The U.S. Coast Guard has laid the groundwork for occasional security zones around Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach, the opulent residence of former President Donald Trump. This indication of heightened security while the former President is in residence or expected is a measure of prestige and importance. The USCG statement announcing the temporary zones, that are to be active from Aug. 19 to Nov. 30, underscores the interests of the nation even after his tenure.
The positioning of these security zones is strategic. They idyllically occupy the Intracoastal waters located west of Mar-a-Lago, prohibiting boats from traversing during active periods. Even though boats can glide through certain sections of the Intracoastal near West Palm Beach and the Atlantic Ocean situated east of the property, they are however forbidden to take pause.
These measures are taken not only for securing optimal safety but also for the Coast Guard agency to regulate the opening frequency of the three prime bridges connecting Palm Beach and West Palm Beach during hours of heavy traffic inflow. This was disclosed by Palm Beach Police Chief, Nicholas Caristo during a meeting with the Town Council, illustrating the intricate coordination between different arms of law enforcement.
The idea raised by Caristo to restrict the opening of bridges presents a suggestive solution for the discomfort caused by traffic congestion, emphasized during a council update regarding the everlasting closure of South Ocean Boulevard in proximity to Mar-a-Lago. This mandatory shut down was initiated by the U.S. Secret Service and is expected to prevail till the upcoming general election on Nov. 5.
Limiting the times the bridges open during crowded hours is a definitive step towards improving traffic movement. In particular, this will enhance the flow on Royal Park Bridge, which has borne the trenchant impact of traffic diversion from the Southern Boulevard Bridge, maintaining a distinguished approach in their ongoing efforts to deal effectively with transport-related contingencies.
To offer more clarity, a Coast Guard spokesperson assured that these developments wouldn’t alter the bridges’ operational schedules, further clarifying that the security zones focus solely on the sections from the surface of the water body up until the bottom of the Intracoastal and Atlantic, and not the actual bridges. The Coast Guard has also directed inquiries to the Florida Department of Transportation which manages these bridges.
The need for security zones is not a recent development. The Coast Guard, back in 2018, had introduced permanent security zones after a span of temporary measures. These remained intact for the duration of Trump’s presidential stay and were dutifully lifted following his departure from office post-presidential term.
The formerly implemented security measures received federal acknowledgment as they were duly recorded in the Federal Register. They included alterations to the bridge-opening schedules for the Flagler Memorial, Royal Park, and Southern Boulevard bridges, signifying the attention to detail and careful consideration put into the overall security planning.
As per the 2018 Federal Register entry, the Florida Department of Transportation holds the responsibility of executing these changes. This reinstates the collaboration and concerted effort between various agencies towards ensuring safety and efficiency.
In times when Trump is at his home, law enforcement boats equipped with flashing blue lights will discernibly patrol the perimeter, and the Coast Guard Sector Miami will vocally alert boaters via VHF channel 16. This new information has been clearly stated in the latest news release from the USCG, showcasing a robust strategy for Trump’s protection.
The temporary zones introduced on Friday bear resemblance to those implemented during Trump’s presidency. Three zones, each having unique restrictions hinging on their proximities to Mar-a-Lago, have been planned. These include West zone, Center zone, and East zone, each with their own specific set of rules and restrictions with regard to navigation.
The West zone stretches along the Lake Worth Lagoon, inclusive of the Intracoastal Waterway running from the southern extremity of Everglades Island right up to a point roughly 1,000 yards south of the Southern Boulevard Bridge, and extending from the western shoreline to Fisherman Island. Vessels traversing this zone must maintain constant motion and are prohibited from slowing down or putting to halt within the zone.
The Center zone dominates the area of Lake Worth Lagoon, its jurisdiction extending from the southern point of Everglades Island to about 1,000 yards south of the Southern Boulevard Bridge, and from the eastern shoreline to Fisherman Island. Permission must be sought from the Coast Guard or a designated spokesperson to enter the center zone. The East zone covers the corresponding span of the Atlantic Ocean. Just like the West zone, all vessels must maintain a steady speed and shall not slow down or come to a standstill within the zone.
Although the recent notice was silent on penalties, the precedent set by the permanent security zones implies that violations could lead to serious implications, including hefty civil penalties or possibly even incarceration. This only makes evident the importance attached to maintaining the strict measures in place when dealing with protection in these high-security zones.