The Hillsborough County Land Use Hearing Officer meeting on July 29, 2025, focused on several sign variance requests, with significant discussions surrounding the implications of these requests for local businesses and community aesthetics.

The first major item on the agenda was a variance request from Rob Johnson, representing Citrus Park Town Center. The applicant sought to increase the aggregate sign area from the current 284 square feet to 596 square feet, which would involve a significant height increase and a reduction in the required setback from the right-of-way. Johnson emphasized the need for improved signage to enhance visibility and attract customers to the shopping center, which has undergone various upgrades under new ownership. The request was met with scrutiny regarding the mathematical calculations of the proposed sign area, but ultimately, the hearing officer acknowledged the need for clarity in the variance process.

Following this, Adi Mentry presented a request for a variance concerning two existing ground signs at Highland Oaks Business Park. The applicant sought a reduction in the required distance between the signs, citing unique site conditions that necessitate clearer wayfinding for visitors. Mentry argued that the existing signs are crucial for tenant visibility and public safety, as they are situated on separate tracks divided by a road.

The meeting also included a request from Burlington Stores for a variance to allow a larger wall sign than currently permitted. The applicant argued that the existing landscape obscures monument signage, making a larger wall sign essential for visibility and customer access. The proposed sign would significantly exceed the current size limits, prompting discussions about the balance between business needs and community aesthetics.

Lastly, Wawa Florida LLC requested variances for two ground signs, aiming to increase the allowable sign area and reduce setbacks due to existing infrastructure limitations. The applicant highlighted the importance of adequate signage for safety and visibility, particularly given the high traffic on US Highway 301.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing tension between business interests and regulatory requirements in Hillsborough County. The hearing officer's decisions on these variance requests will likely impact local businesses' ability to attract customers while maintaining community standards for signage. The outcomes of these discussions will be closely watched by both business owners and residents as they navigate the balance between development and community character.