No police present at homeless feeding in Fort Lauderdale

Arnold Abbott, 90, continues feeding homeless despite citation threats

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Police did not show up to a feeding of the homeless Wednesday night.

A group gathered on State Road A1A for a meal and celebrated the night by playing music. Arnold Abbott, 90, said he did not know why officers weren't there.

"I'm just thrilled I was able to feed everyone," he said.

Last week, Fort Lauderdale police recorded the gathering and told Abbott he would receive a citation in the mail.

Abbott is in a legal fight with the city over an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of the homeless in open areas. Abbott has served food to the needy at the site for decades.

City commissioners highlighted their work for the homeless Tuesday with a proclamation that homeless advocates called hypocritical. 

"It's shameful," said a homeless man after receiving a meal. 

Abbott said his group will be back next week for a Thanksgiving dinner.

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