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U.S. military jets on Saturday intercepted a civilian aircraft that flew through temporarily restricted airspace over Palm Beach, Florida, where President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate is located, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

The civilian plane entered the airspace at around 4:20 p.m. EST that afternoon, NORAD said. It dispatched F-16 fighter jets to the site, which initially sent out flares to get the pilot's attention before escorting the plane out of the restricted zone.

"The flares, which may have been visible to the public, are used with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground," said NORAD. The command is a joint U.S. and Canadian organization that handles aerospace and maritime warnings for North America.

NORAD reminded general aviation pilots to check "Notices to Airmen," or NOTAMS, which are timely advisories that notify pilots of any changes to the national airspace, including temporary flight restrictions, ahead of each flight. Temporary flight restrictions prohibit aircraft from entering certain airspaces for designated periods of time.

The command said military jets "will respond to aircraft violating the [Temporary Flight Restriction and take the necessary action to gain compliance, a scenario we encourage all pilots to avoid."

The interception on Saturday followed "multiple general aviation aircraft violations of restricted airspace" over Palm Beach earlier in the week, according to NORAD, which said the command has responded to more than 40 "tracks of interest" that violated temporary flight restrictions in the West Palm Beach area since President Trump took office in January.

Mr. Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate is located in Palm Beach, and his golf club is in West Palm. The president was at Mar-a-Lago over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

A "track of interest" typically refers to any airborne object that either threatens or has the potential to threaten North America or U.S. national security, and is monitored as such, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Less than two months after Mr. Trump began his second presidential term, in early March, NORAD said military jets had already intercepted 20 civilian aircraft violating temporary flight restrictions near his Palm Beach home.

Back in 2017, during Mr. Trump's first term, a pair of F-15 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept an unresponsive aircraft near Mar-a-Lago. Officials said the military action created a "sonic boom," the sound created by planes traveling at supersonic speeds through the air, which alarmed nearby residents.

In:

PALM BEACH, Fla. —

An F-16 fighter aircraft intercepted a civilian aircraft after it violated the temporary flight restriction airspace over Palm Beach while President Donald Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

This incident Saturday afternoon was after several general aviation aircraft violations of restricted airspace in the Palm Beach area earlier this week. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, sent out jets for those violations.

Trump came to Palm Beach on Tuesday and is scheduled to return to the White House on Sunday.

NORAD intercepted the plane when it entered the restricted space at about 4:20 p.m. Saturday. NORAD said it safely intercepted the plane out of the area.

Trump departed Trump International Golf Club around 3 p.m. and arrived shortly later at Mar-a-Lago.

NORAD dispersed flares to communicate with the pilot in drawing attention to the violation.

The flares, which can be visible to the public, "burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground," NORAD said in a news release.

Since Trump became president on Jan. 20, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, has responded to more than 40 violations in the West Palm Beach area.

NORAD reminds general aviation pilots to check Notices to Airmen before each flight.

Should NORAD aircraft intercept a general aviation aircraft, the pilot should come up on frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions on one of those frequencies.

NORAD uses radars, satellites and fighter aircraft to identify and respond to potential threats.

"The identification and monitoring of the civilian aircraft demonstrate how NORAD executes its aerospace warning and control missions for the United States and Canada," the agency said.

NORAD is celebrating its 70th year of the Christmas tradition of tracking Saint Nick on Christmas Eve. The website will launch Monday.

Air Force One is parked at Palm Beach International Airport.

The closest F-16s to Mar-a-Lago are at Homestead Air Reserve Base, which is about 100 miles from West Palm Beach. F-16s are also stationed at Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola.

The temporary flight restriction of 30 nautical miles is in place when Trump is in town or for "special security" reasons.

There is a permanent, continuous security perimeter within 1 mile over Mar-a-Lago through at least October 2026. That causes all flights from nearby PBIA taking off eastbound to turn north.

Earlier this month, the city of West Palm Beach asked the Federal Aviation Administration to reassess the continuing temporary flight restriction because of extra noise for residents who live in the new flight paths.

There are also road closures near Mar-a-Lago, including South Ocean Boulevard, which is closed between South County Road and Southern Boulevard when Trump is in town.

