In Palm Beach County, is anyone gathering, traveling or celebrating?

Executive jets parked at Palm Beach International Airport. This year an estimated 50 million Americans are expected to travel by vehicle or air over the five days from Wednesday to Sunday.
Frontier jet taxis to terminal at PBIA.

Cocoa Begtrup and his wife Laurie have hosted Thanksgiving at their Royal Palm Beach home for more than 30 years, with as many as 35 family members enjoying a massive feast. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s group will shrink.

“Thanksgiving is a big deal in our house. Since about 1986, we have had a large gathering, but sadly, this year only about 10 people. I don’t want them here because of the coronavirus,” Cocoa Begtrup said. “It is the holiday we do at our house. A lot of years we would have to cook two turkeys, and I cooked extra legs. My sister always brought a ham.”

Family members are getting COVID-19 tests before Thanksgiving Day, Begtrup said, adding, “You can’t be too careful.”

Cocoa Begtrup and his wife Laurie have hosted Thanksgiving at their Royal Palm Beach home for more than 30 years, with as many as 35 family members enjoying a massive feast. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s group will shrink.

Smaller gatherings at home and at restaurants are in vogue, and self-serve Thanksgiving buffets are out. Restaurants and grocery stores are experiencing a booming take-out business for prepared Thanksgiving dinners.

Area hotels are continuing to follow and exceed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sanitation guidelines. They are hoping that dining packages and incentives will bring guests seeking a safe getaway at a time when hotel occupancy rates are still below normal.