Ryan Nicol
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel says $3.5 million will be put toward a relief program from business and workers at Lantana Airport affected by President Donald Trump‘s travel to Mar-a-Lago.
The $3.5 million package was included in the recently-passed government funding bill.
As a security measure, the Secret Service grounds all flights from Lantana Airport throughout the President’s time at nearby Mar-a-Lago.
That affects the airport’s 25 businesses, which according to Frankel’s office support about 250 jobs. Around 200 daily flights are also lost during Trump’s visits.
Though the U.S. Secret Service says the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are necessary for security, Frankel counters that airport workers still deserve some type of compensation.
“Local businesses and aviators at Lantana Airport have been unfairly impacted by Mr. Trump’s frequent trips to Mar-a-Lago,” Frankel said. “They will now have an opportunity to receive financial relief.”
Frankel represents Florida’s 21st Congressional District, which includes Mar-a-Lago. Trump has spent a total of 81 days at the resort since taking office in 2017, according to tracking data from NBC News.
Jonathan Miller, president of Stellar Aviation Group, which operates out of Lantana, thanked Frankel for her work on the relief funding.
“From the outset of our plight at the Lantana Airport due to its complete shutdown as a result of the presidential TFRs around Mar-a-Lago, Congresswoman Frankel was there with us,” Miller said.
“She took the time to understand the impacts to the affected business at the airport and worked with both the local and federal government to try and find solutions to alleviate these significant impacts.
“Her steadfast commitment to her constituents, and her perseverance in drafting legislation and seeing it through to passage, is the best example of government in action on behalf of its citizens.
“The country needs more leaders like the Congresswoman Frankel with her clear mission to better the lives of those she represents. We are grateful for her representation.”
