Kissimmee City Commissioners made a key decision this week regarding food trucks. They voted to keep a special-use permit that allows food trucks to operate, despite mixed feelings from the community.
Lisandra Roman, who runs El Jibarito restaurant on South John Young Parkway, currently has one food truck on her property. She had been granted permission to have six, but the reality is different. At the meeting, the Commissioners debated whether to continue allowing these permits or to get rid of them altogether.
In the end, the vote was close: 3-2 in favor of keeping the permit. Mayor Jackie Espinosa and Commissioner Noel Ortiz were against it. Mayor Espinosa echoed concerns that allowing food truck parks could lead to a surge across the city’s 23 miles. She noted, “What we’ve approved today can multiply quickly. Anyone with extra parking can now apply.”
For Roman, the decision was a small relief. She said, “If people follow the right rules, they should get a chance to apply.” Yet, she still feels uncertain about her own permit’s future.
Not everyone is thrilled about this decision. Madelin Casiano, who runs a business just outside the city, spoke out. She mentioned that over 100 residents from Kissimmee are against food trucks, fearing they will bring too much traffic and strain local law enforcement.
Interestingly, the existing food park at MillCreek Mall won’t be impacted by this vote. During the meeting, Ortiz asked Commissioner Janette Martinez to step back from the discussion because she owns a food truck and knows Roman. Martinez stood her ground, saying she did nothing wrong and that Roman followed all necessary steps to get her permit.
According to a survey conducted by the Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce, 60% of residents prefer more food truck options, while 40% worry about traffic and safety. These differing opinions underscore the complex balance between supporting new business models and managing community concerns.
As food trucks grow in popularity nationwide, cities are grappling with similar issues. It’ll be interesting to see how this decision shapes Kissimmee’s landscape in the months to come. For more context on urban food trucks, you can check this report from the Urban Institute.
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