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One of South Florida’s brightest holiday traditions is back — and it’s lighting up more than just the night sky. The Lights 4 Hope holiday drive-thru light show at Okeeheelee Park features over two miles of dazzling displays, from dancing snowflake arches to talking props, all synchronized to festive music.

The event isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it’s a fundraiser for a mission that runs year-round. The nonprofit supports local families, whose child is suffering from terminal illness or life-changing physical challenges. Working with hospitals and community partners, Lights 4 Hope delivers decorations, gifts, and cheer to those facing difficult times.

Visitors can enjoy the show from the comfort of their vehicles, with multiple dates running from Nov. 21 through Dec. 28 (weather permitting). Pricing starts at $25 per car, with options for larger vehicles. The final night features bike night, which allows riders to pedal through the illuminated course in a unique two-wheeled celebration.

Event Details:

Location: Okeeheelee Park located at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33413Tickets: Available at event entrance or in advanceHours: Fridays & Saturdays 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays & select weeknights 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For the full schedule, ticket information, and details on Bike Night, visit .

This web story includes information gathered in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence. All facts have been reviewed and verified by WFLX staff before publication.

What do you want me to Shine A Light on? What are you most proud of where you live? Email me at tawalker@wptv.com.

Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Roger Ferris + Partners has established a new South Florida presence with a 10,000 square foot office at Phillips Point, the waterfront office complex at 777 South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. The move marks the firm’s first location outside the Northeast and follows a growing concentration of work across the region. The new space was reportedly scheduled to open yesterday November 15 with an initial team of twelve made up of local hires and staff transfers.

According to reporting from the South Florida Business Journal, the firm’s decision to establish a presence at Phillips Point follows a steady increase in commissions across South Florida and reflects the need for a local base to support its expanding workload. “You get to a point where you just have to be in the immediate area of where you are working in order to service clients properly,” founding principal Roger Ferris said. “That is really what motivated us to open up an office there.”

Roger Ferris + Partners is currently leading the redesign of Phillips Point in collaboration with developer Related Ross, which purchased the 450,000 square foot complex for $281.85 million in 2021. The renovation, valued at approximately $100 million, began in February and includes a full facade replacement, new building systems and landscape improvements across the site. The overhaul is expected to conclude by the end of next year.

The firm is also working with Related Ross on Shorecrest, a luxury condominium development planned for 1901 North Flagler Drive. The growing number of commissions in West Palm Beach and across the county prompted the firm to evaluate where to locate its first Florida office. Ferris noted that the team considered Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton before selecting West Palm Beach. “If you step back and you look at these various areas, the one that is clearly evolving, that is almost starting from scratch in a way, is West Palm,” he said.

Ferris added that the statewide construction pipeline contributed to the firm’s long-term commitment to the region. “There is probably more work than there are architects in the state. There is just a lot of opportunity there,” he said. He cited continued population growth, corporate migration and sustained development activity as indicators of market stability. “Everyone is looking at Florida. In the long run, I do not see that market slowing down. In our experience, it has been really a joy to work there.”

West Palm Beach continues to draw attention as it positions itself as a growing finance, technology and innovation center, often referred to as Wall Street South. Developer Stephen Ross, chairman of Related Ross and owner of the Miami Dolphins, has played a central role in this transformation through large scale office acquisitions and efforts to attract major companies to the area.

The city’s momentum is also reflected in recent regional marketing campaigns. Last week, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County launched a new advertising initiative in New York City promoting the Wall Street South identity and inviting executives and firms to consider relocation.

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While you can spot manatees year-round in South Florida, they come out in full force during the winter months as they navigate to warmer waters.

They’re our snowbirds of the sea, if you will.

When the Lake Worth Lagoon drops to 68 degrees or below, these gentle giants migrate to a familiar spot in Palm Beach County — you’ll find them congregating in the outflow of Florida Power & Light Co.’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. The season lasts from mid-November through March.

In anticipation of this return, Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center, which is adjacent to the power plant, is giving them a warm welcome with a free Manatee Season Kickoff from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

“We are shining the spotlight on their migration while inviting visitors to learn more about manatees through fun, hands-on activities and exhibits,” said Manatee Lagoon manager Meredith Rollo.

Featuring this year’s theme, “Migration Celebration,” the event will include a mini-lecture series, face painting, food trucks, outdoor games, Manatee Tales Story Time, and Mia the Manatee appearances.

