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'm speechless. I can't even think of anything to write in response to reading this. Ugh.
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