(PENSACOLA) --- It’s that time of the year.
Political signage is an issue, beginning with resident Doris Hayes, who confronted elected officials at the April 23 meeting about the citation handed to her by Code Enforcement Boutin.
Hayes questioned the law, specifically regarding maximum numbers and sizes, including back-to-back signs. The citation came as a surprise to the resident of Martin Luther King Drive.
“It’s time for political signs,” Hayes said, adding she received the notice the day before the meeting.
(Photo: Resident Doris Hayes, who has placed political signs in her yard during elections for years, received a recent citation)
“Two years ago, people had signs everywhere,” Hayes said. “Now he is saying I have too many signs.”
The city lays out the code on its website, detailing all allowed demographics, reporting that political campaign signs are not allowed on any public property, including the rights of way for streets, medians, parks, or utility yards.
Signs cannot be closer than 3 ft to the edge of the road and larger than 16 sq. feet, obstruct motorists' view or “visibility triangle,” or be allowed on vacant property unless authorized by the land owner.
(Photo: Mayor D.C. Reeves informs Doris Hayes that officials will "track down" why she received a citation for political signs in her yard)
There is one exception.
“Political campaign signs are allowed on the public right-of-way when adjacent to occupied homes or businesses with the consent of the owner or occupant,” according to city code.
Hayes said Boutin noted a change in law, but City Attorney David Stafford shut that down the second time Hayes took the podium during the two LeRoy Boyd Public Forums. In the first forum, Mayor D.C. Reeves addressed Hayes after the 3-minute timer buzzed, informing her that Associate City Administrator Cliff Collins would get her cell.
“It’s campaign season, and a lot of others are flying around with some in the right of way and not,” Reeves said. “We are happy to track it down, and it may be a matter of just moving some old signs or something,” Reeves said.
Reeves' suggestion was not good enough, with Hayes waiting another two hours to speak again at the very end of the meeting.
“I really don't want to repeat myself," Hayes said, adding she needs clarity now. “I know you gave me a card for Mr. Clifford, called, and I've talked with him later, but I do want to just make it clear to the public this letter he gave me, and you have a copy of it."
Clear she made it.
Hayes reminded officials she is a taxpayer and wants to know exactly why there is a problem now after years of political signs in her yard.
“That's why I'm really coming up to confront y'all with this, because, and I want to clarify with Officer Ron Bolton that he was doing his job,” Hayes said. “I just want to find out a little bit more legally about this.”
(Photo: Pensacola City Attorney David Stafford states there has been no law change regarding political signs)
That’s where City Attorney David Stafford comes in.
“It's still a temporary sign ordinance,” Stafford said. “I think the last time it was adjusted was in 2020.”
The city also offers reminders from the Florida Department of Transportation about political signs and safety hazards.
(Photo: FDOT reminder about political sign safety posted on the City of Pensacola website)
“Improperly located signs on state right of way pose a traffic safety hazard that can distract motorists or block their view, endanger the safety of individuals who are erecting signs along busy highways, and present obstacles to crews who maintain roadways,” according to the FDOT.
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