President Trump’s constant presence in Palm Beach, Fla., could help bring businesses and jobs to the area, says a local business development leader.
With Trump’s frequent weekend visits to the Mar-a-Lago, which the president has dubbed “the Southern White House,” Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, said there is a “halo effect” for businesses.
“His visits here have created a significant buzz for the entire county,” she told the Palm Beach Post. “Three financial service firms have come in this week looking at definitely expanding to the area … Businesses will expand or relocate to this area for many reasons. Florida is a state that is business and tax friendly. All of this attention is opening the eyes up and many feel they can’t afford not to be in Florida.”
Not everyone is so optimistic; some businesses, politicians and taxpayers have complained about the costs and traffic impact of Trump’s frequent visits. For example, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which helps with security when Trump is in town, works overtime at a rate of $60,000 a day, per an estimate provided to CNN.
“It means the local taxpayers will have to bear the added burden of being part of the security for the president of the United States,” Paulette Burdick, the mayor of Palm Beach County, told CNN. “It will either be cuts or increase in taxes.”
