The Variance Review Board on Dec. 9 continued consideration of an electronic messaging sign (EMC) for a proposed medical facility at 4040 Henderson Boulevard after members raised visibility, pedestrian and drainage concerns.

Applicant Addie Mentree presented three requests: reduce freestanding sign setback from 5 feet to 0 at the property line; increase the EMC messaging area from 16 square feet to 40 square feet; and reduce required EMC-to-EMC separation from 300 feet to 129 feet. Mentree said FDOT’s recent right‑of‑way changes and existing site engineering (driveways and stormwater retention) constrained sign placement: "The requested 40 square feet is the minimum area needed to provide safe and readable communication along this corridor," she told the board, asserting that a 16‑square‑foot EMC would be unreadable at posted speeds on Henderson.

Board members pressed for civil engineering evidence and sight‑triangle diagrams showing whether a five‑foot‑in relocation is feasible without compromising drainage or the site’s retention features. One member said the proposed 0-foot setback raised safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians and questioned whether sidewalk/ multimodal improvements planned along Henderson could be preserved alongside a lot‑line sign.

After discussion the board voted to continue the request to the Jan. 13, 2026 meeting and asked the applicant to submit visibility/sight‑triangle diagrams and drainage/retention engineering that demonstrate whether the sign can be sited further onto the property while meeting FDOT and city visibility standards. The applicant agreed to return with the requested material. The continuance will give staff, the applicant and the board time to evaluate alternatives and ensure any approval would not create a sight‑line or pedestrian‑safety hazard on a busy corridor.

What the applicant must provide: the board requested (1) formal sight‑triangle and visibility diagrams tied to the two site entrances, (2) civil engineering showing if the drainage/retention features can be regraded or altered to allow a 5‑foot setback without reducing storm capacity, and (3) a demonstration that a 40‑sq‑ft EMC is the minimum safe readable size at the posted speeds. The case will return Jan. 13, 2026 at Old City Hall.