New big blue signs in SoWal

The TDC information page can be seen at http://www.partners.beachesofsouthwalton.com/UpLoads/2005 Org Chart.pdf

Wonder how much was spent in staging that "meeting" event? Survey, graphics, meeting consultant? Glad a local coffee business was used. Usually locals are cut out of the real money making contracts.
Glad some board members showed up. They got the story without any filtering. Their presence will probably provide the needed leadership to resolve this issue, and bring the signs down. Some board members are often awol and its probably just as well.

The TDC information page can be seen at http://www.partners.beachesofsouthwalton.com/UpLoads/2005 Org Chart.pdf

Were you at the meeting last night? What is your opinion of the signs?

Don't forget the SoWal poll Results. I would venture to bet that SoWal had way more than 150 out of towners in the polling plus lots of locals and 100% of all have seen the signs.

View Poll Results: What do you think of the new blue signs being installed on 30-A?
Love them! 63 4.42%
Somewhat like them 45 3.16%
Neither like nor dislike them 91 6.38%
Somewhat dislike them 189 13.25%
They're horrid! 1,038 72.79%
Voters: 1426.

Well 30A skunape I wasn't at the meeting last night. I just think there are really bad things out there. And all this about a SIGN!

To be fair, they may have been Spring Breakers, given the small time period of the last two weeks in which the reactionary, defensive study was conducted. That said, the study is absolutely worthless when they don't consider whether or not this was their first visit to SoWal. If in the past, those people were used to Panama City Beach, Ft Walton, Disney World, etc, the signs wouldn't stand out at all. Also, Spring Breakers care about very few things -- being away from work or school, sitting in the sun on the beach, eating, drinking, and maybe if it's raining, they also care about shopping. Most could care less about a sign. They obviously don't read the signs anyway, judging by the great numbers of people who attempt to drive two-wheel-drive cars on the beach, and the number of people who drown from rip-currents, in the water in front of the big blue signs on the beach, demonstrating how to swim out of rip currents and the beach flag legends.

That Study was nothing but another waste of tax payer money in a purely defensive mode, and it shows that they TDC doesn't care about their third sentence in their Mission Statement, which should actually be first on their list of three.

I'm in Atlanta, so I am just now reading the reports "from the front". I laughed when Bdarg told me about the TDC's "study". They had some phone numbers from people that came through the TDC, called these people and asked them what? "Do you like our new signs?" They probably did not frame the question with any background info! So Joe Tourist says, "Well, uh, yeah, the signs are nice I guess." What they heck is he supposed to say?

I also heard that Mary Brown, on the TDC board, and owner of Beach rentals of South Walton, reported the results of asking her customers about the signs. Once again, I would like to know how this question was asked.

Y'all rocked last night- I am proud of our community.

Well 30A skunape I wasn't at the meeting last night. I just think there are really bad things out there. And all this about a SIGN!

If I understand you correctly you think that there are more pressing issues or 'bigger fish to fry'. I disagree.

When I lived in New Orleans I heard the same opinion voiced whenever somebody tried to change an ordinance or get a variance regarding signage, trash receptacles, buildings or what have you in the French Quarter and an uproar ensued. Indeed, New Orleans has many problems of larger scale than signage, however, there are some citizens who recognize that the French Quarter is a treasure that must be preserved, and they would go through legal war to accomplish this. And it makes sense;people come from all over the world to step back in time-it can only be done in a few square blocks in New Orleans, not Orlando, Las Vegas or any other mecca of bad taste. People will pay money for that experience! And, I must add that there are no wayfinding signs in the Quarter, but maps are free in any hotel;the tourists seem to get where they are going.

I don't know if we yet have international visitors coming to 30-A to enjoy the scenic, unspoiled character, but rest assured, we will. To spoil the greatest asset belonging to 'The Beaches of South Walton' by those who are trying to market the area is awfully short sighted. I envision a time 30 years forward when 30-A still looks like 30-A, and HWY 98 is one strip mall and gas station after another from Panama City to Fort Walton! That day will come and we need to be ready to offer an unspoiled, relaxing destination for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. That is why we need to fight this first little bit of blight on 30A with full force now! Those big blue signs set a precedent that big signs are tolerable. And they are not. Neither are unilateral decisions on the TDC's part.

