Arrest is first under homeless-feeding law – Orlando Sentinel : Orange County News
A long-simmering dispute between homeless advocates and Orlando officials intensified Wednesday with the arrest of an activist feeding transients in Lake Eola Park downtown.
Eric Montanez, 21, is the first to be arrested under the city’s
controversial ordinance that bars feeding large groups of people in downtown parks without a special permit. The rule was approved last summer after residents and businesses in
Orlando’s gentrifying downtown complained that parks were being used as soup kitchens.The arrest enraged volunteers, who said it was proof that the city
cares little for its neediest residents.“Police are arresting people for feeding the homeless,” local ACLU President George Crossley said. “This has been a truly disgusting day.”
I am just speechless. I can’t think of a thing to write in response to this sillyness. Ugh.
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They should compromise and set up a “soup kitchen” or two at Disney World. Surely there are some nice parks there. Or maybe Celebration; I’m sure there are no gentry in Celebration. . . .