PENSACOLA, Fla. — A twice-arrested street preacher sued Escambia County in federal court on Aug. 8 to challenge an ordinance requiring permits for public demonstrations.

Prosecutors in May dropped both charges against Orlando Bethel, but an Escambia County sheriff's spokesman immediately said that wouldn't stop deputies from continuing to enforce the law and make arrests.

Bethel and his wife, Glynis, sued in U.S. District Court here on grounds that the ordinance violates their First Amendment right of free speech. They are represented by Liberty Counsel, an Orlando-based group that defends religious civil liberties.

"Escambia County's ordinance requiring one individual to get a permit before speaking on any public sidewalk is breathtakingly unconstitutional," said Matt Staver, the group's president and general counsel. "It is as if the First Amendment doesn't exist in Escambia County."

Orlando Bethel, 36, is associated with the 21st Century House of God in Loxley, Ala. Sheriff's deputies arrested him in April and again in May when he refused orders to leave public property.

Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said he threw out the cases against Bethel because the law prohibits demonstrations without a permit at parades or public demonstrations, but does not bar an individual or a small group from standing in public holding a sign.

The county attorney's office did not return a call seeking comment.