If 30-A is one big bundle of clutter, what then will make it any more of a desirable destination than Destin, Panama City or Clearwater? The logic of erecting the signs in an effort to draw distinction between 'The Beaches of South Walton' and 'Destin' (a stated goal by one of the TDC members) is obviously flawed when the signage will do nothing but narrow the clutter gap that seperates the two.

The debate is not just about the signs-it is about the long term viablility of 30-A as a true escape from the Disnification of the state and country in general.

If you suggest that there are larger issues than preserving 30-A for both visitors and those of us who have put down roots here, I am all ears.

If I understand you correctly you think that there are more pressing issues or 'bigger fish to fry'. I disagree.

When I lived in New Orleans I heard the same opinion voiced whenever somebody tried to change an ordinance or get a variance regarding signage, trash receptacles, buildings or what have you in the French Quarter and an uproar ensued. Indeed, New Orleans has many problems of larger scale than signage, however, there are some citizens who recognize that the French Quarter is a treasure that must be preserved, and they would go through legal war to accomplish this. And it makes sense;people come from all over the world to step back in time-it can only be done in a few square blocks in New Orleans, not Orlando, Las Vegas or any other mecca of bad taste. People will pay money for that experience! And, I must add that there are no wayfinding signs in the Quarter, but maps are free in any hotel;the tourists seem to get where they are going.

I don't know if we yet have international visitors coming to 30-A to enjoy the scenic, unspoiled character, but rest assured, we will. To spoil the greatest asset belonging to 'The Beaches of South Walton' by those who are trying to market the area is awfully short sighted. I envision a time 30 years forward when 30-A still looks like 30-A, and HWY 98 is one strip mall and gas station after another from Panama City to Fort Walton! That day will come and we need to be ready to offer an unspoiled, relaxing destination for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. That is why we need to fight this first little bit of blight on 30A with full force now! Those big blue signs set a precedent that big signs are tolerable. And they are not. Neither are unilateral decisions on the TDC's part.

If 30-A is one big bundle of clutter, what then will make it any more of a desirable destination than Destin, Panama City or Clearwater? The logic of erecting the signs in an effort to draw distinction between 'The Beaches of South Walton' and 'Destin' (a stated goal by one of the TDC members) is obviously flawed when the signage will do nothing but narrow the clutter gap that seperates the two.

The debate is not just about the signs-it is about the long term viablility of 30-A as a true escape from the Disnification of the state and country in general.

If you suggest that there are larger issues than preserving 30-A for both visitors and those of us who have put down roots here, I am all ears.

RIGHT ON!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

I guess you have to know Theo.

Please enlighten me.

If I understand you correctly you think that there are more pressing issues or 'bigger fish to fry'. I disagree.

When I lived in New Orleans I heard the same opinion voiced whenever somebody tried to change an ordinance or get a variance regarding signage, trash receptacles, buildings or what have you in the French Quarter and an uproar ensued. Indeed, New Orleans has many problems of larger scale than signage, however, there are some citizens who recognize that the French Quarter is a treasure that must be preserved, and they would go through legal war to accomplish this. And it makes sense;people come from all over the world to step back in time-it can only be done in a few square blocks in New Orleans, not Orlando, Las Vegas or any other mecca of bad taste. People will pay money for that experience! And, I must add that there are no wayfinding signs in the Quarter, but maps are free in any hotel;the tourists seem to get where they are going.

