MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Flight restrictions at PBI are now impacting the Treasure Coast, as Martin County residents voice complaints about increased airport traffic through all hours of the day.

Despite a voluntary curfew in place after 11 p.m., recently imposed FAA flight restrictions in Palm Beach County have forced private planes to divert to Witham Field Airport in Martin County. Residents say this shift has caused flights to continue through all hours of the night, prompting county officials to address the surge in noise and activity.

See also: Stranded divers rescued by Coast Guard off Palm Beach

The busy season has become significantly more crowded for the Martin County Airport. Officials report an increase in runway traffic due to TFRs, or temporary flight restrictions, in Palm Beach County. The traffic was heavy enough this week that Martin County had to close one of its four runways over the weekend to manage the flow. George Stokus, who oversees the airport director, says this increase won’t last forever.

“We do have our days. And yes, we do realize it does impact the local community. But on the other hand, I think our pilot community is doing the best they can to accommodate both sides and to get in there as quietly as possible,” Stokus said.

Some residents are not satisfied with that explanation, including Jeff Order of Stuart. He says many planes are flying too low and too late at night, regardless of the voluntary curfew.

“The airport hasn’t done anything to restrict the flights from coming in and out. They say they sent a letter, but it has no impact. I can show you that from 2024, for example, there was one plane that had 149 violations in one year,” Order said.

Violating Martin County’s voluntary curfew or noise abatement is not a crime and currently has no fines associated with violations by the county or FAA. Additionally, the airport is legally required to remain open 24 hours a day, which opens the door for overnight flights when the President is in town. Stokus, who lives underneath the flight path himself, noted that he understands the frustration.

“I do realize nighttime operations they do create a noise problem. I, too, live underneath the flight path. So, I get it. Yesterday was very busy, especially at night. I think a lot of that had to do with planes coming in and wanting to get out, because this morning we had fog,” Stokus explained.

It appears the problem will get worse before it gets better. With the busy season just getting started and the uncertainty of when Trump will be in Palm Beach, it is hard to predict how many planes will be in the area at any given time.