Tampa Bay History Center cleared for larger electronic message signs on Water Street with code compliance condition

The Variance Review Board on June 10 approved an increase in allowable electronic message center (EMC) wall signage for the Tampa Bay History Center at 801 Water Street, allowing a 225‑square‑foot EMC on the west elevation and a 277‑square‑foot EMC on the northeast elevation, conditioned on compliance with the City of Tampa sign code.

Addie (Adi) Mentree, representing the Tampa Bay History Center, said the center will remove several existing banners and replace them with EMC panels to promote exhibitions and events, and that the signs would display static images (not video) and comply with EMC brightness and illumination limits. Mentree emphasized the center’s cultural and tourism role, noting the History Center’s accreditation and affiliation with the Smithsonian and its participation in the city’s Riverwalk attraction pass.

Staff noted that while Amalie Arena has EMC signage, not all arena signs are code‑compliant and the board cannot grant approval for signs that would violate current sign code provisions. Legal counsel and staff recommended conditioning any approval on compliance with the City of Tampa sign code’s EMC provisions. The applicant agreed that the signs will be designed to meet permitting standards, including brightness specifications and permitted hours of illumination.

Board members discussed the proposal’s purpose, visual impact in the Central Business District and public‑safety considerations for drivers and pedestrians. One motion approved the size increases and explicitly required the signs remain compliant with the City of Tampa sign code (including EMC provisions) when installed and permitted. Staff will review final specifications during permitting to ensure compliance with brightness, static‑image requirements and any other applicable standards.