I don't know if we yet have international visitors coming to 30-A to enjoy the scenic, unspoiled character, but rest assured, we will. To spoil the greatest asset belonging to 'The Beaches of South Walton' by those who are trying to market the area is awfully short sighted. I envision a time 30 years forward when 30-A still looks like 30-A, and HWY 98 is one strip mall and gas station after another from Panama City to Fort Walton! That day will come and we need to be ready to offer an unspoiled, relaxing destination for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. That is why we need to fight this first little bit of blight on 30A with full force now! Those big blue signs set a precedent that big signs are tolerable. And they are not. Neither are unilateral decisions on the TDC's part.

If 30-A is one big bundle of clutter, what then will make it any more of a desirable destination than Destin, Panama City or Clearwater? The logic of erecting the signs in an effort to draw distinction between 'The Beaches of South Walton' and 'Destin' (a stated goal by one of the TDC members) is obviously flawed when the signage will do nothing but narrow the clutter gap that seperates the two.

The debate is not just about the signs-it is about the long term viablility of 30-A as a true escape from the Disnification of the state and country in general.

If you suggest that there are larger issues than preserving 30-A for both visitors and those of us who have put down roots here, I am all ears.

Amen Skunkape Very insightful and forward thinking; we must do all we can to preserve all of what makes Scenic 30-A special; not only for our visitors but for our residents.

Amen Skunkape Very insightful and forward thinking; we must do all we can to preserve all of what makes Scenic 30-A special; not only for our visitors but for our residents.

He got some rep from me for his post! It was a wonderful post!
BTW: Thank you, Dave, for your representation!

I'm in Atlanta, so I am just now reading the reports "from the front". I laughed when Bdarg told me about the TDC's "study". They had some phone numbers from people that came through the TDC, called these people and asked them what? "Do you like our new signs?" They probably did not frame the question with any background info! So Joe Tourist says, "Well, uh, yeah, the signs are nice I guess." What they heck is he supposed to say?

I also heard that Mary Brown, on the TDC board, and owner of Beach rentals of South Walton, reported the results of asking her customers about the signs. Once again, I would like to know how this question was asked.

Y'all rocked last night- I am proud of our community.

Mary Brown actually admitted that less people come into her business because we now had wayfinding signs. I really think that people stopping to ask for directions and restaurant recommendations is part of that which makes our area so different from Destin and special. There are maps located at the TDC building, grocery stores, rental offices, real estate offices, and I am sure the directions to their rental units are on the web or their confirmation for reservations.

The TDC information page can be seen at http://www.partners.beachesofsouthwalton.com/UpLoads/2005 Org Chart.pdf

Looks like they left out the Board of Directors.

Well 30A skunape I wasn't at the meeting last night. I just think there are really bad things out there. And all this about a SIGN!

What does your statement mean? It sounds like you were busy last night fighting for something you think is more important. Maybe you were, and that is your prerogative. If you don't don't care about the signs based on other priorities of your own, that is fine. As Herman Cain wrote in one of his books on leadership, his grandpa had a saying (and I am paraphrasing), "Them thats going to town, get on the wagon. Them that ain't, get the hell out of the way."

What does your statement mean? It sounds like you were busy last night fighting for something you think is more important. Maybe you were, and that is your prerogative. If you don't don't care about the signs based on other priorities of your own, that is fine. As Herman Cain wrote in one of his books on leadership, his grandpa had a saying (and I am paraphrasing), "Them thats going to town, get on the wagon. Them that ain't, get the hell out of the way."

.

Please enlighten me.

I am going to keep it clean. Let's just say that I know enough about Theo, that I wasn't surprised to see him going against the flow last night.

Well 30A skunape I wasn't at the meeting last night. I just think there are really bad things out there. And all this about a SIGN!

Please elaborate.

If I understand you correctly you think that there are more pressing issues or 'bigger fish to fry'. I disagree.

When I lived in New Orleans I heard the same opinion voiced whenever somebody tried to change an ordinance or get a variance regarding signage, trash receptacles, buildings or what have you in the French Quarter and an uproar ensued. Indeed, New Orleans has many problems of larger scale than signage, however, there are some citizens who recognize that the French Quarter is a treasure that must be preserved, and they would go through legal war to accomplish this. And it makes sense;people come from all over the world to step back in time-it can only be done in a few square blocks in New Orleans, not Orlando, Las Vegas or any other mecca of bad taste. People will pay money for that experience! And, I must add that there are no wayfinding signs in the Quarter, but maps are free in any hotel;the tourists seem to get where they are going.

