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TDC advances plan for six gateway signs; $80,000-per-sign estimate and external funding sought
Summary
Staff told the Tourist Development Council that monument gateway signs for Hardee County are estimated at $80,000 per sign, with six signs planned and an initial focus on four signs during calendar year 2026, contingent on funding from EDA, IDA and the BOCC.
Hardee County staff told the Tourist Development Council that the county’s monument gateway sign program is budgeted at about $80,000 per sign and that the program will ultimately place six signs at county entrances, with four signs proposed for initial implementation if funding is secured.
Doug Baber said the $80,000 figure covers permitting, design and engineering for all six signs and that the county is pursuing cost-share and external grants to fund construction. “We’re putting together a packet” for the Economic Development Administration and working with the Industrial Development Authority, Baber said, adding that the Board of County Commissioners would likely provide funding for the remaining signs.
Baber said the plan is to design all six signs at once because permitting and engineering are done collectively, and to build the first four during calendar year 2026 if the funds are raised. He said the county will continue value engineering during procurement and that the final bid prices could come in lower or higher depending on materials and market conditions.
Council members asked about sign placement. Staff said Kimley-Horn is working on site analysis and that some sign locations may require alternate placements or right-of-way analysis; staff noted that the ideal placement would be on the right-hand side as drivers enter the county but that FDOT right-of-way limits must be considered. A timeline for construction was described as “during fiscal year 26” if funding is secured.
Why it matters: Gateway signage is a visible infrastructure investment intended to brand the county and attract visitors; the $320,000 design/build estimate for four signs represents a large capital ask for the TDC and county partners. Council members questioned the high per-sign estimate and recommended cost-saving measures at procurement and value engineering stages.
Next steps: Staff will pursue EDA and IDA funding applications, refine permitting and placement options with Kimley-Horn, and present implementation plans to the BOCC as part of the county’s capital funding process.
