Food Truck Owner Loses Livelihood on Christmas Morning
In Jacksonville, Florida, a local food truck owner woke up on Christmas to find his trailer missing. Lorenzo Perez, who runs Perla Del Norte, discovered the theft overnight between Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. This loss is not just a minor setback; it hits hard at his ability to support his family.
“It’s terrible. I need this job for my family,” Perez said, expressing his distress. The food truck business has been essential for him and his grandchildren.
The community is rallying to help. Robert Germano, owner of Trout River Food Park, stepped up and offered a $500 reward for the trailer’s return after hearing about it from another food truck, To Be Frank. “I’m really frustrated; I want to do anything to get this back,” he shared.
The timing makes it even more painful. Christmas, a time of giving and family, turned into a season of loss for Perez. Germano emphasized the importance of the trailer: “That’s his business. It’s not just about a stolen vehicle; it’s his livelihood.”
Statistics show that small businesses, like food trucks, are critical to local economies. According to a recent survey by the Small Business Administration, nearly 65% of small business owners report that their ventures help support their families. Losing such a business can have long-lasting effects on both the owner and the community.
In response to the theft, Perez has filed a police report with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The hope is that someone in the community will have information that could lead to the trailer’s recovery.
Community support has been overwhelming. People are sharing posts and spreading the word on social media to help find the stolen trailer. This incident serves as a reminder of how important local businesses are and how theft can impact not just one person, but many lives.
If you know anything about the missing trailer, please reach out to Lorenzo Perez or law enforcement. Together, the community can help restore what was lost.
For more information on how theft affects local economies, check out the U.S. Small Business Administration’s report.
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Food truck,Crime,Food,Community,Jacksonville
