Since July 2024, Palm Beach residents have been battling heavy traffic congestion after South Ocean Boulevard was closed due to heightened security around Mar-a-Lago following a second assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump. This closure has created a major divide, cutting off the southern half of the island from the northern half and leading to serious commuting headaches for locals.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope for traffic relief. South Ocean Boulevard is expected to reopen when President Trump is away from Mar-a-Lago for two or more days (generally speaking). As he prepares to return to the White House, town officials are hopeful the roadblocks will be lifted, reconnecting the island and providing much-needed traffic relief.
Yet, with President Trump (who is a Florida resident) planning to spend more time at Mar-a-Lago during his second term—likely making it his “Southern White House”—locals fear the road may stay closed more often. His visits, combined with high-profile international guests, could mean frequent closures and further traffic disruptions.
Given these factors, residents may not experience permanent relief. South Ocean Boulevard is likely to remain an unpredictable barrier for the next several years, depending on President Trump’s schedule and security needs. For now, locals can only hope for better traffic flow when President Trump takes extended trips away from his Palm Beach estate.
