Palm Beach County Approves $250,000 Grant for Crash-Impacted Businesses
Palm Beach County is providing grants up to $5,000 to small businesses disrupted by road closures following a deadly Learjet crash on Military Trail.
The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners approved $250,000 in relief funds to assist small businesses and nonprofits financially impacted by the closure of Military Trail. The road was partially closed following a deadly Learjet crash on November 1 near Greenacres, which disrupted customer access and deliveries for entities located between Broadway Street and Kelly Drive/Sussex Avenue.
Under the Military Trail Business Interruption Grant Program, eligible businesses can apply for one-time grants of up to $5,000 to cover operating costs including payroll, rent, and utilities. The program was initially launched by County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo under emergency authority and is administered by the Department of Housing and Economic Development. Applications opened November 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Commissioner Joel Flores advocated for the program after receiving numerous calls from small business owners struggling with lost sales. Other recovery efforts include $1,000 cash grants from the Emergency Assistance Foundation and over $50,000 raised via United Way for Catholic Charities to provide housing and transportation vouchers.
While a firm reopening date for the road was not immediately established, the National Transportation Safety Board has completed its on-site investigation. This allows the Florida Department of Transportation to begin the work required to reopen Military Trail to traffic.
