Shannon Donnelly

Palm Beach Daily News

PALM BEACH, Fla. – As the coronavirus pandemic strangles the state’s hospitality industry, even the guy in charge is feeling the squeeze.

Two of the Trump Organization’s properties in South Florida – the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach and Trump Doral in Miami – furloughed all “nonessential” staff, a total of 713 people.

At President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club, 153 people will be furloughed, according to a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) letter sent to Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity by Janine Gill, director of human resources at the Mar-a-Lago Club, and copied to Palm Beach Mayor Gail Coniglio.

In the letter, dated March 27, Gill wrote the club began halting its operations “due to the unforeseen business circumstances caused by the natural disaster and spread of the novel coronavirus, the mandated closures under Palm Beach County’s Declaration of Emergency, as well as recommendations regarding public gatherings ... the club has been forced to place its non-essential personnel on temporary furlough status.”

The furloughed workers include both indoor and outdoor staff and range from dishwashers to tennis pros to executive assistants.

At Trump National Doral in Miami-Dade, 560 workers were furloughed.

Both furloughs are temporary, although when workers will be called back remains unknown.

The coronavirus pandemic crippled the tourist-oriented Florida economy, forcing the closure of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and recreational facilities before the lucrative spring vacation season.

Mar-a-Lago notified members of a partial closure March 19 that would affect its restaurant, spa and aerobics classes.

A notice sent to members and obtained by the Palm Beach Daily News said the club would cease offering a la carte dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main “house.”

The letter said guest rooms would no longer be available for reservations and the gym would close, along with spa services and aerobics classes.

March 20, the club sent a communique to members: “We are writing to inform you that due to Governor DeSantis’ recent executive orders, we unfortunately must suspend all Beach Club and tennis operations.”

The Mar-a-Lago Club customarily closes its doors on Easter Monday, although it has opened for Mother’s Day brunch in past years.

Its Beach Club has remained open through the summer, offering its members and guests casual food, beverages and ocean and pool swimming.

Follow Shannon Donnelly on Twitter: @pbdnsociety