—Mayor says 14-year “handshake agreement” created ambiguity that led to homeless advocate’s arrest in MLK Plaza—
Mayor D.C. Reeves said Monday he hopes to reach a “harmonious conclusion” that will allow community advocate Mike Kimberl to continue feeding homeless individuals in downtown Pensacola, while also establishing clear rules for using city parks after dark.
Reeves addressed Kimberl’s Nov. 28 arrest at MLK Plaza during his weekly press conference, calling the incident “another case” of problems created by informal “handshake agreements” rather than written policies.
- “This particular incident was rooted in some ambiguity,” Reeves said. “There was a handshake agreement from 14 years ago, and I tried to do my best for the sake of both parties to always get rid of handshake agreements and have some clarity.”
Meeting Scheduled, Permit Costs May Be Waived
The mayor said Kimberl will meet with city staff this afternoon to discuss obtaining a permit for the weekly Food Not Bombs meal distribution that has occurred at MLK Plaza for more than a decade.
- Reeves indicated he would be willing to help cover or offset permit costs. “This is not a case where this is a revenue discussion. It’s really not,” the mayor said, explaining that permits serve safety purposes, including insurance coverage, emergency contacts, and point-of-contact information.
Both the Pensacola Police Department and City Hall have offered their parking lots as temporary locations for the food distribution while the permit situation is resolved, according to Reeves.
- “I know they’ve offered up their parking lot certainly for as many hours as they would need during the meantime,” Reeves said of PPD. “Certainly I would do the same at City Hall on a Friday night, so that one of the events isn’t skipped.”
Mayor Stands By Officer’s Conduct
While expressing appreciation for efforts to help the homeless community, Reeves said he reviewed video of the incident and “stand[s] fully by our officer and his professionalism and his conduct throughout this particular incident.”…