One of the main selling points of programmable LED signs is that you can post both text and graphics with minimal effort on your end. However, in St. Petersburg, Florida, an ordinance says that programmable LED signs can only have text, not graphics.
According to the report from ABC Action News, the owner of Northeast Animal Hospital, Dr. Mark Scribano, spent about $40,000 to put up his programmable LED sign for advertising purposes. The LED display used to show a kitty and a dog in need of dental work. Now, the LED sign only has text. It was earlier approved by the City of St. Petersburg but a new city ordinance declared graphics on programmable LED signs are not allowed because they are “distracting.” Non-compliance merits a fine.
Other affected business owners are also standing up against the ordinance. Pam Levitt had her programmable LED sign approved two years ago and she is not ready to turn off her $52,000 digital sign. A council member has expressed concerns that “St. Petersburg could look like Las Vegas” if more flamboyant signs popped up.
Based on this view, it seems programmable LED signs at St. Petersburg will remain graphics-less for some time.
Since such ordinance is beyond anyone’s control, the best thing to do is to make the most of what you have. Rather than having no programmable LED sign for your business, get creative and leverage on the power witty words can bring.
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