Food truck debate continues Monday

Commitee to hold meeting on food truck legislation Monday at 4 p.m. in City Hall

The debate over food trucks in Jacksonville is moving forward at City Hall. A committee will meet to discuss guidelines food truck operators have to follow.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The debate over food trucks in Jacksonville resumes Monday night with a meeting at City Hall.

A committee had been working since the beginning of the year, to figure out restrictions on where food trucks can do business.

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Food truck owners said they are ready to figure out where they can and can't do business. They said the sooner they can learn of any restrictions, the better, so they can move forward with their business.

"I think the main issue is let's stop talking about where food trucks can't park and where we can, that's the main issue," said Jennifer Kline.

Kline is a co-owner of ‘Up in Smoke Barbecue' food truck. They love Downtown and have developed a big following. Her business is in jeopardy though.

In February, Jacksonville City Councilman Reginald Brown proposed a bill that would put restrictions on how food trucks do business; mainly where they can and can't park. The food truck committee was formed and they have since held meetings to figure out the legislation.

Kline feels the last meeting wasn't very productive and hopes they come to some conclusions Monday evening.

"I'm hoping to figure out how far we can park from a brick and mortar… I think the biggest issue is, can we park from a like business or someone else selling food and how far we have to be from there," said Kline.

Something else food truck owners are anxiously awaiting to learn, is if they can park next to commercial buildings. Kline said if they are banned from that she will lose a lot of her lunch locations. Most of all, she's just ready to learn the future of her business so they can move forward with doing what they love.

"Right now technically, I guess, I can park anywhere but no we wouldn't be able to park here anymore and we've built a really good business… We love downtown and we have a big following, and we really want to be here," said Kline.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

Kline wants the community to be aware and to voice their opinion.

The food truck organization is having an event April 19th to bring awareness to the situation called ‘Rally of the Trucks.' It's going to take place at the Salem Center on 7325 Bonneville Road from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

They will have an Easter bunny at the event, family entertainment and bounce houses at the event.