I don't know if we yet have international visitors coming to 30-A to enjoy the scenic, unspoiled character, but rest assured, we will. To spoil the greatest asset belonging to 'The Beaches of South Walton' by those who are trying to market the area is awfully short sighted. I envision a time 30 years forward when 30-A still looks like 30-A, and HWY 98 is one strip mall and gas station after another from Panama City to Fort Walton! That day will come and we need to be ready to offer an unspoiled, relaxing destination for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. That is why we need to fight this first little bit of blight on 30A with full force now! Those big blue signs set a precedent that big signs are tolerable. And they are not. Neither are unilateral decisions on the TDC's part.

If 30-A is one big bundle of clutter, what then will make it any more of a desirable destination than Destin, Panama City or Clearwater? The logic of erecting the signs in an effort to draw distinction between 'The Beaches of South Walton' and 'Destin' (a stated goal by one of the TDC members) is obviously flawed when the signage will do nothing but narrow the clutter gap that seperates the two.

The debate is not just about the signs-it is about the long term viablility of 30-A as a true escape from the Disnification of the state and country in general.

If you suggest that there are larger issues than preserving 30-A for both visitors and those of us who have put down roots here, I am all ears.

Skunky, well said!Punzy's got you well-trained!

I am just catching up and couldn't be there last night because if Tracy thought y'all were out of control, adding little wild man in would have been over the top. Three kids doesn't make for me attending meetings, but signed the petition by Mr. OM and me and also had send emails earlier to everyone involved.

Will work to be there at the TDC meeting, as Mr. OM is home in AM.

SoWal, y'all rock!!!!

Mary Brown actually admitted that less people come into her business because we now had wayfinding signs. I really think that people stopping to ask for directions and restaurant recommendations is part of that which makes our area so different from Destin and special. There are maps located at the TDC building, grocery stores, rental offices, real estate offices, and I am sure the directions to their rental units are on the web or their confirmation for reservations.

Mary made that same statement at the February 13 meeting. It was less than believable when she said it then, and sounds like a desperate ploy to sound relevant now.

.

I agree Rita. The way I heard it used in the business world was: " Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!!!!!! "

I agree Rita. The way I heard it used in the business world was: " Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!!!!!! "

I'm not following their lead, following can be dangerous, and they have a nack for getting in the way. The signs don't help them find a business, just a general idea of where the town is. "You are here"..."now where do I go?".

Much of this has probably already been said, but I am still reeling over the so called TDC workshop Wednesday night and need in part to post this to get it out of my system and partly because I think many of the ideas need to be said over and over again until we get some action.

I was there, saw Sonny Mares(the interim director) end the meeting early because he could not get his way, even though the collective citizenry voted to keep going not two minutes before. I also heard Tracy Louthainrepeat her a thousand times that the 150+ citizens present were ?just a small majority IN [just that]THE ROOM? as though we were not representative of the community at large. The citizens that were there were representative of the community whether the TDC would like to admit it or not. And that citizenry was almost unanimously against the signs?there were only two people that were not against the signs, besides the TDC, one did not like the signs but wanted to wait until they weathered away because she did not want the money to go to waste, the other wanted the signs because he thinks that the signs allow him to drive faster on 30A. 150+ to 2 is better than 99% by my calculator.

Like someone in the back of the room said, we are not after anyone?s job, we just want the ill-advised signs taken down. The design, the positioning, and the process were all terribly flawed. From what has come out in research by the caring members of the community the public notification was limited at best and even that limited amount was confusing and misleading. Let the community come together to make it right. That is what we tried to do Wednesday night.

