- April 25, 2024
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In March 2016, Palm Coast Ford enjoyed its best sales month ever, thanks in part to the signs and tent that were put up on the property to advertise the promotion to drivers on Palm Coast Parkway. But the signs were not in line with the city’s code, and they had to be removed before the end of the month. Now that March is here again, the managers at Palm Coast Ford feel the city should make greater exceptions for temporary signs.
“I understand the need for them to keep Palm Coast clean … I get it,” said Don York, general manager. “It just needs to be looked at significantly.”
To promote last year’s sale, General Sales Manager Paul Summa had a large sign, saying “Red Tag Event,” installed on a trailer in the dealership parking lot, and it extended into the branches of a tree. It was too big for the code, which only allows 32 square feet for a temporary sign. There was also a tent and other banners, and the city only allows one temporary sign at a time.
City spokeswoman Cindi Lane said the City Council set high standards in the code to foster a clean, upscale, safe look. “We really strive to blend our development with our green community,” she said.
York pointed out that Palm Coast Ford is growing, now employing 101 people and recently expanding its inventory from 170 to 240 new cars on the lot. Ford also contributes to many local charities and is hoping to get even more involved this year.
But, York said, “It’s awful hard to be a good neighbor when something that is seen as so trivial, they’re taking a hard line on.”
Summa added that because of the trees in front of the dealership, some people who have lived in Palm Coast for years still don't know where Ford is located. "It’s tough for us," he said. "It’s time to change the codes a little bit. They’re outdated."
City Councilman Steve Nobile said he was not aware of the specifics in the Palm Coast Ford situation and was wary of allowing temporary signs that are very large. But he said the sign rules should be revisited to make sure they are fair for all businesses.
“We don’t want signs overwhelming our roads,” he said. “That is part of the culture of Palm Coast. But we have to give businesses a little something where they are able to promote special events.”
