Pinellas commissioners want to limit digital billboards

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The Pinellas County commission wants to limit the numbers of digital billboards across the county. 

Now it appears the issue has moved across the Bay.

According to Bay News 9's partner newspaper the St. Petersburg Times, the Pinellas County commission has put a moratorium on new digital billboards. The commission is drafting an ordinance banning new permits for the billboards in unincorporated Pinellas County.

No permits will be considered until there is a new policy, which is expected next year.

Effective today, the decision includes a ban on any new billboard permits until there is a vote on the ordinance.

Meanwhile, officials with Clear Channel called the moratorium heavy-handed.

Clear Channel has wanted to increase the number of digital billboard in St. Petersburg.

In unincorporated Pinellas, it wants to be able to change a digital ad every six seconds instead of 60 seconds.

Pinellas has five digital billboards, including two in the unincorporated area.

Critics, including top county officials, say the digital signs can distract drivers.

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