased jet noise,and potential flight delays.
The new York Post reports reaching out to the white House, the FAA, and the Secret Service for comment.
