Member of Orlando Food Not Bombs arrested
Activist arrested while feeding homeless in downtown Orlando
Willoughby Mariano | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 4, 2007, 8:21 PM EDT
An Orlando activist was arrested this evening while he was feeding homeless people downtown.
Eric Montanez, 21, a member of Orlando's Food Not Bombs, had just finished serving food at Lake Eola Park when the 5:30 arrest took place, witnesses said.
Police said Montanez violated a controversial city ordinance that bars feedings in the park. Each group may only feed 25 people fewer. Their undercover officers said Montanez fed 30, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Barbara Jones. Violation of the city ordinance is a misdemeanor, Jones said.
Food Not Bombs and Montanez are plaintiffs in a federal suit against the city arguing that the ordinance is unconstitutional.
Willoughby Mariano | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 4, 2007, 8:21 PM EDT
An Orlando activist was arrested this evening while he was feeding homeless people downtown.
Eric Montanez, 21, a member of Orlando's Food Not Bombs, had just finished serving food at Lake Eola Park when the 5:30 arrest took place, witnesses said.
Police said Montanez violated a controversial city ordinance that bars feedings in the park. Each group may only feed 25 people fewer. Their undercover officers said Montanez fed 30, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Barbara Jones. Violation of the city ordinance is a misdemeanor, Jones said.
Food Not Bombs and Montanez are plaintiffs in a federal suit against the city arguing that the ordinance is unconstitutional.