A mission for the manatees

Manatee Lagoon opened in February 2016 — about two years after the natural-gas power plant replaced an older one that was demolished in 2011 — but sea cows have been flocking to the warm waters around it for decades.

The two-story, 16,000-square-foot facility was built as part of FPL’s environmental mission to “deepen public understanding of the connection between people, manatees and the natural world, and to encourage everyone to help protect Florida’s wildlife for generations to come,” Rollo said.

The center draws about 200,000 visitors annually, she said, with its featured exhibits, which include a seagrass nursery, Lake Worth Lagoon photos, artificial reef facts and a film about our connection to the manatees. Throughout the year, the facility also offers tours, lectures, adult yoga, story time and special events.

“Whether guests come for special events like the annual Manatee Season Kickoff or ManateeFest, register for a school field trip or summer camp, participate in our educational programs, or simply enjoy the scenic views and daily activities, every visit helps foster awareness and appreciation for manatees and environmental conservation,” Rollo said.

Viewing tips

Head outside to the facility’s viewing area where you may see some of the marine mammals huddling together during cooler weather.

“While sightings can’t be guaranteed, visitors often see manatees gathering near our observation deck as water temperatures begin to drop,” Rollo said. “For the best viewing, plan your visit after two or three days of cooler weather. Those conditions tend to draw the most manatees to the area and make for excellent viewing from our observation deck.”

Averaging about 10 feet long and 1,000 pounds, with their two front flippers, algae-covered backs and paddle-shaped tails, manatees are hard to miss when they show up.

Can’t make it in person? Try the center’s live Manatee Cam to catch a virtual glimpse of the manatees and other marine life that call the Lake Worth Lagoon home, including tarpon, moon jellyfish, green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and nurse and bull sharks.

Some of the manatees that hang around Manatee Lagoon can be identified by the scars on their gray, bristle-haired, leathery-looking skin as a result of boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear or fungal infections.

Fish, for example, named for the shape of one of her scars, is about 38 years old and returns every December. Chessie, Chew Choo, Natalie, Footprint II, Illusion, Sunshine and Sweetheart are among the other regulars.

What’s the state of the manatees in Florida going into the season?

They are showing signs of recovery, and there’s reason for optimism, Rollo said.

“In 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recorded 565 manatee deaths, similar to the 555 deaths the previous year, down significantly from the more than 1,100 deaths in 2021, when starvation was a major factor,” she said.

The Florida manatee is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. It’s illegal to feed, harass or harm them, and the state has regulatory speed zones for boats in areas where manatees live or travel.

“Generally, the manatee population is stable but faces threats from habitat loss, cold stress and boat strikes,” Rollo said. “Conservation efforts and community awareness remain vital to ensuring their protection.”

Celebrating 10 years

Manatee Lagoon plans to mark its 10th anniversary with ManateeFest 2026 on Feb. 7, but it’s also unveiling new offerings to celebrate the milestone year.

“Manatee Lagoon continues to grow, not just in the number of visitors we welcome but in the ways we connect with our community,” Rollo said. “Families and educators can take advantage of our brand-new Homeschool Mondays, designed to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences tailored for homeschoolers.

“Guests can also now book private tours for a more personalized exploration of the center and its manatee visitors.”

Interactive screens are being updated across the center with refreshed content to provide easier access to information, she said.

Since it opened, the center’s programming has expanded to include Manatee Tales Story Time, Lectures at the Lagoon, Sensory Saturdays and free sensory kits.

“Beyond its educational mission, Manatee Lagoon has become a stunning gathering space for community and private events with new offerings for intimate celebrations,” Rollo said. “Each celebration supports our mission dedicated to educating the public about manatees and the Lake Worth Lagoon, and inspiring communities to preserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife for future generations.”

What’s the most important lesson taught at the center?

“Visitors to Manatee Lagoon learn that manatees are more than just gentle giants, they’re indicators of a healthy Lake Worth Lagoon ecosystem,” Rollo said. “They leave understanding that protecting these animals means protecting the entire ecosystem, and that each of us has a role in keeping Florida’s environment thriving.”

Manatee Lagoon, 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through March, and closed on Mondays from April 1 through Nov. 14 and select holidays. Admission is free.

WHAT: Manatee Season Kickoff

WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Manatee Lagoon, 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach

COST: Free