Three Trump properties in Florida close for Hurricane Irma
Three Trump properties in Florida, including Mar-a-Lago resort, are closing as the state hunkers down for the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach and Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter have all closed. Meanwhile, Trump Doral in Miami isn't accepting new reservations and is urging people with reservations to change their plans without cancellation penalties, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization confirmed to CBS News.
Hurricane Irma is projected to make landfall in Florida by Sunday morning, and is currently a Category 4 storm packing winds of 150 mph, forcing mandatory evacuations in some Florida localities.
"Our teams at our four properties in Florida are taking all of the proper precautions and are following local and Florida State Advisories very closely to help ensure that everyone is kept safe and secure," the Trump Organization spokesperson told CBS News.
"Our three private properties in Florida – The Mar-a-Lago Club, Trump International Golf Club, Palm Beach and Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter have all been closed. We strongly urge those guests currently holding reservations at Trump National Doral to make alternative lodging arrangements outside of the storm's reach."
"We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to victims of Hurricane Harvey and are praying for those that are in the path of Hurricane Irma," the spokesman added.
While the storm thrashes Florida and his properties, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be with the president's cabinet in Camp David in Maryland. There, Mr. Trump and his team plan to address administration priorities and receive briefings on Irma and Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
Mr. Trump has declared Irma a storm of "epic proportion."
Irma has already ravaged the Caribbean, and is responsible for at least 10 deaths so far.
Irma comes on the heels of Harvey, which caused catastrophic damage costing dozens of lives and billions in damage in southeast Texas, and as another hurricane -- Jose -- has developed in the Atlantic as a Category 4 storm. The House and Senate have approved $15.3 billion for Harvey-related aid.
CBS News' Julianna Goldman contributed to this report.
