New big blue signs in SoWal

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

Thanks very much. This is far too important to let this slide. The bottom line is 30-A should have wayfinding signs that compliment the road's unique character.

I have not had a response yet to my letter; I am sure they will come out with an official response soon I would assume. Let's remember that a lot of people worked very hard and for a long time to make this happen. I am sure it must be disconcerting to have so much negative feedback. The TDC has done a great job of using the bed tax to promote the area for years and I trust they will find a good solution.

I think it is great that people are stepping up and offering to raise money to remedy the situation and get new signs but I agree that the TDC can probably absorb it. I love to see how passionate SoWallers are about our area. We should never fail to use that passion to protect what makes our beloved 30-A so unique.

Dave: you couldn't be more right on. As a local full-time resident, would like to volunteer for any venture you or anybody else organizes to replace these monstrosities, even if it means biting the bullet and scrapping them and the money already spent. Walton County has more than enough of South Waltons tax money to allow us to make the call.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

I am sure it must be disconcerting to have so much negative feedback.

Although I know it is not mandatory, maybe next time they could have a informal poll, either here on SOWAL or even a mail out, to ask peoples opinion on things like this. I mean they even quoted the SOWAL poll so maybe they could post proposed pics and get feedback that way before spending amounts THAT LARGE on something that the majority of the BCC never has to look at.

no one in sowal laughs at tourists,

Oh yes I do... every time I see one the color of a perfectly cooked lobster,or the barefooted ones that run across the scorchingly hot pavement in front of you on 30A, forcing you to slam on your brakes, only to step into a bunch of sand spurs on the other side of he road.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

I liked the old signs, but the new ones are ok too. I like the color, looks better to me than boring white or cream! I also like the fact that they don't look like tombstones! I think they did a nice job. In fact, we've been looking at the signs already posted in front of the high school/Annex for several years now.

yes they are great if you like disney in sowal. :roll: this is still a very small town with extraordinary natural beauty. there is absolutely no need for giant blue signs up and down our scenic drive. they are tasteless, and certainly out of character for our area. I think most residents who or upset about the signs understand the importance of preserving the unique beauty and character of sowal, at least whenever we can.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

You go Toots.

ktitus@beachesofsouthwalton.com

I'm off to send a polite email ...

I'm tackily quoting myself in order to bump this over to another page.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

yes they are great if you like disney in sowal. :roll: this is still a very small town with extraordinary natural beauty. there is absolutely no need for giant blue signs up and down our scenic drive. they are tasteless, and certainly out of character for our area. I think most residents who or upset about the signs understand the importance of preserving the unique beauty and character of sowal, at least whenever we can.

That, is a matter of opinion. Personally, I think the tombstone should be out of character, however, is SoWal living up to its town symbol? You know, poverty is horrid, starvation is horrid, swollen bellies in Africa is horrid, mistreatment is horrid, I do not see where this sign fits into that category.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

That, is a matter of opinion. Personally, I think the tombstone should be out of character, however, is SoWal living up to its town symbol? You know, poverty is horrid, starvation is horrid, swollen bellies in Africa is horrid, mistreatment is horrid, I do not see where this sign fits into that category.

I think you inadvertently posted in the wrong thread, and forum for that matter.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

That, is a matter of opinion. Personally, I think the tombstone should be out of character, however, is SoWal living up to its town symbol? You know, poverty is horrid, starvation is horrid, swollen bellies in Africa is horrid, mistreatment is horrid, I do not see where this sign fits into that category.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This hor?rid (h?r'ĭd, hŏr'-) Pronunciation Key
adj.

1. Causing horror; dreadful.
2. Extremely disagreeable; offensive.
3. Archaic Bristling; rough.

FYI- dictionaries are accessible online these days. Try using one. ;-)

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Hey, if we painted the big tall ones green those would make excellent deer stands. Or if painted red life guards could use them? Did anyone notice that Seaside and Watercolors took their signage down.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

I did notice the Watercolor sign on the western entrance has been removed...not sure why, theirs looked a whole lot better.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This hor?rid (h?r'ĭd, hŏr'-) Pronunciation Key
adj.

1. Causing horror; dreadful.
2. Extremely disagreeable; offensive.
3. Archaic Bristling; rough.

FYI- dictionaries are accessible online these days. Try using one. ;-)

I did, did you?

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

As a frequent visitor for many years to the lovely areas along 30a, I was stunned to see these horrid signs. Places like Seaside, Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach and Seagrove deserve better. 30A has always been one of the prettiest areas in Florida but now with these signs, it has become the nightmare Florida that you read about in Carl Hiassen books. My first thought when seeing them last week was "what happened, were they out of neon flashing signs like the Las Vegas strip?" I hope the citizens and visitors of the area can raise enough anger to have these signs replaced soon by some low key classy looking product! Hey, I live in California. Trust me I know bad signage!!!

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

I did, did you?

I think 72% of people voting the signs as Horrid, speaks to that issue. I guess dictionaries are only as good as their users.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

I think you're flying solo on this one FG.

