JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach residents debated whether to they want food trucks during a meeting put on by a non-profit organization.
"There's enough competition as it is," said Sandford Gray, who owns a restaurant in the area. "You know, we pay our rent for the building that we're in. The other businesses here at the Beach pay their rent for the business that they're in. A lot of competition as it is."
Gray said food trucks have an unfair advantage because of the overheard he pays for his business, like utilities and property taxes. He and others voiced their opinions on the city's ban on food trucks at a meeting organized by Beaches Watch.
"I think competition makes people better. I think excellence is the fruit of competing, so I welcome it all," said Chris Dickerson, who owns Corner Taco.
Dickerson said he should be able to work where he lives, adding that food trucks are just like any other restaurant.
"The response I usually get is that there shouldn't be food trucks selling similar fair and I don't understand the argument because there are other restaurants selling similar fair that opened next door and I think it's the same thing," he said.
The City of Jacksonville Beach is considering lifting it's ban on food trucks.
"It's new to us and we're trying to get up in front of it and make it happen in the most acceptable way," said Steve Lindorff with Jacksonville Beach Planning and Development.