Flower shop stirs controversy over food trucks

OKEECHOBEE — You would not think it to look at it, but this beautiful new flower shop is at the center of some controversy within the city.

During the April 2 meeting of the Okeechobee City Council, the subject of food trucks was on the agenda.

Recently, the council passed an ordinance allowing food trucks within the city on private property and with certain limitations. Several council members stated their intention with that ordinance was to allow the food trucks to come in for special events and then leave. It was not their intention for food trucks to stay on properties within the city permanently.

However, this was not explicitly laid out and as a result, two food trucks have taken up permanent residency behind Manny’s Sunflowers and Rose's Shop & Gifts on U.S. 441 North.

Manny’s, owned by  José Cruz, opened about two months ago after Cruz completely renovated and beautified the structure and property. There are two food trucks on the property — La Granja and Taqueria. The city council does not object to the presence of the trucks, but said they were under the impression any truck in the city would open, serve lunch or dinner and then leave. They were not prepared for them to always be there.

Jason Ferrell, another city business owner, said the truck operators keep the property clean and nice and he believes if they were forced to come and go like that, they would not be as likely to keep things clean. They would not be invested as they are now.

One complaint from the council regards the picnic tables on the property. The food trucks are not supposed to provide seating. Customers are supposed to pick up their food and take it elsewhere. Cruz said the tables are for the flower shop but offered to remove them if it would help solve the problem.

It was mentioned several times during the meeting that the ordinance calls for food trucks to provide a restroom if they remain open for more than three hours. Cruz said he does have a restroom available for use.

Mayor Dowling Watford brought up the issue of parking and said sometimes there are long lines down the street. Cruz admitted this was sometimes a problem but stressed it was only during the lunch and supper hours. “It just seems like too small of a space for two food trucks and the business,” said the mayor.

Some of the restaurant owners in the city have complained, saying the food trucks have an unfair advantage because they do not have to purchase a license or pay tax to the city.

Ben Smith of Morris-Depew Associates said all jurisdictions MUST provide some place for food trucks. At first, the city of Okeechobee only allowed them in the industrial area but expanded to commercial and now to any private property. He said nothing in the ordinance requires the trucks to pack up and leave each day.

Vice-mayor Monica Clark said they are also required to have an appropriate license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and to make their business available to be inspected by the health department and fire department.

Mayor Watford said they would leave it to code enforcement to determine if the traffic situation or seating violated city codes.