Elderly man vows to fight to continue offering food to Florida homeless

November 6, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
Nation

A Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ordinance states that no person may feed the homeless under a “food sharing” ban in public places, and a 90-year-old man has been arrested for serving meals in a public park. Arnold Abbot and two pastors have been charged for their actions Sunday and face possible jail time and a $500 fine. Abbot, who previously sued and won against a similar 1999 ban after being stopped from feeding homeless people on the beach. CNN reports that Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler upheld the ban, saying the practice would fuel the “cycle of homeless” in the city. Says Abbot, “I’m not afraid of jail. I’m not looking to go, but if I have to, I will,” to continue his fight.