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
SoWal Guide
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
yes, I agree.
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.
yes, I agree.
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
"initial feedback from our visitors has been positive. "
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
"initial feedback from our visitors has been positive. "
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Well, it is snowbird season and not everyone has undergone the cataract surgery yet.
Well, it is snowbird season and not everyone has undergone the cataract surgery yet.
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Well, it is snowbird season and not everyone has undergone the cataract surgery yet.
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Well, it is snowbird season and not everyone has undergone the cataract surgery yet.Nasty, Nasty. Take pity on us old guys. Yes, I've had mine and the signs are still "horrid". I have one right across from our driveway.
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Ironically, the one on the west end of Seaside is only one of two , which I think somewhat blend in. The other is on the 331 Causeway.
Nasty, Nasty. Take pity on us old guys. Yes, I've had mine and the signs are still "horrid". I have one right across from our driveway.I think you misunderstood my post. I was giving reason to why the TDC stated that the visitors have liked the signs -- because they cannot see the signs. Those snowbirds who have the corrected vision surgery can obviously see what more than 90% of the rest of us see -- signs that don't fit in.
Ironically, the one on the west end of Seaside is only one of two , which I think somewhat blend in. The other is on the 331 Causeway.
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
So all of the other signs on 30A (including those that had to be specially designed to meet the guidelines) don't meet Highway department design specifications?
Odd that some of the signs are within 50' of each other yet have drastically different heights. :roll:
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.
So all of the other signs on 30A (including those that had to be specially designed to meet the guidelines) don't meet Highway department design specifications?
Odd that some of the signs are within 50' of each other yet have drastically different heights. :roll:
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
let's get rid of all the realtor for sale signs while we are at it....at least til spring...could we?....Please? face it if you get a call from someone riding around he/she probably can't float a loan anyway...what do you say? Please? they can pop up again in April like the state flower again! Please?
let's get rid of all the realtor for sale signs while we are at it....at least til spring...could we?....Please? face it if you get a call from someone riding around he/she probably can't float a loan anyway...what do you say? Please? they can pop up again in April like the state flower again! Please?
SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Which signs, the ones on private property, or the directional signs often placed on the right of way? I'm very much in favor of removing the former, but only when if the property sells. The latter you can remove as you please, IMO.
Which signs, the ones on private property, or the directional signs often placed on the right of way? I'm very much in favor of removing the former, but only when if the property sells. The latter you can remove as you please, IMO.
Beach Crab
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
I'm not sure who Tracy is but I was a visitor and my feedback is far from positive. Sure, visitors like to have information on where they are and where they are going (frankly if they get lost on 30A, they are not paying attention) but if people designed signs for visitors only at the expense of the local people who must live with these signs every day, all of the signs in America would be as ugly as those on 30A. Some visitors like traditional low key signage that preserves the atmosphere and heritage of the area. These despicable blue signs take away from that. So tell Tracy this is one visitor who says "GET RID OF THE SIGNS@!"
I'm not sure who Tracy is but I was a visitor and my feedback is far from positive. Sure, visitors like to have information on where they are and where they are going (frankly if they get lost on 30A, they are not paying attention) but if people designed signs for visitors only at the expense of the local people who must live with these signs every day, all of the signs in America would be as ugly as those on 30A. Some visitors like traditional low key signage that preserves the atmosphere and heritage of the area. These despicable blue signs take away from that. So tell Tracy this is one visitor who says "GET RID OF THE SIGNS@!"
Beach Comber
blue signs
The signs could be resold to Pier Park in Bay County. They would fit right in... bolted into asphalt and pointing the way from Target to Dillards.
The signs could be resold to Pier Park in Bay County. They would fit right in... bolted into asphalt and pointing the way from Target to Dillards.
Beach Fanatic
Re: blue signs
Grayt idea. They look like they were made by the same folks as the big giant beach ball.
Very similar tastes.
Grayt idea. They look like they were made by the same folks as the big giant beach ball.
Very similar tastes.SoWal Expert
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
So, if Shelly's note that Kris Titus is reSIGNing, from her position at the TDC, to whom should we now direct our emails with sign comments?
So, if Shelly's note that Kris Titus is reSIGNing, from her position at the TDC, to whom should we now direct our emails with sign comments?
