CLEWISTON, Fla. – If you’ve spent much time in Clewiston, you probably haven’t seen many food trucks driving around town.
As Fox 4’s community correspondent for Hendry County, I work in this area every day, so I’ve heard about a new city ordinance that could bring more food trucks to town. Check out my report here…
APPROVED: New ordinance paves the way for food trucks in Clewiston
On a typical afternoon in LaBelle, the smell of sizzling meat and warm tortillas fills the air as Rosa Silba works her magic in the kitchen at Taco-Riendo.
“We make delicious quesabirrias,” Silba said. “That’s what we’re known for.”
Austin Shargorodski
Since opening last year, Taco-Rriendo has become a staple of food trucks in LaBelle, but owner Rosa Silba says that while they’ve had success at events in Clewiston, a regular presence there has been out of reach – until now.
“Well, the ordinance in Clewiston was very different. It was difficult to set up our services and offer them to the community,” Silba explained.
Austin Shargorodski
That could soon change, however—a recent change in city ordinance opens up new possibilities. Clewiston now allows food trucks to park on private commercial or industrial properties—but only on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Silba expressed her excitement for the future: “We want to expand and this is one of the cities we had in mind, but we were waiting to see what doors would open.”
Austin Shargorodski
According to the city, many restaurants are closed on these days, giving people a tasty excuse to try new places. Silba believes food trucks aren’t just about good food – they also help boost the local economy and bring people together.
“There’s a lot behind it – we can hire people, and that opens up a lot of opportunities because now we as business owners can help others have a job,” Silba said.
Austin Shargorodski
Food truck operators must obtain written permission from property owners and pass fire and sewer inspections. And Clewiston isn’t satisfied with that: The city wants to increase the number of food truck days and organize more events in the future.
