PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Palm Beach County commissioners on Tuesday voted 4-3 to begin a legal process to push back against Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions implemented in October.
This comes after the Federal Aviation Administration on Oct. 20 announced year-round, 24/7 flight restrictions in place for planes departing and arriving at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), whether President Donald Trump is in town or not.
WATCH BELOW: County challenges FAA flight rules amid increased noise
Amid the challenge, county staff can still attempt to engage the FAA in conversations.
Commissioners on Tuesday approved a plan to file what is called a "petition for review", the first step in a potential legal challenge that could end up in federal court.
This represents the first step in a legal process that could end up in federal court, where a judge would evaluate whether the government has sufficient justification for maintaining the flight restrictions permanently.
"I think that they need to speak directly to the public and explain the rationale as to why," said County Commissioner Gregg Weiss.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued new flight restrictions requiring jetliners taking off from Palm Beach International Airport to follow a path one mile north of Mar-a-Lago, whether or not Trump is present at the resort.
The county and residents said the flight restrictions have resulted in a substantial increase in overflights experienced by residents of the El Cid and Flamingo Park areas of West Palm Beach and the Town of Palm Beach.
"It's not peaceful here anymore," said Cassandra Nordenbrock, a Flamingo Park resident who says the noise disrupts her sleep and daily life.
WATCH BELOW: Residents sound off over new 24/7 flight restrictions near Mar-a-Lago
Tuesday's 4-3 vote by commissioners was split along party lines, with Republican commissioners expressing concerns about litigation against the incoming administration.
"Litigation sends out (a message) like, 'Hey, we're suing the president.' And I don't think that's what we're trying to do here," said Vice Mayor Marci Woodward.
One potential compromise could involve diverting more commercial flights south of Mar-a-Lago to reduce noise impact on affected neighborhoods. However, the county must reach an agreement with either the FAA or the Secret Service by Friday to avoid court proceedings.
However, a lawyer working for the county called such an agreement "highly unlikely."
Nordenbrock said the noise penetrates her home at all hours.
"Oh, yes, in my room, my room at night and in the morning," Nordenbrock said when asked if she can hear aircraft inside her house.
In November, WPTV listened to members of the community who sounded off on how the new flight restrictions are impacting their neighborhoods.
The Citizens' Committee on Airport Noise hosted the November meeting, giving people a chance to voice their frustrations over what they call constant disruption from low-flying planes.
"We can't be outside anymore during flyovers," resident Rafael Clemente said. "You can't hear the TV. You can't hear a conversation."
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