That, is a matter of opinion. Personally, I think the tombstone should be out of character, however, is SoWal living up to its town symbol? You know, poverty is horrid, starvation is horrid, swollen bellies in Africa is horrid, mistreatment is horrid, I do not see where this sign fits into that category.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Amen.

As a frequent visitor for many years to the lovely areas along 30a, I was stunned to see these horrid signs. Places like Seaside, Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach and Seagrove deserve better. 30A has always been one of the prettiest areas in Florida but now with these signs, it has become the nightmare Florida that you read about in Carl Hiassen books. My first thought when seeing them last week was "what happened, were they out of neon flashing signs like the Las Vegas strip?" I hope the citizens and visitors of the area can raise enough anger to have these signs replaced soon by some low key classy looking product! Hey, I live in California. Trust me I know bad signage!!!

Re: Poll: What do you think of the new signs on 30-A?

I have not had a response yet to my letter; I am sure they will come out with an official response soon I would assume.

good luck dave

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Oh yes I do... every time I see one the color of a perfectly cooked lobster,or the barefooted ones that run across the scorchingly hot pavement in front of you on 30A, forcing you to slam on your brakes, only to step into a bunch of sand spurs on the other side of he road.

i hope you laugh silently, because unless you don't work or own a business they pay the bills.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

i hope you laugh silently, because unless you don't work or own a business they pay the bills.

I don't think it could be considered silent when posted on a forum read by thousands of "tourists".

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

As apparently some communities at the west end of 30A have been redefined by the TDC, the communities at the east end have also been redefined. Seacrest Beach PUD no longer exists in its place between Allys Beach PUD and Rosemary Beach PUD. Instead it is ignored there and has taken over the whole regular community of Seacrest. Seacrest has lost its identity as the original neighborhood down here in these parts, Won't the U.S. Post Office be surprised.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Seacrest has lost its identity as the original neighborhood down here in these parts, Won't the U.S. Post Office be surprised.

"I don't care who you are, but that there is funny." They don't use the town names anyway, and if they did, everyone east of Camp Creek would be screwed.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

"I don't care who you are, but that there is funny." They don't use the town names anyway, and if they did, everyone east of Camp Creek would be screwed.

SJ quotes Larry the Cable Guy? I never saw that one coming!

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Guess the TDC won't be happy until 30-A becomes the Front Beach Rd. of Walton County. What's next, a Wings outlet store?

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Obviously I hate the new signs, but after perusing the matching ones at the TDC and Annex, I think I'd be able to live with them (only if reproducing and reerecting the old design is a no go) if they were low like those signs.

Low horrid blue signs w/ plentify landscaping could be a compromise.

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

I wrote Tracy Louthain a letter regarding the new signage two
days ago and the following is the response I received late
yesterday.

Thank you for your note. The wayfinding signage project began
in 2002 & 2004. These signs were installed at beach accesses. In
keeping a consistent look and feel this was the next phase of the project.
The signage program has been featured in local newspapers and the
Board of City Comm. Meetings. There has been ample time for the
community to provide positive feedback. I've included some frequently
asked questions below to help answer some of your questions.

What are the new blue signs we see being installed throughout
Walton County?

"How many signs will be installed?
A total of 49 signs will be installed.

Why did the TDC choose the design?
These signs were choosen to complement our existing beach
kiosk signs, which have proved to be durable and withstand the
harsh elements including salt air and high winds. The signs were
designed in conjunction with highway department design specifications.
The signs meet foot standards and are engineered to withstand up
to 130 mph winds.

Why are the signs so tall?
The signs were designed to meet Highway Department design
specifications. Some signs are taller to meet traffic safety
requirements. One Tuesday, January 15th, the TDC toured the
area with the county engineer to review the signs. It was
determined that the signs were installed to comply with the
AASHTO, road side design guide specifications. To lower the
directional sign would violate the specifications and create a
safety hazzard to traffic by blocking the "straight triangle"
requirements.

When will the project be complete?
Most of the signs will be installed by the end of January. There
are "4" signs that have to be re-designed due to underground
utilities that have prevented installation.

Why are my tax dollars going to pay for these signs?
The wayfinding signage program is paid for through tourist occupancy
tax and not local ad volorum taxes. The signs were installed to
serve our visitors by helping them find specific locations and beach
communities while supporting the TDC's marketing efforts in further
branding the destination and creating a sense of place when they
arrive.

The investment in the signs has been made and initial feedback from
our visitors has been positive.

We hope that the community will come to see the value that these
wayfinding signs provide to our visitors.
Sincerely,
Tracy

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

Hope springs eternal....



We hope that the community will come to see the value that these
wayfinding signs provide to our visitors.
Sincerely,
Tracy[/QUOTE]

Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]

I just read the letter from Tracy L- is it true that sign design was made available to the public? How? Was this before we moved here? I can't imagine the sign planning slipping past SoWallers- the group that misses nothing.