954 Represent!

There’s something admirable about having intense pride for the city you live in. Still, that type of dedication is a rare commodity here in Fort Lauderdale, a city full of people that hail from elsewhere. But for Jadis Mercado and the crew working at (954) Food Not Bombs, commitment to Fort Lauderdale and all its people is what has driven them each Friday at 3 p.m. to Stranahan Park (Corner of Broward Blvd. and Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale), where they serve food to Fort Lauderdale’s extensive homeless population.

You’d think that young people spontaneously offering charity to the obviously needy would be a good thing. but, according to Mercado, reaction to the meals has been mixed. On August 3, 2007, Mercado says that Fort Lauderdale police broke up their festivities and threatened to arrest the FnB crew if it returned (a police representative could not be reached for comment). Despite the risk, the collective showed up the following week – only this time with over 150 supporters in tow. Mercado says the police have since retracted their pressure, allowing FnB to continue their efforts unhindered. Visit www.myspace.com/thelepracy.
Fridays, 3 p.m., 2007