The Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg is known for thier pro-LGBTQ stance and drag queen sermons. On June 17, Pastor Andy Oliver arrived at the church to find the parking lot full of Pinellas County Sheriff cars.
When confronted, the officers stated they were staging for an operation. The pastor, suspecting they were there to assist ICE, asked them to leave. Afterwards, the church issued a bill to the Sheriff’s office for $10,000, stating it was for “unauthorized use of private church parking lot beginning at 6:00 AM. 13 vehicles occupying 17 parking spots. Disruption to community access, operations, and congregational use of property.” It also mentions that “continued use without coordination or consent may result in legal action or additional penalties.” It also states that the money will be forwarded to legal services for immigrants.