Beach Fanatic
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Why not get the list of the board of directors of the TDC and email them? These are local folks, and business people, who I am pretty sure would not be too happy to be associated with something that so many in sowal dislike.
So, if Shelly's note that Kris Titus is reSIGNing, from her position at the TDC, to whom should we now direct our emails with sign comments?
Why not get the list of the board of directors of the TDC and email them? These are local folks, and business people, who I am pretty sure would not be too happy to be associated with something that so many in sowal dislike.
SoWal Insider
Re: Big blue signs in SoWal [merged poll]
Lookee here Tracy...I'll make an effort to not close my eyes as I drive past these big blue signs--but only if you agree to stop using the phrase "wayfinding signage"....deal?
.
We hope that the community will come to see the value that these
wayfinding signs provide to our visitors.
Sincerely,
Tracy
Lookee here Tracy...I'll make an effort to not close my eyes as I drive past these big blue signs--but only if you agree to stop using the phrase "wayfinding signage"....deal?
.
SoWal Expert
I've looked at the signs a bit more and I'm starting to like them -- NOT!!!
Seriously, I think changing the color from Grabber Blue, to a neutral SeaOats-tan color would help tremendously. I'm not a fan of the bus stop look, but I realize that they aren't going to spend another $260K on new signs, so I propose a change of color of the posts and boarder of the signs, to see how that looks. The TDC could keep even keep their red and white marketing umbrellas.
Seriously, I think changing the color from Grabber Blue, to a neutral SeaOats-tan color would help tremendously. I'm not a fan of the bus stop look, but I realize that they aren't going to spend another $260K on new signs, so I propose a change of color of the posts and boarder of the signs, to see how that looks. The TDC could keep even keep their red and white marketing umbrellas.
Beach Fanatic
In today's paper.
http://www.epaperedition.com/Reposi...MDEwNQ==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
I, personally, don't understand the random heights. I think they are "in your face".
http://www.epaperedition.com/Reposi...MDEwNQ==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
I, personally, don't understand the random heights. I think they are "in your face".
Beach Lover
I have a real issue with the sign that's just south of the 331 bridge that says, "Welcome to Walton County / Home to the Beaches of South Walton" as if the people haven't been DRIVING through Walton County for the past 40 minutes to get to the beaches. . .I think it's in complete distaste, but I was willing to overlook it, then last night I was driving out to Watersound and COULD NOT get over how HIDEOUS those signs look. I normally drive an SUV, which I'm assuming would make it easier to read one of the 15 foot tall signs, but last night I was in a car and almost had to smash my head up against the windshield to read what the tall signs said. I wonder who in the hell didn't get fired for making them so tall (and paying for them) in the first place.
SoWal Expert
She resigned, according to Shelly, but I doubt that was due to the signs. I've seen the sign on 331 bridge but I don't believe I read it, because I would have questioned that too. As for the readability of directional signs, I have to smash my head against the windshield to read them, too, and that is in the day time. I bet you cannot even see them at night, especially with oncoming traffic.
Beach Crab
The blue signs are an abomination. Upon entering Seaside Wednesday night from Ohio to eat dinner at The Southern Cafe, we were appalled and shocked beyond belief at the large blue METAL sign announcing that we had arrived at Seaside. I have taken many pictures of the other sign with the background of beautiful houses in the background during the eight years we have been coming here. This is so not in keeping with the rusticity and naturalness and beauty of 30A. Weren't the homeowners along 30A consulted on this. To us they have ruined the pleasure of driving this road. To think that one would ever take a picture of one of these obtrusive signs to be representative of what 30A is about is unimaginable. They have got to go, even if all homeowners on 30A have to go together to pay the cost to get rid of. Even us vacationers would help. In fact, we have been here four days and I can't get them out of my mind and every time I pass them I want to scream!!!!!! How HORRIBLE!!!!!!!
SoWal Expert
" However, he understands that the signs are there for visitors whose money drives the local economy.
Mares said tourism brought in about $1 billion last year. The signs also help with the county’s branding and marketing, he added. "
(SJ) - and the $1 billion came without these signs. Surely they aren't suggesting that the signs will help to bring in more money.
