From: Feda, Jim [FedaJJ@scdot.org]
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 4:08:30 PM
To: Melvin, Keith C; barbarariccio@yahoo.com
CC: Elmore, Dede; Cooper, Sue
Subject: RE: Public road signs

Thanks Keith.

 

From: Melvin, Keith C
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 3:58 PM
To: barbarariccio@yahoo.com
Cc: Elmore, Dede; Sue.Cooper@admin.sc.gov; Feda, Jim
Subject: FW: Public road signs

 

Thank you for your e-mail that was forwarded to me from the Office of the Secretary of Transportation which addressed adult advertisement.

 

We understand your concern as it relates to the advertisement of adult establishments and appreciate your bringing it to the attention of the Department.  Input from the motoring public is appreciated and is helpful to us in eliminating illegal advertising.

 

SC Code of Laws recognize that outdoor advertising is an integral part of the business and marketing function and is an established segment of the national economy.  Outdoor Advertising is regulated in accordance with federal and state standards.  Advertisements that do not conform to federal and state standards are considered illegal.  As distasteful as this ad may appear, it does not violate these advertising standards, and is therefore not illegal.  Since this advertisement is considered legal, the Department has no authority to have it removed.

 

Again, thank you for your concern.  If you have additional questions or need additional information, please let me know.

 

Sincerely,

 

Keith C. Melvin, CPM

Director of Outdoor Advertising

SC Department of Transportation

PO Box 191

Columbia, SC  29202-0191

(803)737-1339

 

 

 

From: Elmore, Dede
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2016 11:28 AM
To: Barbara Riccio
Cc: Melvin, Keith C
Subject: RE: Public road signs

 

Dear Ms. Riccio:

 

This is to acknowledge that I received and have read your e-mail concerning a billboard on Highway 17 North. I have forwarded your concerns on to our Outdoor Advertising Department here at SCDOT. They will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your e-mail.

 

Thank you for your inquiry. 

 

Dede Elmore, MBA

Executive Assistant

Office of the Secretary

SCDOT

955 Park Street

P.O. Box 191

Columbia, SC 29202

803-737-1312

 

From: Barbara Riccio [mailto:barbarariccio@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2016 10:26 AM
To: Elmore, Dede
Subject: Public road signs

 

 I was advised by Gov. Haley's office to write to you all to voice a concern I have.

 

 

 

In Murrells Inlet, on Rt 17 N.. just near the split of 17 Bypass and 17 Business, there is a huge sign that reads....

 

 

"LIVE, NUDE DANCING AT THE DERRIERE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB".

 

 

Now.... whatever little forms of entertainment adults want to play with themselves or other adults is truly of no concern to me, but come on... you've got to be kidding me, allowing this kind of advertising on a public billboard when people drive by with their young (around 8 or 10 year old daughters or young boys) children.

 

If you were a father, would any of you seriously want to have your 9 year old daughter sitting beside you and ask you about this? Or perhaps if you were a 45 year old man driving with his parents. Would you not have the common decency or moral values to at least be a bit embarrassed?  

 

A little public class in our South Carolina home town would be a really nice thing .......... instead of advertising to our residents and visitors what a sleazy place we live in. 

 

Is this crap on our roadways really necessary?

 

Thank you for your time.

Barbara Riccio