Greenacres, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working around the clock to restore Military Trail after last week’s tragic private‑jet crash that claimed nine lives and left a massive crater near the local high school. While crews focus on reopening both northbound and southbound lanes, nearby businesses are still grappling with the loss of traffic and revenue.
FDOT’s repair plan
FDOT officials confirmed that after on‑site investigators completed their excavation, contractors began the arduous task of rebuilding the southbound lanes. The agency says the northbound lanes are slated to reopen today, with the ultimate goal of getting traffic moving in both directions as soon as possible. Drivers are urged to stay alert for temporary detours and changing lane configurations as work progresses.
Local merchants feel the impact
“We’re usually busy. We have a lot of customers, but since that happened, we haven’t had any customers,” said Jean Pierre Marcandore, owner of MT’s Barbershop, which sits on the northbound side of Military Trail. The barbershop reopened yesterday, yet foot traffic remains minimal.
Marcandore has applied for the county’s grant assistance program, which opened the same day his shop reopened. “Anything would help us. Anything because we’re struggling right now,” he explained. “I would take care of my barbers and take care of my house too. Hopefully we get more business because we need that too because we have to pay the bills.”
County grant program offers a lifeline
The Palm Beach County grant assistance program was created to support businesses hit by the crash and the ensuing road closures. While the program’s application window opened recently, many owners like Marcandore are still awaiting approval and funds.
Community response
Residents have expressed concern for both the victims of the crash and the struggling local economy. Neighborhood groups are urging the county to expedite the grant process and to keep motorists informed about the evolving traffic patterns.
Despite the challenges, FDOT officials remain optimistic that the full reopening of Military Trail will restore the flow of customers to the area’s shops, restaurants, and service providers. “Our priority is to get traffic moving safely and efficiently while ensuring the site remains secure for investigators,” a department spokesperson said.
Looking ahead
As the reconstruction continues, business owners are counting on a swift return of normal traffic. The combination of restored lanes and potential grant assistance could help Greenacres merchants recover from the economic fallout of this tragic event.
Drivers are advised to stay vigilant, follow posted signs, and allow extra travel time while FDOT crews complete the final phases of the repair work.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
