Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida, Mar-a-Lago Braces for Impact

Hurricane Milton has been advancing steadily towards central Florida, escalating from a Category 2 to a Category 5 storm in a short span as noted on Monday. According to John Cangialosi, a specialist at the National Hurricane Center, Milton could potentially rank among the most devastating hurricanes recorded for the west-central region of Florida. “Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida,” Cangialosi stated in his update on Tuesday.

The hurricane is expected to impact the state with damaging winds, hazardous storm surges, and heavy rainfall. Authorities have warned that the effects could be felt well beyond the projected impact zone, with storm surges possibly reaching up to 10 feet in certain localities.

On the opposite coast of the state lies Mar-a-Lago, a notable estate owned by former President Donald Trump, situated in Palm Beach. Current forecasts indicated that while Mar-a-Lago might escape the brunt of the storm, the area remains under a Tropical Storm Warning. According to local authorities, there is a possibility of storm surges as high as three feet affecting Palm Beach as Hurricane Milton traverses Florida.

Mar-a-Lago, which has a storied past that traces back to the 1920s when it was constructed by Marjorie Merriweather Post for $2.5 million, is historically fortified. Built in 1927, the estate features robust architectural elements, including concrete and steel that anchor it firmly to the coral reef beneath. According to Tony Senecal, a long-time butler at Mar-a-Lago, “This place will not move,” he remarked in a 2005 interview, emphasizing the building’s structural stability during hurricanes.

Since its completion, Mar-a-Lago has withstood several hurricanes, including a major storm in 1928 and another in 1947. Although these storms resulted in damage such as uprooted trees and minor structural impact, the building itself remained largely unscathed. More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma inflicted some roof damage, but significant structural damage was avoided.

The estate, which Donald Trump purchased in 1985 for approximately $10 million, has undergone several renovations. In 1995, parts of the mansion were transformed into a private club to offset maintenance costs. Architect Tamara Peacock, who worked on restorations in the 1990s, noted that Mar-a-Lago is “better equipped to withstand a storm than many vintage buildings.” The fortress-like design and the use of metal window shutters contribute to its resilience.

With the approach of any hurricane, preparations at Mar-a-Lago are extensive, reminiscent of broader community efforts. Measures include securing outdoor furniture, using sandbags for flood prevention, and ensuring backup power generators are operational.