The world's eyes are on Palm Beach following the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping for a much-awaited meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
It is the first meeting between the two world leaders. Security has been tightened in and around Mar-a-Lago, Trump's second home that has earned the nickname "Winter White House."
Authorities have put up barricades and closed roads to ensure safety during the summit. Some residents do not appreciate the hassle.
"They call it the winter White House —but there is a White House in Washington D.C.,so meetings like this could be done there," Hadi Ghumrawi of Holy Lands Foods said.
Ghumrawi said Trump's frequent visits to his Mar-a-Lago resort mean headaches for locals. Unlike Ghumrawi, some residents understand Palm Beach's appeal.
"It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to come and see — we have the nicest beaches," said Iftach Shimonovitc of Southern Helicopter Tours.
Shimonovitc makes his money by offering helicopter rides to tourists. But when Trump is at Mar-a-Lago, all air traffic is halted at the Lantana Airport.
The U.S. Secret Service imposes a 16-kilometer temporary flight restriction (TFR) around the resort whenever the commander-in-chief is in town.
While Shimonovitc understands the draw of Palm Beach, he said the president's trips have been bad for business.
"It's very frustrating especially when we are talking about the weekends. It is our busiest time," Shimonovitc said.
He has had to refund about 20,000 U.S. dollars to tourists since Trump took office and made Mar-a-Lago his "go-to" getaway.
Jonathan Miller leases the airport from the county. He said he liked the attention Trump was bringing to the community, but has run into some complications.
"It's like you pointed out, we are a seasonal business —the busy time, is the same time he wants to be here," Miller said.
Miller has 100,000 square feet of hangar space 100 percent leased. And he recently lost a 400,000 U.S. dollar contract – when the clients got fed up and left.
Miller was hopeful an agreement can be worked out to allow pilots to fly while Trump is in town.
The U.S. Secret Service has the final word. And when it comes to safety for presidents Xi and Trump, there is little to no room for compromise.