"Mares said the signs can’t be repainted, but the TDC is reviewing placing some native plants at the bottom of them, so long as they do not obstruct a driver’s view. "
(SJ) - I'm not paint expert, but I got $5 that says that they can be painted. Maybe she intended to say that painting the signs wasn't in the budget.
Mares said tourism brought in about $1 billion last year. The signs also help with the county’s branding and marketing, he added. "
(SJ) - and the $1 billion came without these signs. Surely they aren't suggesting that the signs will help to bring in more money.
"Mares said the signs can’t be repainted, but the TDC is reviewing placing some native plants at the bottom of them, so long as they do not obstruct a driver’s view. "
(SJ) - I'm not paint expert, but I got $5 that says that they can be painted. Maybe she intended to say that painting the signs wasn't in the budget.
Beach Fanatic
The sad part is that the TDC doesn't care what the locals have to put up with. After doing all this damage and causing a PR meltdown Kris Titus leaves. Guess she couldn't stand the heat in the kitchen.
Frankly we would be better off if they disbanded the TDC - who needs them with St. Joe and all the other large developers advertising this area around the country, and on their nickel. Anyone have an idea how this could be done??
Frankly we would be better off if they disbanded the TDC - who needs them with St. Joe and all the other large developers advertising this area around the country, and on their nickel. Anyone have an idea how this could be done??
Beach Fanatic
In today's paper.
http://www.epaperedition.com/Reposi...MDEwNQ==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
They (the signs) all conform to DOT regulations.
I wonder what DOT regulations? The ones for Interstate Highways?
Beach Fanatic
As appealing as repainting sounds, unless they remove the signs and do a thorough job of prepping the surface, the paint will just start peeling almost immediately. And then the bright blue will show through which will look worse. The maintenance dept. couldn't keep up. The only answer is to take them down.
SoWal Expert
Wayfinding signs up to par?
Walton Sun
• TDC says they’ve yet to correct installations
By Sean Boone sean_boone@link.freedom.com
If it looks too tall, it probably is.
The South Walton Tourist Development Council said that in the process of adding 49 new wayfinding signs that some might not have been correctly installed, but will be corrected as soon as the entire project is complete.
“Right now I can’t speak with full confidence the signs are all at their right height,” said TDC Director of Public Relations and Visitor Services Tracy Louthain. “Inspections of all the signs will take place once they are complete.” According to Louthain, the new signs were designed for gateway welcoming, County Road 30A beach community identity and also to connect those communities. “We’ve been working on these signs for many years,” she said. “We wanted them to match the kiosks at the beach. Since the flag-warning signs were a great product that was durable during storms and against salt air, we decided to go with those.”
Some residents in South Walton like Georgeen Newell, say the new sign materials hurt the beach communities
(Article was continued on p A3, but as is, I cannot copy and paste it here.)
(Note to Walton Sun, your epaper ran together this story and Orbie's, in the pop up window. Also, when I went to pA3 to copy and paste the second part of the article, the pop up is for the Sen Nelson article.)
Walton Sun
• TDC says they’ve yet to correct installations
By Sean Boone sean_boone@link.freedom.com
If it looks too tall, it probably is.
The South Walton Tourist Development Council said that in the process of adding 49 new wayfinding signs that some might not have been correctly installed, but will be corrected as soon as the entire project is complete.
“Right now I can’t speak with full confidence the signs are all at their right height,” said TDC Director of Public Relations and Visitor Services Tracy Louthain. “Inspections of all the signs will take place once they are complete.” According to Louthain, the new signs were designed for gateway welcoming, County Road 30A beach community identity and also to connect those communities. “We’ve been working on these signs for many years,” she said. “We wanted them to match the kiosks at the beach. Since the flag-warning signs were a great product that was durable during storms and against salt air, we decided to go with those.”
Some residents in South Walton like Georgeen Newell, say the new sign materials hurt the beach communities
(Article was continued on p A3, but as is, I cannot copy and paste it here.)
(Note to Walton Sun, your epaper ran together this story and Orbie's, in the pop up window. Also, when I went to pA3 to copy and paste the second part of the article, the pop up is for the Sen Nelson article.)
Edited
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