I think this quote from further down the article puts this into perspective.

FNB admittedly knew that its recent actions would likely incite arrest, and even posted an alert on its website inviting supporters to "come ... (and) show support for the right to share food in public spaces and to observe the actions of Orlando police and city officials." Officials, however, say the group has always been free to feed the homeless in other designated areas, but instead decided to deliberately break the rules by feeding in the park.

  If you are going to intentionally break city bye-laws - however daft they might appear to be - arrest is a likely result.