JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A popular food truck park in North Jacksonville that was set to shut down on Friday will now remain open, the owner told News4JAX.
Trout River Food Truck Park on Lem Turner Road has served not just meals — but a community — in an area with few fresh food options.
But the owner said last week that after years of code violations, he was ready to shut it all down.
Then came an outpouring from the community with hundreds of people reaching out.
Park owner Robert Germano said the community reaction and a series of meetings over the last several days convinced him to change his mind and keep the park running.
It’s a complete turnaround after Germano said last week he couldn’t see a way to keep it going.
“No, and I hate that. I absolutely hate that because I’ve invested over $60,000. My partners have invested over $60,000, and this was my pride and joy,” Germano said last week. “It’s a feeling, you know, that kind of... gets you in the gut, because I’ve done everything.”
Germano said since last week, he’s met with code enforcement, the fire marshal, and councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. several times to come up with a solution.
Germano says a part of the resolution moving forward could involve him remaining an owner or selling the park to someone else who can keep it running.
The city said last week that the park has received over 10 violations, which include unpermitted electrical and plumbing, improper wastewater disposal, an unmaintained parking lot, and no proper hand-washing stations.
But Germano said he feels the city was harassing him and being selective in its enforcement.
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He said one violation involved not having fencing around a dumpster and not having proper fencing after two separate car crashes in the area that destroyed a fence and a pole.
“If it was a real safety concern, you would be writing up everybody,” Germano said.
Germano said he paid more than $7,000 to have things fixed.
Germano and the city are still ironing out details, but Germano said the food truck park is now not shutting down under his watch.
But he’s also still planning to fight the code violations.
“I am not giving up my fight on the code enforcement,” he said. “I think there needs to be reform.”
Germano said that a personal meeting with Councilman Reggie Gaffney changed everything.
“Originally, today was supposed to be the last day,” Germano said. “But the positive response blew me away. Councilman Gaffney and I had a very honest conversation, and I told him I’d keep the park open while we work toward a solution.”
According to Germano, the future of the park is still uncertain—but he’s hopeful. Discussions have included the possibility of city assistance or grants to help address operational concerns.
Gaffney sent a statement to News4JAX saying that the city never shut down the park.
In light of the many calls, emails, and heartfelt messages my office has received, I want to do two things: set the record straight and say thank you.
First, the City of Jacksonville did not shut down the Trout River Food Truck Park and we never planned to. The park also did not accumulate so many citations that it was in danger of closing. What we’ve witnessed over the past few days is the power of people coming together, our community, local and state agencies, and business owners, all working toward the same goal.
I’m deeply grateful to our Municipal Code team, JFRD, and other city departments who worked side-by-side with me to address concerns, find solutions, and keep these small businesses open. A special thank you goes to Robert and the property owners for their willingness to partner with both the city and the community to ensure the park’s continued success.
Most importantly, thank you to the people of District 8. Your voices, your advocacy, and your love for this Food Truck Park made all the difference. The teamwork it took to protect these businesses, and the joy this space brings is exactly what the City of Jacksonville stands for: supporting small businesses and building stronger communities. As we move through this transition, I encourage everyone to keep showing up, keep supporting, and keep eating local.
The Trout River Food Truck Park is more than a place to eat, it’s proof that when we work together, we win together.
Council Member Reggie Gaffney Jr., District 8
One of the park’s most beloved vendors, Tina “Chef Love” Tucker, said the possibility of closure was devastating for food truck owners, employees, and customers alike.
“I thought about my employees, I thought about my customers—and I just didn’t have answers for them,” Chef Love said. “This area is a food desert. People walk here. They depend on us.”
Chef Love has been operating her truck at Trout River for over two years, offering affordable, home-cooked meals like real scrambled eggs, oxtails, and pork chop sandwiches. She says this isn’t just about food—it’s about providing dignity and nourishment to people who have limited options.
“I consider myself one of the anchor trucks,” she said. “And I can tell you—everyone was shocked. Customers were stopping me in stores asking what was going to happen. That’s how important this place is.”
Chef Love credits Councilman Gaffney, State Rep. Angie Nixon, and former Councilmember Katrina Brown for amplifying the issue and pushing for solutions. Their advocacy, combined with public outcry, helped spark a renewed effort to save the food park.
“They weren’t going to let it go down like that,” she said. “The important ears are listening now. I think we’re going to find a way forward.”
Chef Love also highlighted Mayor Donna Deegan’s campaign promises to support small businesses—and says this is a prime opportunity to deliver on that message.
“We have ten small businesses out here. Ten. We’re feeding the community, creating jobs, and giving people real meals at affordable prices,” she said. “If the city really wants to support us—now’s the time.”
While a long-term solution has not been finalized, both Germano and Chef Love are optimistic. They say they’re committed to keeping the park open while city officials explore ways to provide support—financial or otherwise.
As one loyal customer, Joshua Moten, put it:
“Chef Love is one of the top food trucks in Jacksonville. I’ve been coming for years—you’ve got to support your food trucks.”
For now, Trout River Food Park is still standing—serving up more than just meals. It’s serving hope.