To the editor:

Cape Coral City Council recently passed a ordinance that forces independent food trucks to pack up and move on down the road. And if they offer customers a place to sit or have shade while they eat it’s now forbidden.

The new ordinance will go in effect in 90 days.

The independent food trucks are welcome to become vendors at the proposed food court that’s to operate, perhaps, in about 6 months.

When does government pick and choose winners and losers in the marketplace? Isn’t that up to the consumer?

The ordinance passed 6-2. Councilwoman Patty Cummings in her dissenting opinion stated,

“If food trucks were state licensed, had consent from property owners, or lease commercial space, why are we telling them they have to move every night?”

Councilwoman Jessica Cosden argued against the food trucks ordinance because of another Cape Coral ordinance that restricts commercial vehicles parking in residential driveways.

Therefore food trucks would need storage facilities, which are very costly.

Food trucks are small businesses, and this should be encouraged, not obstructed, by government.

Food trucks offer a great service and convenience to the community. I became emotional watching this ordinance pass. Let’s face it, Cape Coral loves its food trucks.

These Ma and Pa small businesses survived a two year pandemic and most recently a Category 4 hurricane. Along with our brave first responders, who were also at the scene handing out free bottled water and food to all of us? None other than our local food trucks.

At the end of the day, I can’t help but wonder, with all the issues Cape Coral is facing — What was the expedited need to go after the hand that feeds you?

Mechelle Poling

Cape Coral