A Thanksgiving weekend arrest has set the stage for a First Amendment battle between Food Not Bombs and the City of Pensacola over weekly meal distributions in Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.
- Background: Mike Kimberl, who has organized Friday food giveaways for homeless individuals at the downtown plaza for 14 years, was arrested Nov. 28 after refusing to provide identification to a police officer who told him the gathering violated city ordinances prohibiting park use after sunset.
Why this matters: The incident sparked immediate controversy over a sunset curfew that many didn’t know existed. People questioned why the Pensacola Police Department (PPD) chose to enforce the curfew on a holiday weekend, with food pantries and nonprofits’ resources stretched and SNAP benefits in limbo.
Misfire: Adding to the drama is Mayor D.C. Reeves prematurely posting on his social media that someone had paid for a city permit for the Friday gatherings, touting it as a “harmonious resolution.”
- What city staff failed to understand is that Food Not Bombs is a decentralized, volunteer-driven movement that recovers surplus food and shares it for free in public spaces as a form of protest against war, poverty, and social inequality. The Friday gatherings are protests, not simply food distributions.
- Food Not Bombs rejected the permit. The charges against Kimberl have not been dropped.
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Breaking: City Gives Permit to Food Not Bombs
Food Not Bombs Rejects City Permit, Calls Weekly Meal a First Amendment Right
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Why this matters: The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute’s 2025 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps revealed that Escambia County has a higher rate of poor mental health days (6.2) than the state and national average (5.1). The county’s 2025 rate is higher than I reported two years ago (5.0).
Good News: Tacos Mexicanos Staying Open
Gabe Hernandez has sold the popular Taco Mexicanos to Pablo Hernandez (no relation). The food truck will stay open through December while they work out the details. The “full hand off” will take place on Jan. 1. Gabe will remain involved on the brand level.
Pensacola Mardi Gras Announces New Parade Route
Danny Zimmern shared the new parade route and announced Tuesday Night Processionals to help downtown businesses during the “New Palafox” construction.
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