Does anyone know what the 'bench-like' things are that have popped up along 30-a?????? Surely they aren't benches.......so what?? Curious....?
Replies
1,381
Beach Fanatic
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
So now that we've established that the vast majority of property owners and residents detest these signs, is there a course of action?
So now that we've established that the vast majority of property owners and residents detest these signs, is there a course of action?
Beach Fanatic
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re:Signs on 30-A
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus
Hi Tracy,
About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.
I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.
Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.
Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.
I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well.
The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061
Sincerely,
Dave Rauschkolb
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re:Signs on 30-A
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus
Hi Tracy,
About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.
I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.
Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.
Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.
I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well.
The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061
Sincerely,
Dave Rauschkolb
SoWal Guide
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
I would change my vote if I could as well. my first glimpses of the signs were on the very east end of 30A. for some reason, those signs are not as giant as some of the others. I've seen most of them now, and I'm horrified. yes, landscaping would go a long way. but putting those on our SCENIC drive is a big mistake.
Thank you Dave for writing the above letter and representing us.
I have to admit, I was one who voted "neither like or dislike" a few days ago but now, after having driven by the signs several times, they aren't growing on me at all - just the opposite actually - and I would put dislike now. They do look so out of place! I am guessing the height is due to the fact that they were leaving some room under for safety purposes and that isn't what bothers me about them. It's the color that looks so wrong to me.
I would change my vote if I could as well. my first glimpses of the signs were on the very east end of 30A. for some reason, those signs are not as giant as some of the others. I've seen most of them now, and I'm horrified. yes, landscaping would go a long way. but putting those on our SCENIC drive is a big mistake.
Thank you Dave for writing the above letter and representing us.
SoWal Expert
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
Not intended to imply that we should destroy the signs by vandalism, just that the TDC needs to pony up and have them painted a nice neutral green or tan. They should take some notes from WaterColor regarding sign colors. Also, the bold text on the directional signs should not be so heavy. I have excellent vision, though I find the text very difficult to read. Not to mention, I have to completely take my eyes off the road to read the signs as I pass under them. Terrible mistake, though I realize that the one at 395 in front of the Seagrove Market may be that tall for drivers to see as they are egressing from roads.
Not intended to imply that we should destroy the signs by vandalism, just that the TDC needs to pony up and have them painted a nice neutral green or tan. They should take some notes from WaterColor regarding sign colors. Also, the bold text on the directional signs should not be so heavy. I have excellent vision, though I find the text very difficult to read. Not to mention, I have to completely take my eyes off the road to read the signs as I pass under them. Terrible mistake, though I realize that the one at 395 in front of the Seagrove Market may be that tall for drivers to see as they are egressing from roads.
Beach Fanatic
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
Bravo, Dave! You articulated it all so perfectly IMO!! Can't wait to see how this all plays out.
Thank you for your dedication in keeping Sowal such a beautiful place.
Bravo, Dave! You articulated it all so perfectly IMO!! Can't wait to see how this all plays out.
Thank you for your dedication in keeping Sowal such a beautiful place.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re:Signs on 30-A
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus
Hi Tracy,
About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.
I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.
Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.
Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.
I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well.
The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061
Sincerely,
Dave Rauschkolb
Beach Fanatic
Re: New signs on 30A designating communities
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re: Out of Office AutoReply:
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus
Hi Tracy,
About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.
I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.
Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.
- Hide quoted text -
Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.
I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well. The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061
Sincerely,
Dave Rauschkolb
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re: Out of Office AutoReply:
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus
Hi Tracy,
About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.
I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.
Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.
- Hide quoted text -
Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.
I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well. The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061
Sincerely,
Dave Rauschkolb
SoWal Guide
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
maybe dave's letter will help get NEW signs altogether.
but please don't paint them highway sign green. I would prefer the blue. you know, the color isn't what bothers me that much. it's the whole design.
Not intended to imply that we should destroy the signs by vandalism, just that the TDC needs to pony up and have them painted a nice neutral green or tan. They should take some notes from WaterColor regarding sign colors. Also, the bold text on the directional signs should not be so heavy. I have excellent vision, though I find the text very difficult to read. Not to mention, I have to completely take my eyes off the road to read the signs as I pass under them. Terrible mistake, though I realize that the one at 395 in front of the Seagrove Market may be that tall for drivers to see as they are egressing from roads.
maybe dave's letter will help get NEW signs altogether.
but please don't paint them highway sign green. I would prefer the blue. you know, the color isn't what bothers me that much. it's the whole design.