I understand the TDC?s feeling that there is a need to ?brand? 30A. I just think that they missed the boat. 30A was ?branded? years ago as an enjoyable, eclectic, and artistic community along a beautiful stretch of beach and forest. Places like the old Patrones, Collaborations, Seaside, Bud and Alley?s branded the area long ago for the people that love and return to the beaches each year and the community that loves it year around. Branding the 30A corridor as an offshoot of the TDC with the overly marketed big blue sign is destroying the brand that made 30A what it is. We have already lost some of the founding Brand of our community. Let us protect what is left.

My original intent to the meeting was with the idea that we could constructively come together and make a new sign or at least develop a viable approach to designing new signs. For what it is worth, at the workshop the idea I had planned to bring up?before the TDC laid down the ground rules that only the current signs could be ?brain stormed??was what I thought would be in keeping with the current 30A brand. That is, allow each of the communities along 30A develop their own way finding signs with the caveat that the TDC would give branding guidelines, or a palate of marketing material to use on the signs. This would be similar to many of the architectural guidelines set forth by the communities already. Rules that make Rosemary Beach look like Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach look distinctively like Alys Beach. Thus the overall sign would relate to each community and identify it (quite likely in more ways that one), while some of the TDC elements would link the signs into a group. My first thought was the Beaches of South Walton logo might have to appear discretely on the signs.

That way the signs could be as eclectic as 30A has always been, Watercolor?s would have a sign that blended in with its surrounding, as would Alys Beach and Grayton Beach, etc, etc. down the road.

Branding 30A to look like Ft. Walton, or Destin, or Panama City, would destroy the existing brand. The brand that has set a high standard and despite the over all falling real estate market have still kept Watersound, Watercolor, Rosemary Beach and all the others priced high on the market and viable.

30A has also just been declared a scenic highway. A designation shared by only two other highways in Florida. It was mentioned that the signs do not comply with the scenic designation. It would be a shame for 30A to become the first scenic highway to loose its designation due to non-compliance of the big blue signs.

OK. I have not been following this as close as I should, so if this suggestion has already been made, please excuse me.

Has anyone on the board thought about coming up with an alternate design, voted on the board, get the sun involved, of a sign that is pleasing that everyone would accept? I was thinking along the way of those wood sandblasted signs. They are quality signs, of natural materials and IMHO would be fitting for the neighborhoods.

Maybe topping each with the red and white umbrellas (good selling point with the TDC,(a major key), and an eye catcher ((red)), and the information of names of the cities proudly displayed under it. I have something in mind, but I am not an artist.

Then possibly approaching one of the sign companies in sowal for a prototype?

If this has been done, then please excuse me for the suggestion. If no, if there is a graphic artist who sees where i am going with this and would like to work with me, please PM me.

Obviously, they wasted their 260,000.00. The signs I am referring to would not cost nearly as much and would look so much better!

Branding 30A to look like Ft. Walton, or Destin, or Panama City, would destroy the existing brand. The brand that has set a high standard and despite the over all falling real estate market have still kept Watersound, Watercolor, Rosemary Beach and all the others priced high on the market and viable.

It would be a shame for 30A to become the first scenic highway to loose its designation due to non-compliance of the big blue signs.

You "get" it! I have always felt that each beach should have it's own sign, representative to that particular beach's architecture. I like your idea of including the SoWal beach logo in order to create some consistency and cohesiveness.

In the paper today under the "Spout off" column. There are a couple of references about the article about the signs. --

NW FLA DAILY NEWS FRIDAY MARCH 28, 2008

The South Walton people who are opposed to the TDC signs all know where they?re going, but leave the signs up for the tourists. My gosh, tourism is what this whole community is based on, and we ought to make it easier for them to get around. If you don?t like the signs, open up your own wallets to change them.
If you don?t like the blue signs on County Road 30A, ignore them like most people ignore red stop signs.
? ? ?

You can accuse South Walton 30A residents of being elitists, but all you have to do is look at Destin and Fort Walton Beach to see what happens when citizens don?t step up to preserve the beauty of their city or elected politicians ignore their pleas.
? ? ?