The City of Pensacola has released a redacted copy of the permit, which it says will allow Food Not Bombs to hold its protests and food distributions on Friday nights at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.
However, the permit does not mention Food Not Bombs. The event is “Boots for Matt Berry,” which is permitted to run from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Dec. 5, 2025, to March 6, 2026.
The name of the person pulling the permit is redacted because the individual is a victim of stalking or aggravated stalking.
No rent is charged because it is being rented by a 501(c) 3 organization, according to the permit.
See Permit.
Question: How can Food Not Bombs use MLK Plaza when it’s permitted for another event?
…asking for a friend.
Food Not Bombs has stated in social media posts to be a collective of individuals with no real leadership. According to a simple organization search of the IRS website, there are no listings for a 501(c )3 in this area by that name. Are they only a social group? Do they collect donations?
The permit process requires the application to provide: “The name and address of the organization or group he or she is representing.” Where is that information? The agreement describes that the city has received “501(c)(3) documentation.” Where is it? Why would it be exempt? Applicants are required to provide a “certificate of insurance.” Where is it? The city code provides: “No permit shall be issued for a special event unless application has been made not less than ten days in advance of the date on which the special event is sought to be held.” How can the city receive an application on December 4th and issue a permit for the next day?
There’s also nothing in the application to justify the city agreeing to waive the “user fee, insurance requirements and/or clean-up deposit.” Lastly, the city code also provides: “Political or public issue events shall be exempt from the provisions of section 11-4-173. Individuals or organizations planning such an event shall notify the mayor’s office when a political or public issue event is planned so that police, fire, and other emergency service organizations will be aware of the time, place, and scope of the event and the name or names of persons in charge.” Does that mean Food Not Bombs does “not” need a permit and only needs to notify the mayor’s office in advance of their events?