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
The color is what bothers me, and I agree, no bright hwy green. I was going for the green color of the top, or something along those lines, maybe a few shades lighter.
The color is what bothers me, and I agree, no bright hwy green. I was going for the green color of the top, or something along those lines, maybe a few shades lighter.
Beach Fanatic
Re: New signs on 30A designating communities
Sounds like a workable plan that would be most appreciated. I didn't vote because I haven't seen the signs, but the sentiment on this board sure sounds like they're an eyesore and inconsistent with the scenic vision of the area and locals.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Rauschkolb <drmail@mchsi.com>
Date: Jan 11, 2008 9:21 PM
Subject: Re: Out of Office AutoReply:
To: Tracy Louthain < tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com>
CC: Claire Bannerman
CC: Kris Titus
Hi Tracy,
About 15 years ago I originally approached the TDC as President of the Scenic 30-A Business Association with the idea of naming each beach community. Because we did not have the funds to pay for the signs I asked the TDC to fund the project if I came up with the design and placed them. TDC graciously accepted and has maintained the signs since then. I want you to know that I support your efforts and felt great that a new generation of signs would be good for the area.
I have done my best to calm the storm brewing on SoWal and all over regarding negative opinions about the look of the new signs. I am sure you know you have a local public relations disaster on your hands. People are coming to me because I designed the old signs and I have tried to tell them "just give it time, they will blend in over time" "It's part of a comprehensive plan that will give the area continuity and connectedness" and so on.
Basically, every person I have spoken to hates the new signs. All I hear is they are too big, too high and too blue. I have not heard one positive comment yet.
- Hide quoted text -
Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost. I know what it takes to plan and implement something of this magnitude but I really feel if this many people dislike the signs now just wait until the season. People are likening the area to Disney.
I suggest you work with Claire Bannerman on creating a design that incorporates the Beaches of South Walton logo with the words "Scenic 30-A" because it will be a scenic route soon. I would be happy to work with you as well. The signs should be much smaller and lower to the ground and made of a material that long lasting and is indigenous to the area; I suggest cypress. At any rate, I strongly suggest you act quickly to form a plan. I am happy to help in any way. PR, design or otherwise. Please call me or email me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you. 865-1061
Sincerely,
Dave Rauschkolb
Sounds like a workable plan that would be most appreciated. I didn't vote because I haven't seen the signs, but the sentiment on this board sure sounds like they're an eyesore and inconsistent with the scenic vision of the area and locals.Beach Lover
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
today i saw a foundation for another sign it is at the washinton county border on hwy 20 east . that's cowford there i think about 4-5 miles east of bruce. soon we will be able to find "disney" from every entrance to walton county. can we have to much mouse, beach mouse i mean?
today i saw a foundation for another sign it is at the washinton county border on hwy 20 east . that's cowford there i think about 4-5 miles east of bruce. soon we will be able to find "disney" from every entrance to walton county. can we have to much mouse, beach mouse i mean?
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
5,203 spying on this thread, and I've yet to see one positive comment on them.
5,203 spying on this thread, and I've yet to see one positive comment on them.
Beach Lover
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
5,203 spying on this thread, and I've yet to see one positive comment on them.sj,it is nice to live somewhere that this is about the biggest thing to complain about.
Beach Lover
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
where can a person buy one of the old signs? are they on ebay yet? i will make the first bid.
where can a person buy one of the old signs? are they on ebay yet? i will make the first bid.
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
that would represent only the number of times the thread had been viewed, not the number of spys.
Could be the same people reading it over and over.
5,203 spying on this thread, and I've yet to see one positive comment on them.
that would represent only the number of times the thread had been viewed, not the number of spys.
Could be the same people reading it over and over.
SoWal Insider
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
I think they should be collected and stored so they can be put in a museum along with photos, stories and artifacts of the area's "good old days."
.
where can a person buy one of the old signs? are they on ebay yet? i will make the first bid.
I think they should be collected and stored so they can be put in a museum along with photos, stories and artifacts of the area's "good old days."
.
Beach Fanatic
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
But the Canadians like them...
Here's your link. http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/11301
But the Canadians like them...
Visitors to South Walton have noticed. Wayne Britt, 60, and his wife, Susan, have been coming to the area from Barrie, Ontario, for nine years.
