Pinellas slaps moratorium on new digital billboards

CLEARWATER — Pinellas County on Tuesday slapped a moratorium on new digital billboards, dealing a surprising blow to advertising companies.

The County Commission voted 5-2 to begin drafting an ordinance banning new permits for the electronic signs in unincorporated Pinellas at least until there's a new policy, which is expected next year.

The decision also includes a ban — effective today — on new billboard permits until there is a vote on the ordinance.

"It doesn't seem like we've caught up with the technology. … I don't want to be in the spot where we're negotiating from weakness," said Commissioner Neil Brickfield.

Clear Channel has sought to add digital billboards across the Tampa Bay area, sparking debates about their safety.

However, the moratorium wasn't on the agenda for Tuesday, which Commissioner Nancy Bostock dubbed undemocratic.

"It didn't go out to the public," said Bostock, who voted against the moratorium with Commissioner Susan Latvala.

County Administrator Bob LaSala said the moratorium's handling was acceptable because the ban will exist only until a legally required public hearing.

LaSala also said it wasn't possible to add the item to the agenda because county officials realized only late last week that Clear Channel had begun the process to add two digital billboards. Those billboards may be halted now.

LaSala sent an e-mail Friday afternoon to commissioners with a memo dated Thursday informing them of his plans to seek a moratorium, or another alternative, on one-year permits for new digital signs. The agenda was released Thursday.

County Attorney Jim Bennett said courts have allowed the government to take immediate, temporary action to avoid impairing its ability to effectively legislate.

"There's no finality to it," LaSala said.

Todd Pressman, a lobbyist for Clear Channel, called the moratorium heavy-handed. He learned of LaSala's plan and sent a letter complaining Monday, but left prior to the board's discussion Tuesday, doubting that a moratorium would be approved. Clear Channel, he wrote, "has always strived for open discussions."

Clear Channel has sought to expand its digital billboard business, including bids this fall to add them in St. Petersburg. In unincorporated Pinellas, it wants to be able to change a digital ad every six seconds instead of 60 — the spark of Tuesday's debate.

Pinellas has five digital billboards, including two in the unincorporated area. Critics, including top county officials, say the digital signs can distract drivers and visually blight neighborhoods.

Reach David DeCamp at ddecamp@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8779.