Pinellas County Commissioners' decision to stick a moratorium on new digital signs -- the latest front in long-running billboard battles -- "surprised" Clear Channel, said lobbyist Todd Pressman on Wednesday.

Without putting the issue on the published agenda, the board voted 5-2 for the moratorium Tuesday. Pressman learned of the proposal Monday, and that day urged an "open" discussion. There was no opportunity for public debate, and Pressman -- also doubting a moratorium would come down -- left to attend a previously scheduled hearing in Temple Terrace.

"We’re surprised, and we wish there would have been public input and discourse and a vetting," Pressman said. "We understand why they did what they did, and it’s going to come back."

The moratorium lasts at least until a vote on an ordinance making the ban full-fledged. That's expected after public hearings Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, Pressman said. He said the company did take solace in the county's decision not to put two pending permit applications under the moratorium.

The increasing industry push for digital billboards has sparked debate over their risk of distracting drivers.

"We do understand why they did it. Our posture is to work
with the county," Pressman said.

David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer

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