GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The city’s popular Food Truck Friday event has been canceled for the month of April pending investigation of an “ethics complaint” filed against council member Ed Gaw.

During the city’s monthly city council meeting on March 17, Gaw said he had learned of the complaint regarding his involvement in the event less than 24 hours prior to the meeting. Gaw runs the event, along with former city mayor and EXIT Realty owner Van Royal.

“I have since engaged council to advise me and will be taking such action to make it appropriate to address these questions moving forward,” he said during the Tuesday meeting.

Gaw said he hopes Food Truck Friday will return in May.

He posted, in part, this message on the Food Truck Friday Facebook page:

"I was recently notified of questions regarding the organizational structure of the events and the administration of sponsorship support. While I strongly disagree with the characterization of these accusations, I take them seriously. Out of an abundance of caution, and in consultation with counsel, we have temporarily paused the April 3rd event while we review and make any necessary adjustments to ensure full compliance moving forward."

 A letter written by Royal was also presented to the council detailing his plans to go ahead cancel the upcoming event.

Food Truck Friday has grown into a regular community gathering. Held every first Friday of the month at Spring Park, the popular event, which boasts as many as 10,000 people, features food trucks and bands.

According to the report, ethical complaints stemmed from concerns that the city’s participation in funding the program, with its contribution being paid directly to an LLC, has created a conflict of interest for Gaw under state law.

Gaw was instrumental in kickstarting the tradition in 2018, along with Van Royal. Both have spent at least $140,000 out of their own pocket to keep it going.  They made the event an LLC to formalize the program and manage liability and insurance exposure with so many people in attendance.

The two eventually gained small sponsorships to help cover the expenses, and the city began offsetting some costs in 2023, providing $4,000 toward each event. 

Gaw said it was never profitable for him and Royal, but rather a chance to promote the spirit of community in a city they both love.

“This was, is and remains, a community service,” Gaw said.

The filer of the complaint is unknown; however the investigation remains ongoing. Gaw said he has nothing to hide, and will continue to be transparent.