Business & Tech
Sandwich Signs, Beach by Design Top Task Force List of Fixes
The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce came up with 56 recommendations to help streamline business and development in the city. The public can comment on the suggestions at 5 p.m. at the Business Task Force meeting at the Main Library on Tuesday.
From sandwich board signs to Beach by Design, more than 50 changes could be coming to help streamline processes for businesses or developers in Clearwater.
The public can comment about the 56 suggestions at 5 p.m. at the Clearwater Business Task Force meeting at the on Tuesday.
Members of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce have worked for nearly 18 months on the recommendations to streamline processes for business owners including suggestions to the sign ordinance, land use and development code, said Bob Clifford, president of the chamber.
If all goes well, the recommendations will go before the city council in three months, Clifford said.
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Many of the suggestions have to do with the city's sign ordinance. A different method to determine the allowable size of a sign could be a change and even how business owners can advertise their services.
“There’s some feeling in the city that there’s no room in the community for sandwich boards," Clifford said.
A suggestion would allow for the use of permitted sandwich boards and electronic message boards.
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Sandwich board signs are a type of advertising placed in front of a business, usually on the sidewalk. The foldable signs typically feature specials or something to lure customers who might not notice the business.
Other recommendations deal with land use including Beach by Design development. One worry is a “canyon” effect on Clearwater Beach when too many high rises are built.
“Certainly Sand Key was the standard bearer as what not to do,” Clifford said.
Mayor Frank Hibbard is happy with the way things are going with the newly formed Business Task Force.
The group was formed this year to examine and give feedback to the city council about business-related issues in the city.
Hibbard said a lot of suggestions will help streamline the process for developers and business owners.
“I hope it sends a clear message that Clearwater is open for business,” Hibbard said.
Hibbard also likes the movement made for allowances for sandwich board signs.
“I don’t have a problem with them,” Hibbard said. “I would like them to be a little cleaner and neater. ... Sometimes they are a little tacky.”
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