Wayne Britt said the signs allow for easier navigation. ?They look smart and attractive,? he said. ?It allows 30A to be the special place it is.? Susan Britt said the uniformity of the system is particularly useful.
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Oh good, the people who have been coming here for 9 YEARS AND STILL NEED SIGNS TO NAVIGATE 30-A like them!
Glad we've identified the target demographic. :roll:
Oh good, the people who have been coming here for 9 YEARS AND STILL NEED SIGNS TO NAVIGATE 30-A like them!
Glad we've identified the target demographic. :roll:
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
"Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost."Now that is the kind of economic stimulus package we need here in Walton County. Anyone else want in on some of this largesse?
"Regardless of what has been spent, I strongly suggest you rethink and redesign new ones regardless of the cost."Now that is the kind of economic stimulus package we need here in Walton County. Anyone else want in on some of this largesse?
SoWal Insider
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Dave, you designed the old signs? I am not kidding, I have always been so fond of those signs, and I never thought they were hard to read or see. I DID always think they reflected the best of 30-A -- they were subtle, simple and perfectly in tune with the surroundings. I have thought about this many many times, and again I am not kidding.
The blue? Wow. Disneyfied is the word that comes to mind. Now I know there is some of that already in SoWal, but does the TDC really have to give itself over to it too?
Thanks for the pics John R. I haven't read this entire thread, but I understand the horror now.
Dave, you designed the old signs? I am not kidding, I have always been so fond of those signs, and I never thought they were hard to read or see. I DID always think they reflected the best of 30-A -- they were subtle, simple and perfectly in tune with the surroundings. I have thought about this many many times, and again I am not kidding.
The blue? Wow. Disneyfied is the word that comes to mind. Now I know there is some of that already in SoWal, but does the TDC really have to give itself over to it too?
Thanks for the pics John R. I haven't read this entire thread, but I understand the horror now.
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Considering the amount of money they waste on crap, I don't think a redesign to keep my eyes from being assaulted on a daily basis is too much to ask for.
Remember, these are the signs we paid an EXTRA $40K for (20% more than the 2nd highest bidder) because the company (in Ft. Walton) was local and would do a better job.
Considering the amount of money they waste on crap, I don't think a redesign to keep my eyes from being assaulted on a daily basis is too much to ask for.
Remember, these are the signs we paid an EXTRA $40K for (20% more than the 2nd highest bidder) because the company (in Ft. Walton) was local and would do a better job.
Edited
SoWal Insider
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Now that I've read the whole thread, I feel even worse.
Anyone think it's a coincidence that they did this in January? :angry:
Now that I've read the whole thread, I feel even worse.
Anyone think it's a coincidence that they did this in January? :angry:
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Don't stand for having your eyes assaulted by those "horrid" signs. People on this board *****ing need to put their money where their mouth is. Set up a fund for like-minded brethren on SoWal.com so that signs more to the majority's liking can be acquired. Who knows .... with a little persuasion I might even consider matching your contribution.
Don't stand for having your eyes assaulted by those "horrid" signs. People on this board *****ing need to put their money where their mouth is. Set up a fund for like-minded brethren on SoWal.com so that signs more to the majority's liking can be acquired. Who knows .... with a little persuasion I might even consider matching your contribution.
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
With the TDC spending $260,000 on these, (around $5306 per sign) they should ask for a redo, for no additional charge.
Considering the amount of money they waste on crap, I don't think a redesign to keep my eyes from being assaulted on a daily basis is too much to ask for.Actually, that $160K is for the other signs to be located along the multi-use trail running along 30A. Those are still to be installed. I hope they aren't fashioned in the same style, color and size, but I have a feeling that the TDC will want to further market the red and white umbrellas.
Remember, these are the signs we paid an EXTRA $40K for (20% more than the 2nd highest bidder) because the company (in Ft. Walton) was local and would do a better job.
With the TDC spending $260,000 on these, (around $5306 per sign) they should ask for a redo, for no additional charge.SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
sj,it is nice to live somewhere that this is about the biggest thing to complain about.Interestingly, this thread was started long after the presidential poll thread, though this poll on signs is only 104 votes less than the presidential votes. 1152 to 1048. I guess that says a lot.
Admin
Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?
John R took some pics - check the first page.
Both this thread, and the link to the news story -- sorry Andy -- are worthless without pics.
I trust you guys (especially Chickpea) who say they are horrid but I would like to see what they look like.I'm sure I'm not alone. Anyone?
John R took some pics - check the first page.
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.