One food truck’s attempt to capitalize in Anna Maria ended up costing it money.
Special magistrate Gerald Buhr, an attorney out of Lakewood Ranch, ruled Nov. 18 to uphold a $250 citation and assess a $100 administrative fee against Imelda Luna, owner of the Bradenton-based Lonchera Lunita food truck, for operating in the city without permission.
A pair of code enforcement officers, Stephen Cooke and Tom Collins, found Luna operating the truck on Sept. 11 in the parking lot of Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., without a permit.
Food trucks can operate within city limits if they are approved through a special event permit or if a private property owner in the city’s C-1 commercial zoning district allows them to operate on their property.
Bayfront Park is located within the city’s public recreation area, where food truck operations are not allowed.
The code enforcement officers issued Luna a $250 citation and had her shut down operations.
Luna attended the magistrate hearing and did not object to any evidence presented by the city.
She said she did not want to contest the fine and would accept it.
Buhr found Luna in violation of city code and approved the city’s requested fine and administrative fee against her.
The city’s next special magistrate hearing will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the city’s website, cityofannamaria.com.