JACKSONVILLE, FL – A daily rotation of food trucks in Downtown Jacksonville will begin Monday on a vacant, city-owned parking lot at the corner of Forsyth and Main streets.

“There are not very many city lots that have this particular zoning,” said Tony Allegretti, director of Downtown engagement for JaxChamber and a partner in Burrito Gallery on East Adams Street. “This is one of those rare exceptions where it could work.”

Jack Shad, the city’s public parking officer, spearheaded the initiative to find a legal space for the food trucks, said Mike Field, one of the coordinators of Jax Truckies — which promotes Northeast Florida food trucks through social media.

“Mayor Alvin Brown has made improving Downtown a top priority, and the opportunity for food trucks is a step toward making Downtown a destination for visitors and investment,” said David DeCamp, director of communications in the mayor’s office, said in a statement. “Jack Shad’s leadership as director of the Office of Public Parking was crucial. This is a positive step toward adding more amenities in Downtown.”

Shad was out of the office and could not be reached for comment.

“We’ve been working with any city official who’ll listen to us to find workable solutions,” Field said. “And really, Jack in the parking department really has been looking for ways to integrate food trucks Downtown for awhile, along with Tony Allegretti.”

Corner Taco will be the first food truck on the lot, followed by Monroe’s on the Go. The schedule will be updated on the Jax Truckies Facebook page.

On the Fly Sandwiches & Stuff has been operating on a privately owned parking lot at the corner of North Jefferson and West Adams streets since July 23.

Find the entire article by Ashley Gurbal Kritzer at bizjournals.com <here>